ENAER WILL PRESENT THE PROGRESS OF THE PILLAN II PROJECT AT FIDAE 2024

The PILLAN II, designed to mark a milestone in military aeronautical training, has successfully passed a crucial stage in its development: the preliminary design review. This achievement, backed by a specialized evaluation team of the FACH, has made it possible to establish with precision most of the aircraft’s systems and components, demonstrating ENAER’s commitment and capacity to comply with standards of excellence.

Currently, the project is in a decisive phase, the critical design review. This is a rigorous process that will define the aircraft’s configuration exhaustively. This is a fundamental step to ensure that PILLAN II meets the most demanding expectations and operational requirements, consolidating its position as a state-of-the-art training system in the international military field.

Since its active promotion starting during FIDAE 2022 and consolidated at the beginning of 2023, PILLAN II, has generated considerable interest not only within Chile, where the Chilean Navy has shown enthusiasm for the project, but also in several Latin American countries. This interest has significantly increased in the last few months, extending nations in the Middle East. Said countries have submitted Requests for Proposals (RFP) to ENAER, highlighting a growing interest in the PILLAN II military pilot training solution, globally.

With a long-term vision, ENAER intends to reach an important milestone in 2024, with the consolidation of the final configuration of the PILLAN II. This has paved the way for starting the production of the 2025-2026 prototype. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the company’s horizons, specifically, into emerging markets in Africa and several regions in Asia. This diversification plan is not only evidence of ENAER’s global ambition, but also reflects Chile’s continuous innovation and growing international recognition in the competitive aerospace and defense sectors.

The PILLAN II, following the lead of the successful T-35 PILLAN, stands as the news flagship of the Chilean aeronautical industry, showing the country’s unwavering commitment to progress in defense technologies, and developing its search as an influential actor in the global scene. This project not only strengthens Chile’s reputation as a leader in aeronautical innovation, but also highlights its capacity to develop state-of-the-art solutions that respond to contemporary security and defense requirements.

FIDAE ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF SKIP STEWART’S AEROBATIC SHOW

The International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, regrets to inform that due to reasons entirely beyond the organization’s control and related to delays in the maritime transportation responsible for the transfer of Skip Stewart’s aircraft, the U.S aerobatics pilot will not be able to perform at the twenty-third edition of Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

FIDAE 2024 WILL STREAM ITS OPENING CEREMONY AND ATTRACTIVE CONFERENCES

The twenty-third edition of FIDAE will live stream the opening ceremony, through its official Instagram account @FIDAEOFICIAL and the Official FIDAE YouTube Channel. In addition to multiple and interesting conferences organized by Space Summit, LARS, IILA, DGAC and IDAE, which will be broadcast live through its official YouTube channel “FIDAE OFICIAL”.

The III version of Space Summit, one of its most important conferences, will be held from Tuesday, April 9 to Thursday, April 11. This event will have important guests, civilian and military authorities who will speak about technological advances, acquired knowledge, in addition to contributing to the national awareness in the space field.

On Wednesday, April 10, from 9:45 am to 4:45 pm, within the framework of Space Summit, there will also be held the LARS (Latin American Remote Sensing) conference. This session will be centered on the generation of spaces for dialogue and exchange of experiences in the field of remote sensing, which are instruments that allow obtaining information about an object by scanning it from a distance.

The Meeting of Space Agencies of the Member Countries of the International Italo-Latin American Organization (IILA) will be held from April 9 to 11. The intergovernmental organization created in 1966, was conceived as a tool to promote and strengthen cultural, socioeconomic, technical-scientific and cooperation relations between Europe and Latin America. It is made up of Italy, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

There will also be a conference called “Challenges in Accident Investigation Processes (AIG)” organized by the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). This international seminar is aimed at promoting air and operational safety factors, applying proactive and predictive management, following the trends of best practices in the aeronautical business worldwide.

