AIR SHOWS AT FIDAE 2024

National and foreign air shows of civil and military aircraft, as well as acrobatic and parachuting air shows will be presented during the air show weekend, which will amaze the public attending FIDAE, the Aerospace, Defense and Security Exhibition with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

During the event, visitors will be able to appreciate a series of demonstrations of powerful aircraft, such as the F-22A Raptor; the F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Block 50 and Block 15 models, the F-5 Tigre III; A-29B Super Tucano; DHC-6twin Otter; TP-75 Dulus and the MHG-60M Blach Hawk and Bell 412 helicopters of the Chilean Air Force, as well as the AW139 of the Carabineros de Chile (Chilean police).

The aerobatic teams that promise to delight the visitors will be the Esquadrão de Demonstração Aérea (EDA) of the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB), known as the Esquadrilha da Fumaça; the Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia Halcones, with their Gamebird GB1 of the Presentation Team of the Chilean Air Force (FACH); Team Villarica; RV Team, the Chileans Mijali Proestakis, who will present their powerful high aerobatic aircraft, the XtremeAir Xa-42 and Fernando Tapia from the Club Aéreo San Felipe with their Rans S-9 Chaos.

In addition, the parachuting groups that will be part of the show are: the Escuadrilla de Paracaidismo Boinas Azules of the FACH, Wings of Blue of the United States Air Force and, for the first time, the Parachuting Team Aguila de Gules of the Colombian Air Force, which will captivate the public through their impressive free falls aerobatics.

To make this experience even better, it is recommended to wear hearing protectors, also to prevent exposure to the sunlight by wearing sunscreen, appropriate clothing, hat and sunglasses, and to keep properly hydrated.

The International Air and Space Fair has once again become the main meeting point between the community and the Chilean Air Force.

OPENING CEREMONY: FIDAE 2024 OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD

The Opening Ceremony of the twenty-third edition of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE 2024, was carried out on Tuesday, April 9.

The activity was presided over by the Minister of National Defense, Maya Fernández Allende, along with the Commander-In-Chief of the Chilean Air Force, General Hugo Rodríguez Gonzales, President of FIDAE, Lieutenant General Venegas Raggio. Important civil and military, national, and foreign authorities were also present.

During his speech, the President of FIDAE pointed out that: “the current edition of the Fair will use 14,584 square meters of space to comfortably house more than 450 exhibiting companies, which will be visited by 420 official delegations that will be present. Furthermore, during the days of the trade show, more than 3,000 meetings will be scheduled”.

The activity held a tour through the exhibition halls, during which the Minister of Defense saw the diverse products and projects, such as the Integrated Training System for Military Pilots PILLAN II, being developed by the Chilean National Aeronautics Company (ENAER) along with its subsidiary DTS located in Hall B, and then went to Hall D where the staff of the Aero Photogrammetry Service (SAF) of the Group of Space Operations (GOE) talked about topics related to space technology.

Then, they moved to Hall E, where the Chilean Air Force stand is placed, which includes the Aviation School, the Specialties School of the Presentation Group, among others. They also learned about the world’s first 100% sustainable radar station of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), which is in the Hall G, as well as multiple services offered by national and international exhibiting companies.

It is worth mentioning that FIDAE, established worldwide as the Aerospace, Defense and Security Exhibition with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America is a multisectoral event. It covers Civil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment & Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance and Space Technology areas, as well as the UAV (RPAS) and Cybersecurity sectors.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CYBER DEFENSE IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

These attacks not only pose a threat to operational security, but have also resulted in significant economic losses. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the costs associated with cybercrime in aviation exceeded $1.5 billion last year, an increase of 45% compared to the previous year.

In the face of this growing threat, cybersecurity experts emphasize the need to take proactive measures. It is imperative that aerospace companies strengthen their cyber defense by implementing robust security measures and training personnel in cyberattack prevention and response practices.

In addition, it is important to highlight the importance of increased collaboration between companies, government agencies and cybersecurity organizations to share threat information and develop effective defense strategies. Only through a coordinated and collaborative approach will it be possible to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks and protect the integrity and security of the aerospace industry as a whole.

In this context, Dreamlab Technologies, a Swiss company specializing in cybersecurity, is leading the way in digital protection with its audit and advisory services, incident response and forensics, as well as the development of cutting-edge solutions and the promotion of cybersecurity practices.

As in previous years, Dreamlab Technologies will be present at the upcoming International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, at booth G17, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the skies and beyond.

Let’s protect the cyber aero space!

