Brazilian firm Avibras is concluding final assembly of the prototype of the ‘Falcão’ [Falcon] unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the first domestic aircraft in the 800-kilo class, used for surveillance, reconnaissance, patrol, and sensor tasks, among other missions. The Falcão UAV will have its inaugural flight before July.

The Falcão’s frame is made of carbon fibre, guaranteeing a lighter vehicle and increasing the space in which it can carry fuel and sensors. With an autonomous flight capability of over 15 hours, this UAV is configured to carry a package of electro-optical equipment, a ground mobile target detection radar, and a satellite communications link. The aircraft will have an operational range of up to 1,500 kilometres.