Finally, on Wednesday, April 10, there will be a conference called “International Law applied to Air and Space”, organized by the Chilean Institute of Aeronautics and Space Law (IDAE). Among the topics to be discussed are: criminal sanctions and jurisprudence of aeronautical crimes, protection of national sovereign airspace, along with its respective rules and regulations, international conventions and their application, and limitations on the use of force.

BAE SYSTEMS AND ITS DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES DURING FIDAE 2024

Bae Systems is a company with an outstanding track record in the Defense industry worldwide. In the Latin American market, the Armed Forces of the region have chosen among its wide variety of equipment artillery systems, ships, radars, naval guns, electronic systems and armored vehicles.

As a leader in vehicle electrification, the company also offers innovative solutions aimed at achieving regional social goals for decarbonization, in partnership with local transportation companies.

Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director for Bae Systems points out that “our vast experience achieving innovative and high-quality defense solutions in partnership with the local South American industry, is an indication that we are a reliable partner in the Region”.

She also adds: “we have a key role supporting both the national security and economic prosperity fields of the countries where we work. We are very interested in better understanding how to be a strategic partner to Chile and the region in the land, maritime, air, space and cyberspace domains, and we look forward to interacting with representatives from the Armed Forces and industry during the Aerospace Exhibition.”

In addition, the FIDAE 2024’s public will find at stand 30 the capacities of the technologies of the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer technologies; the LiteHUD Head-Up Display; the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and the APKWS laser guidance kit. The company will also exhibit the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle; maritime area patrol boats with integrated combat system; naval guns such as the 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 and 3P ammunition; sustainable electric solutions that go from public transport and urban air mobility to logistics and trucking, as well as service support in all areas.

For more information about Bae Systems’ presence at FIDAE 2024, you can access the following link: www.baesystems.com/fidae

PARACHUTE TEAMS FROM COLOMBIA, THE UNITED STATES, AND CHILE WILL PARTICIPATE IN FIDAE 2024

During this new edition of FIDAE, the “Wings of Blue”, from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) will be present. The group was founded in 1962, when cadets performed several jumps in Colorado. In 1976, they decided to change the name of the team to a more appealing one; being the current name. In this version there will be the demonstration team, which have carried out jumps in important sporting events such as Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, NFL Monday Nights Football Games, NASCAR races, and civilian air shows.

Each year, the U.S. demonstration team performs in more than 50 special events in front of more than two million spectators. They can jump from altitudes ranging from 762 to 4,572 meters above the ground. Usually, parachutists carry smoke grenades so the crowd can better visualize them. They can also carry one or more flags through a deployment system.

Another novelty will be the first presentation of the Colombian Aerospace Force team “Águila de Gules” during FIDAE. The team members perform free-fall parachuting in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, from a great height. Some of the paratroopers are part of the “Special Air Commandos”, men qualified and trained to carry out different operations against drug trafficking and kidnapping. They also participate in aeromedical evacuations and rescuing people affected by natural disasters.

One of its main attractions is the “smoke demonstration” where each member jumps alternately at 1,500 meters of altitude. Once they get close to the land, near 600 meters, they start throwing grenades with the colors of nations. There is another demonstration that includes using flags.

On the other hand, the “Boinas Azules (Blue Berets) Parachute Squadron”, of the Chilean Air Force Presentation Group, will be the home team. The origins of the Squadron date back to 1970 at the El Bosque Air Base, when a group of enthusiastic Officers and Non-Officer Personnel started the hard work of recovering the pilots’ parachutes, used in the aircraft, which after being modified were used for free jumps by the members of the emerging Boinas Azules Parachute Team.

To this date, they have performed more than 25,000 jumps inside and outside Chile, developing a constant outreach work. The Squadron also contributes with the development and improvement of free jumping techniques to the Special Forces Units of the Institution, as well as helping in the research and scientific development in flight physiology.