FIDAE 2024 REVEALS ITS ATTRACTIONS DURING PRESS DAY

On the occasion, the FIDAE President, Máximo Venegas Raggio, Lieutenant General, along with Executive Director of the exhibition, (A) Ignacio Baeza Muñoz, Colonel, and the Communication and Marketing Manager, Lieutenant Colonel (DA) Reinaldo Neuling, revealed the main novelties and attractions of this multi-sector event. This includes different areas, such as Civil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance and Space Technology, as well as UAV’s (RPAS), and Cyber Security areas.

At the event, it was highlighted that during the development of FIDAE, the third version of Space Summit 2024 will be held. This makes the Fair a center of knowledge and debates on topics of space and satellite interest, where the Latin American Remote Sensing Week (LARS) will also take place, as well as the Meeting of Space Agencies of the member countries of the International Italo-Latin American Organization (IILA).

With 44 years of experience, FIDAE is the epicenter of aerospace, continent defense and security business meetings, which is proven by the presence of hundreds of companies and exhibitors around the world. This positions Chile and helps in national development, improving the country’s image together with the hard work of the members of the Chilean Air Force.

DRONES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN CHILE.

Drone technology is available in Chile thanks to DJI Dronespray, a company that since 2011 has worked to provide efficient tools for monitoring, mapping, and treating agricultural crops with greater precision. “This allows for more efficient use of resources, reduces operating costs, and improves production,” reveals Jorge Álamos, an Environmental engineer and one of its founders.

Drones already use Artificial Intelligence (level 1), especially in decision-making when applying products in the field and in obstacle safety.

For example, they can decide to avoid an obstacle by the freer sector, thus avoiding accidents, generating alternative routes, and opting for the best one. “It does this without affecting the spraying process it is carrying out,” Álamos exemplifies. This capability greatly reduces the risk of accidents, making drone flights ultimately “safer and more reliable,” the company emphasizes.

The company has also developed software solutions that harness AI to improve post-flight data analysis and processing. Some models feature programs that create accurate representations of images taken by the drone, mapping 2D or 3D routes over orthomosaic models and infrared (multispectral) lines, allowing for crop status representation in colors, through prospecting of spraying or fertilization with the required dose. “This is a very important point as it directly contributes to the efficient use of resources and fewer chemicals in the environment, which has a very significant economic impact. For example, 200cc of an insecticide can cover several hectares, whereas normally it only covers one,” Álamos warns.

The price range of drones varies depending on the model and its capabilities. They range from $5,000 to $29,900 (approximately $4,650,000 to $28,000,000). The equipment can include imaging that allows for flight planning and knowledge of crop health status, and there are also models for the application of liquid or solid products. “Although the initial investment may seem high, drones have a rapid rate of return, due to their short- term benefits, such as reduced operating costs, increased efficiency, and improved crop quality. On average, the investment returns between 8 and 12 months after purchase,” Álamos assures.

This technology promises to solve many problems in this industry in the areas of fumigation and fertilization. “There are even new tasks that we have been developing with farmers, such as drying crops after rain, something that is normally done with helicopters,” emphasizes Jorge Álamos.

DJI Dronespray ensures that this technology contributes to sustainability through the availability of drones that allow for more efficient management of agricultural resources, reducing waste and optimizing product use. “This has a positive impact on the environment and on the carbon footprint of field operations,” concludes Álamos.

TECHNOLOGY FAIR WILL AMAZE THE FIDAE 2024 PUBLIC

Within the framework of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, and in order to promote the national air awareness and increase the link with the community, the Chilean Air Force (FACH) will hold the Technology Fair on April 13 and 14. In this instance, the Institution will present the advances and innovative processes with which it carries out diverse missions for the benefit of Chile.

In this fourth edition of the event, the work of the FACH will be presented, exhibiting a wide range of technologies and processes used in its daily work, the public will be able to use the technology through interaction. The activity will focus on four main topics: Space, Maintenance, Education and Force.

The public will be able to learn about aspects related to space technology, including software used to know the satellite position, design orbits and several other tasks for the space field. In addition, the public will be able to learn about the mission of the National Satellite System (SNSat) and the work that the SAR (Search and Rescue (SAR), the Aero Photogrammetry Service (SAF) and the Space Operations Group (GOE) developed, among others.

On aeronautical matters, the public will have the chance to learn about and interact with the technology used by the different FACH Units, which are dedicated to aircraft maintenance. In this area, the 52nd Group will exhibit a Bell 206 helicopter engine. Meanwhile, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and Special Forces Regiment “Tactical School” will exhibit real weapon systems, such as the Sky Guard radar and MANPAD stations.

Meanwhile, the 51st Maintenance Group and the 5th Air Brigade Training Center will present three fundamental elements in any training process: a flight simulator, used to teach students how an aircraft works; the staging of an F-16 Block 50 fighter aircraft engine, used for the training of engine mechanics; and finally, a fuel loading and unloading model.

