Brazilian Air Force Will Deploy UAS for 2014 Soccer World Cup

The Brazilian Air Force will use four Israeli-made UAS to help provide security during the Confederations Cup in June. The unmanned planes are also expected to help provide security during the 2014 World Cup.

The Air Force said the unmanned aircraft have been acquired to operate within Brazil’s borders and will be used extensively during the World Cup warm-up tournament from June 15-30.

Brazil has had two of the Hermes RQ-450 UAS manufactured by Israel in operation since 2011. The Brazilian Air Force took delivery of two further RQ-450s on Jan. 30 , and they are being assembled at Santa Maria Air Base (RS) with the first flights scheduled for March. The new aircraft will now be used in the forthcoming Operations Agate, in the border regions, and also during the Confederation Cup. The investment was 48 million reals (US $ 24M).

Now there are four aircraft that are part of the Horus Squadron. Two RQ-450s were already in operation since 2011. Although they are of the same model, the newer aircraft have now received some improvements, such as infrared and daylight cameras of higher resolution, and improved communication systems. Also received was a radar that allows images to be captured even through cloud cover.

The FAB’s first experiments with unmanned aircraft took place in 2010. The following year, with the creation of Horus Squadron, the operational debut took place during Operations Agate. A RQ-450 also participated in security operations during Rio 20. In these missions, these aircraft are images both day and night, and broadcast them live to the Control Center.

Besides the actual operations, the Horus Squadron also conducts “doctrine development”
Missions, when tactics are designed for military use of UAS in conflict situations. Within the FAB, these aircraft are controlled from the ground by airmen with experience in aircraft and combat helicopters, as well as expertise in military missions and rules of airspace control.

Photo: Hermes – Brazilian Air Force

Sources: NY Times / Defense Aerospace

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