These three experimented parachute teams will perform an amazing show with the aim of delighting the public that will be part of the Fair, performing a variety of aerobatics and free falls.

FAB AND FACH AEROBATIC SQUADRONS WILL PERFORM AT FIDAE 2024

The Esquadrão de Demonstração Aérea (EDA) of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) known as Esquadrilha da Fumaça, and the Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia Halcones of the Chilean Air Force (FACH), will perform high-level aerobatics during the Aerospace Exhibition of biggest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

Currently, the Esquadrilha da Fumaça uses Embraer A-29B Super Tucano training and light attack aircraft– manufactured in Brazil. These aircraft have the National Flag painted on the tail and its colors extend throughout the fuselage of the aircraft.

Da Fumaça has more than 70 years of history and about 4,000 exhibitions carried out in Brazil and abroad. Given the national and international recognition, the EDA became an instrument of communication diffusion for the FBA. The Squadron has 55 aerobatics which in 2006 allowed it to obtain the world record in the inverted flight specialty, flying 12 aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia Halcones – recognized aerobatic group of the Chilean Air Force, which was created on January 14, 1981, is an Aerobatic Team formed by pilots and mechanics that go through the national and international skies to represent the values of the FACH. They want to encourage new generations to be a part of this international attraction.

The first Halcones received aerobatic flight instruction in the United States where the Pitts S2A and S2S aircraft, specially designed and built to carry out these kinds of high-level maneuvers, were acquired.

In 1990, after almost 10 years flying the Pittss, the Air Force acquired the modern Extra 300, single-engine, monoplane, two-seater cockpit aircraft, that the Squadron flew until 2003, when the Extra 300L aircraft entered service. This aircraft was the ultimate expression of specialized aeronautical technology, which they used until 2021. Currently, they take to the skies with the GB1 Gamebird, with a 315 BHP Lycoming 580 engine, which gives them a great advantage in the power to weight ratio for high level aerobatics.

CHILEAN AEROBATIC TEAMS WILL AMAZE THE PUBLIC AT FIDAE 2024

Within the framework of a new edition of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, the public attending the main aerospace exhibition in Latin America, thanks to the coordination with the Chilean Air Federation (FEDACH), will be able to enjoy the presentations of the Chilean aerobatic groups RV Team, Team Villarrica, as well as pilot Mijali Proestakis.

Created more than 11 years ago, RV Team is the first civilian aerobatic squadron in Chile. The history of the RV Team begins with the building of two aircraft, which were entirely assembled by them in Chile. First, Fernando Abasolo’s RV-8, and then Hernán Santibáñez’ RV-7. During FIDAE, the pilots aboard the Vans RV-7 aircraft, will perform a presentation designed by the technical director and instructor of RV Team Chile, César Falistocco. The presentation consists of a loop, clover leaf, among other aerobatic flight maneuvers.

On the other hand, Team Villarrica, with two years of existence, is integrated by Karam Puali and Vaslav Rubeska. Aboard their Aerotrek Pitts S2A aircraft, the national pilots will perform aerobatic flights both during training flying as well and individual unlimited aerobatics, carrying out maneuvers such as “the heart”, crosses, mirror flight, hammer head, and loop, among others. These stunts will be admired by the public in attendance at FIDAE.

Lastly, this edition of the Fair will have the presence of the Antofagasta-native pilot Mijali Proestakis. His first flights began at the Aviation School “Capitán Manuel Avalos Prado”, in a T-35 Pillan in 1989. In 2010, he performs with the first Extra 300L in Chile, and currently has more than 1,100 flight hours in aerobatic aircraft. During FIDAE 2024, he will perform with the XtremeAir XA42 high aerobatic aircraft.

FORMER SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER, MIKE BLOOMFIELD, TO ATTEND FIDAE 2024 AS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR FOR U.S. INDUSTRY AND FUTURE WORKFORCE

Waldwick, NJ and Santiago, Chile / March 1, 2024 — Former NASA Space Shuttle Commander, Mike Bloomfield, will attend FIDAE 2024, Latin America’s foremost airshow, next month as a goodwill ambassador for U.S. industry and the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship, which advocates for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to fuel the future industry workforce.