In addition, the company Develop of Technologies and Systems (DTS), a subsidiary of the company ENAER (National Aeronautical Company of Chile), will exhibit models, engines and the Bellum Virtuale aeronautical simulator, developed by DTS, and used for the virtual simulation of air tactics. This is a powerful tool that combines advanced technology with modern education to promote a highly effective and dynamic learning environment.

Finally, The Technology Fair will include the participation of the Aviation School “Capitán Manuel Ávalos Prado” the School of Specialties “Sargento 1° Adolfo Menadier Rojas” and the Academia Politécnica Aeronáutica, which will exhibit different educational elements, such as firing and flight simulators, in order to bring their work closer to the community.

UAV (RPAS): A GROWING INDUSTRY AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the sectors of: Civil and Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Aircraft Maintenance, Homeland Security, Space Technology, Cybersecurity, and UAV (RPAS). The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

The acronym UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is used to identify drones. RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) systems are unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely piloted aircraft, which can have a military and/or civilian use in tasks such as aerial photography, aerial videos or infrastructure inspection, among others.

The companies that cover this field and that will be part of the twenty-third edition of FIDAE are: Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, Indra and Safran. They will be joined by: Tek Chile, CIAC, Schiebel, Riegl, TKOF Aviation, among others.

FIDAE has adapted to the continuous changes in all industries, and the UAV has been no exception. FIDAE provides personalized attention to all its target audiences, so that they can achieve both their commercial expectations, as well as those linked to the field of knowledge and innovation.

CYBERSECURITY AT FIDAE 2024: TOWARDS A PROTECTED DIGITAL WORLD

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the sectors of: Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aerospace Technology, UAV (RPAS), Civil and Commercial Aviation, Aircraft Maintenance, Defense, and Cybersecurity. The latter has an important role in this twenty-third edition.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, equipment, software applications, systems and data from potential digital threats. Attacks seek to access, modify or destroy confidential information, so security measures are used and implemented, which are increased, strengthened, and updated daily. These measures are important as currently there are more equipment, and devices connected to networks than people.

The twenty-third edition of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE will have the presence of important leading companies in this field such as Lockheed Martin. This is a U.S. multinational with more than 122,000 employees worldwide. Along with this notable company, who also specializes in cybersecurity, there will also be present other important companies such as Dreamlab Technologies, and Motorola Solutions, among others.

FIDAE is an exhibition dedicated to exhibit technologies in Aerospace, Defense, and Security, positioning Chile as a referent in Latin America. The Fair, which will be held from April 9 to 14, acts as a bridge between the Chilean Air Force and the citizens, since it shows the environment in which it is immersed, especially aspects related to technological advances and innovation.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY: PLANNING THE FUTURE AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the following fields: Cicil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity, and Space Technology. The latter is a leading actor in this twenty-third edition.

Space Technology is directly related to the arrival to space, as well as the maintenance of different systems used during space travel, and in the tools that support their return.

The companies that will be part of this field are: Embraer from Brazil; Esri and Raster-4 from Chile; Invap from Argentina; Satlantis from Spain; Airbus and some study centers such as Universidad Mayor; Universidad de Chile, and Universidad de Concepción. They will be joined by the Asociación Chilena del Espacio (ACHIDE), Bae Sistems; Defense Technology Equipment, Global Sat; Iceye; Indra; Lockheed Martin; Planet Labs; Schiebel; Tesam, Thales, Aero Photogrammetry Service of the Chilean Air Force (SAF), the Space Operations Group (GOE) and the Space Directorate (DIRES) of the Chilean Air Force.

 

The International Air and Space Fair creates a suitable scenario to exhibit new products and technological advances in different areas. This provides real business opportunities for exhibitors of the Aerospace, Defense and Security Fair with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

AIRCRAFT MAINTENACE DURING FIDAE 2024: WORK THAT GARANTEES SECURITY

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the following sectors: Civil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Aircraft Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity, Space Technology, and Aircraft Maintenance. The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

This area shows how aircraft go through different inspections; processes where several specialists are involved. Each one of them takes responsibility, through comprehensive checkups, so aircraft equipment is in perfect condition and can be used safely.

The Chilean National Aeronautics Company (ENAER) is one of the most outstanding companies that will participate in this area. It will also be joined by: Aerocardal; Aeronautical Investments; Apas, Arms Intl; Bae Sistems; Bell Textron; Ciac; CG Turbines; Division Turbos; Fadea; Ipt; Labmeter; Loockheed Martin; Recaero SAS; Redimec S.A; Techman-Head and Workhard.

 

FIDAE provides personalized attention to all its target audience, in order to achieve commercial, innovation, and knowledge expectations. The Aircraft Maintenance sector also covers from manufactured pieces and parts, special machinery, to different established tests. In this way, FIDAE takes care of airworthiness in an integral way.