Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Embraer-Ufes unmanned aircraft begins testing

9th October 2019 - 11:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team

RSS

An unmanned aircraft prototype developed by Embraer and the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (Ufes) has undergone initial ground testing in Brazil, Embraer announced on 8 October.

During the testing, the prototype performed taxiing operations on its own, moving along a previously established path without human interference. The sensor and image navigation set led the autonomous systems technology demonstration aircraft through the runway, taxi area and patio independently, with a pilot following the cockpit operation in case of any interference.

Researchers from Embraer and Ufes have been working together for the past six months on the project, developing mathematical and computational models of automation, software, hardware, laser sensor kit, GPS and cameras, as well as carrying out systems integration into the aircraft platform. The autonomous land navigation system was tested in a simulator during preliminary assessments prior to actual operation.

Daniel Moczydlower, Embraer's executive vice president of engineering and technology, said: ‘Our strategy for technology development in autonomous systems seeks to position the country at the forefront of artificial intelligence processes in a variety of applications.

‘Achieving this technological milestone in Embraer's 50th anniversary month demonstrated not only the importance of bringing industry closer to the university, but also how prepared and engaged our people are for the journey of excellence needed for the coming decades.’

Author

Shephard News Team

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

More from Uncrewed Vehicles

Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms

The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025

India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market

The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system

Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments

Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.