Brazilian Navy Aircraft Carrier Launches ScanEagle Drone for First Time

Insitu's ScanEagle (RQ-1) was launched from Multipurpose Aircraft Carrier (NAM) Atlantico (A 140) to assess the flooding that has affected Rio Grande do Sul By Joseph Macey / 23 Jul 2024

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

The Multipurpose Aircraft Carrier (NAM) Atlântico (A 140), docked at the Port of Rio Grande (RS), has launched an Embedded Remotely Piloted Aerial System (SARP-E) for the first time.

The operation, which is said to represent an important milestone in the technological advancement of the Brazilian Navy (MB), aims to identify the situation of the places most affected by flooding in Rio Grande do Sul.

Regions such as Lagoa dos Patos, Ilha dos Marinheiros and the entire coastal area were all observed during the operation.

All captured images are transmitted simultaneously to the team on land at the Naval Component Force of the 5th Naval District, in Rio Grande, which is part of the Joint Command of Operation “Taquari 2”.

The launch was conducted by the 1st Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron (EsqdQE-1). According to one of the team members, the use of the technology is another way to support actions in the South. “It is the ability to put the eyes of the Naval Force in the air so that we can observe everything that is necessary and continue to provide humanitarian aid in the region,” they said.

The Insitu ScanEagle (RQ-1) used is capable of performing high precision surveillance, reconnaissance and data collection missions. It has a maximum range of 54 nautical miles (approximately 100km) from the base ship and up to 24 hours of autonomy.

The equipment, considered low cost, can hold up to eight litres of fuel, has a wingspan of 3.1 meters and has an electro-optical camera with a zoom that zooms in up to 171 times. This means that, flying at an altitude of two thousand feet, the system is capable of recording the image of a vehicle’s license plate.

Technological Advancement in the Force

With this launch, the Brazilian Navy is adapting to the needs of the operation with the resources and capabilities it already has and paves the way for future SARP-E operations from the Atlantic. The expectation is that, with the continuous development and adoption of new technologies, drones will play an increasingly important role in several areas, contributing to safety, efficiency and sustainable development.

This milestone reinforces the Navy’s role in the search for innovative solutions for the benefit of society and the country’s defense.

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

MKS Instruments Unveils Ophir® SupIR 10-135mm f/1.8 Continuous Zoom MWIR Lens

MKS Instruments has introduced a motorized MWIR lens with 14x zoom, enabling high-resolution thermal imaging and long-range target detection in defense and security applications

Apr 22, 2025
GuideNav Highlights the Role of IMUs for Loitering Systems

GuideNav outlines how inertial measurement units support navigation and targeting in loitering munitions, with attention to key performance metrics and mission-specific requirements

Apr 22, 2025
Software Solutions for Drones in Defense & Security

Defense Advancement highlights Tilak's innovative software solutions designed for the defense and security sectors, with a focus on drone and robotics applications

Apr 22, 2025
Advancing Maritime Autonomy with Scalable Uncrewed Integration

Textron Systems aims to lead the future of maritime autonomy with advanced uncrewed integration, looking into their TSUNAMI™ family of autonomous maritime surface vessels

Apr 22, 2025
Quadratix: Unified Software Ecosystem from General Atomics

Quadratix, a General Atomics vertically integrated software enterprise, aims to deliver agile, interoperable solutions that bridge air, land, sea, cyber, and space operations

Apr 17, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025

Featured Content

Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Triad RF Systems Supplies Bi-Directional Amplifiers to Boost Naval Communications

Taiwan has received dual-channel bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) from Triad RF Systems, strengthening real-time data transmission and ISR functionality in unmanned naval platforms

Apr 11, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.