 

As part of the largest international presence at the show, Bloomfield’s message at FIDAE builds on the 2023 bicentennial of official U.S.-Chile relations to advance bilateral cooperation and give young people a stake in the future.

 

“Every country needs a STEM-educated workforce,” said Bloomfield, a three-time shuttle astronaut (pilot of STS-86 and STS-97, and commander of STS-110). “As world leaders in exploration and discovery, the United States and Chile have a unique opportunity — a responsibility — to excite, inspire, and train our young people to succeed in STEM careers.”

 

Highlights of Bloomfield’s schedule during FIDAE (April 9-14) include introducing Chile’s third group of recipients of the Endeavour scholarship, an all-expenses paid week-long, hands-on astronaut training experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp in Huntsville, AL; addressing members of the Colegio de Ingenieros de Chile, the national engineering trade association; and commemorating the 30th anniversary of the USA Partnership Pavilion at the show.

 

Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Pavilion organizer Kallman Worldwide and the 501(c)(3) Kallman Foundation, which administers the Endeavour program, announced Bloomfield’s participation at FIDAE upon returning from last month’s Singapore Airshow, where the United States also stood as the largest international presence on-site and Endeavour launched its third and fourth Singaporean teams. During the event, the scholarship foundation also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia to launch its first Endeavour team at Indo Defence 2024 in Jakarta this November.

 

The Endeavour Scholarship honors its namesake Worden, Command Module Pilot of the Apollo 15 spacecraft “Endeavour,” whose lifelong commitment to STEM education included serving as Kallman’s STEM ambassador at international trade events from 2015 until his passing in 2020.

“The enthusiasm and support for the Endeavour Scholarship around the world is deeply gratifying because it exemplifies the nation-to-nation spirit of partnership that fuels our program,” said Kallman. “Every country we work in — and we’ve worked in at least 50 of them since our company was founded in 1963 — is facing the same challenges to prepare its young people for the future. Many also see that future in space. As an extension of our work advancing global trade in exhibition halls, and with the support of partners in government, industry, the military, and academia, the Endeavour Scholarship connects with worldwide interest in space to promote STEM careers on earth.”

The Endeavour Scholarship invites high school students in trade show host communities to compete for four spots on a “mission” team to Space Camp. Local judges select winning applications and name a local educator to lead the crew. Since it was unveiled at the 2019 Paris Airshow, the program has presented scholarships to 76 students and 19 educators in nine countries.

The new Chilean crew members were selected by leaders of the Colegio de Ingenieros from applications submitted nationwide. Known collectively as “Mission Team #15,” the selected students Antonia Covacevich, Claudia Andrea Ulloa Henriquez, Catalina Reyes, and Gabriela Urzua will travel to the United States this July to visit Washington, DC and attend Space Camp. Their mission team leader is Rosita Guerra, a faculty member of the Arturo Merino Benitez School.

The team will be formally introduced and presented with their mission patches and jackets during a ceremony at FIDAE in the USA Partnership Pavilion on April 10 by Kallman, Bloomfield, and college President, Hernan de Solminihac Tampier.

“We are proud to partner with the Kallman Foundation to select the crew of the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship Mission Team #15 and participate in their introduction at the FIDAE Air Show,” said Solminihac. “From Calama in the north to Punta Arenas in the south and Santiago in between, this team will represent our entire country at Space Camp, and that experience will change their lives.”

For more information, visit www.endeavourscholarship.org

THE POWER AND MANEUVRABILITY OF THE F-22 RAPTOR DEMO TEAM WILL BE PART OF FIDAE 2024

The United States Air Force (USAF) F-22 Raptor Demo Team will be presented at the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE 2024, to be held from April 9 to 14, on the north side of Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, in Santiago, Chile.

