Aviation

DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

Maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka on July 01, 2022. Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft and is significant step towards self-reliance in such strategic defence technologies.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is designed & developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, a premier research laboratory of DRDO. It is powered by a small turbofan engine. The airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft were developed indigenously.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and said it is a major achievement towards autonomous aircraft and will pave the way for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in terms of critical military systems.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of the teams associated in the design, development and testing of the system.

Aviation

Embraer Opens Applications for 2025 Software and Data Science Training Initiative

Embraer, a global leader in aerospace and innovation, is now accepting applications for its 2025 Specialization Program in Software and Data Science (PES).

This nine-month postgraduate course, conducted in partnership with the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), offers remote classes, an initial financial aid of R$ 3,000, and monthly scholarships of R$ 5,000. With only 30 spots available, the program is designed to prepare professionals to meet the growing demands of Embraer’s technology-driven future.

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Andreza Alberto, Embraer’s Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications, highlights the strategic importance of the program: “We have a robust plan focused on technological innovation and efficiency. The aerospace industry is highly competitive, and we’re confident in the bright future ahead. The demand for professionals who complete this specialization is rising, with over 95% of graduates being hired by Embraer.”

Professor Adriano Sarmento, PES program coordinator at UFPE, adds: “The program offers students a unique education where theory meets real-world applications. The close interaction with professors and Embraer experts enhances this experience, and the curriculum is updated yearly to stay aligned with the latest technological trends.”

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The PES program will train 10 specialists in Data Science and 20 in Embedded Software. Applicants must have graduated between 2019 and 2024 in Exact Sciences and are encouraged to have advanced English skills. Registration is free and must be completed by November 10 at www.embraer.com/pes.

The selection process includes an exam covering Algorithms, Data Structures, Probability, and Mathematics for Computer Science, followed by an interview. Results will be announced by February, with classes starting in March.

The course combines theoretical learning with a hands-on capstone project, all under the mentorship of UFPE and Embraer professionals. Throughout the program, students will also engage in activities that build essential soft skills, complementing their technical education.