The Demo Team performs precision aerial maneuvers at major air shows to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s first 5th generation fighter aircraft. The team performs about 20 exhibitions a year, encompassing 10 million viewers.

The F-22 Demo Team is based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, and in March 2007 held its first display at Tyndall Air Force Base. Since then, it has performed more than 250 demonstrations around the world, and at FIDAE it has participated in the 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2022 editions, impressing the public with its power and agility.

The Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor is the main combat aircraft of the USAF, the only Air Force user of this $143 million aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, supermaneuvrability, and integrated avionics represents an exponential leap in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. This weapon system is an essential part of the Global Strike Task Force and is designed to rapidly project air superiority over long distances.

The aircraft is 16 feet, 8 inches high; has a length of 62 feet, 1 inch; a wingspan of 44 feet; weighs 43,340 pounds and its maximum takeoff weight is 83,77 pounds. It has a range of 1,600 miles and a ceiling of above 50,000 feet.

The multirole fighter has a sophisticated sensor subsystem that together with its AN/APG-77 AESA radar, allows the pilot to track, identify, shoot, and destroy air-to-air threats before being detected. Significant advances in cockpit design and sensor fusion enhance the pilot’s situational awareness.

In air-to-air configuration it can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. In air-to-ground configuration it can internally carry GBU-32 1,000 lb JDAM bombs and employs on-board avionics for navigation and smart weapons launch support. In addition, it has a 20mm Glating M61A2 cannon.

Its powerplant is composed of two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners and two thrust vectoring nozzles which together enable it to achieve twice the speed of sound with supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight condition without use of the afterburner) and supermaneuverability. This characteristic is the result of the sophisticated aerodynamic design, advanced flight controls, thrust vectoring and high thrust-to-weight ratio, giving it the ability to outmaneuver most fighter aircraft in operation today.

FIDAE 2024, LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY FROM OPENING ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD

There are only 29 days left for the inauguration of the twenty-third version of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE. This is the Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America, that will be held from Tuesday 9 and Sunday 14, April 2024, on the north side of the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, in Santiago, Chile.

With 44 years of existence, there already are 30 exhibiting countries and 322 companies who have confirmed their attendance to FIDAE. In addition to this, there are Official Delegations from 21 countries; about 700 accredited journalists and spotters, and several aircraft and helicopters on display, which is a testament to its relevance and recognition as an effective commercial platform worldwide.

The main companies from the United States, Spain, France, and Brazil, among others, will exhibit their latest developments and innovations, in Aerospace, Defense, and Security. This will provide the exhibition real business opportunities and solutions to customers. On this matter, national and foreign exhibitors present their products and services portfolio to customers and to several delegations in attendance. Because of this, FIDAE will become into a real commercial hub which will gather supply and demand in an infrastructure and environment specially designed for an event of such magnitude, counting to date with more than 11,800 square meters of extension.

This prestigious international event, that strengthens collaboration ties, provides opportunities to explore new alliances and becomes a real bridge between the Chilean Air Force and the public. In addition, its materialization contributes to position and improve the country’s image, along with the national development.

FIDAE is a multi-sectorial event, covering the areas of Civil and Commercial Aviation, Defense, and Airport Equipment & Services; Homeland Security; Aircraft Maintenance and Space Technology. The latter being a relevant and key actor in this twenty-third edition due to the development of the National Space System. The UAV (RPAS) and Cybersecurity will also be present.

The international event will feature a Trade Show and a general Air Show. From Tuesday 9 to Friday 12, there will be a more professional approach, where only people over 18 years old will be allowed to enter. On the weekend, it will be open to the general public, becoming a must-see family event. Aircraft of all kinds and world-class aerobatic shows will be on display. There will also be ground attractions, an aircraft exhibition on apron, a technology fair, a drone court, among other attractions.