"This base in Lugo will develop cutting-edge solutions in Guidance, Navigation and ControlThe project, which will be used for small vertical take-off aircraft remotely controlled from the ground, will generate skilled jobs and boost the local economy and employment," he says. Pedro BecerraThe aerospace and defence director of the aeronautics technology company.
The multinational company AERTEC is driving an ambitious growth plan in Galicia in aeronautical technology specialising in two areas. On the one hand, in the field of Guidance systems (CNG) for aircraft designed to move autonomously. On the other hand, in the remotely piloted aircraft area (UAS). This plan aims to consolidate AERTEC's technological leadership in Spain and become a European benchmark in aerospace systems, while strengthening the region's position in the sector.
The focal point of the programme is a UAS and Guidance Systems Development Centre with an implementation plan to expand capacities and facilities. This infrastructure will not only be a technological milestone, but will also boost the local economy and generate qualified employment. Aertec's general manager for aerospace and defence systems, Pedro Becerra, says that the company is "We are proud to boost a capability that will strengthen the region and the country as a benchmark in aerospace technology".
AERTEC thus intensifies its activity in new-generation airborne solutions, hybridisation and electrification of propulsion systems. According to Becerra, "being autonomous and fully capable in key solutions and technologies allows us to continue to grow and innovate to advance in the civil and defence markets".
In this sense, the collaboration with Galician technology centres within the plan will boost its competitivenessd in the aerospace sector, opening up new areas of research and fostering alliances with companies in the sector.
Push for technological innovation
AERTEC has partnered with Tecnobit-Oesia Group to drive forward an ambitious programme in the field of unmanned aerial systems within the Civil UAVs Initiative of the Xunta de Galiciawhich is an initiative to attract economic investment in the aerospace sector.
The technological infrastructure for this project will be a Research Centre located in the Rozas Industrial Park (Lugo), in the same area as the Rozas Airborne Research Centre (CIAR) of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). This joint AERTEC and Tecnobit building complements the facilities needed to develop the aforementioned programmes for autonomous and remote-controlled vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The programme foresees eight key projects that will combine artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. These developments will not only benefit the technology sector, but will also open up avenues for strategic collaborations with universities, technology centres and industry. According to Becerra, "this strategic agreement with our partner and technology and academic centres in Galicia strengthens our capacity for innovation. Together, we are promoting projects that combine artificial intelligence and advanced electrical technologies, setting a new standard in unmanned aerial systems.
Local talent
The new centre in Lugo is not just a technological project; it is set to become a engine of industrial growth for Galicia, creating employmentThe programme will also boost the local industry and promote aerospace and digital technologies. Thus, according to Becerra "through this programme, we will consolidate Spain as a global leader in unmanned aviation and defence solutions, integrating our solutions in international missions and contributing to the sustainable development of the sector".
AERTEC will also promote a annual technology outreach plan to inspire the next generations, with educational talks and school visits to the facilities; university challenges to encourage innovation and technological creativity; and the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Engineering and Mathematics) among women, strengthening and increasing female participation in the aerospace sector. "At AERTEC, we strongly believe in inspiring future generations, especially young women," says the company's head of Aerospace and Defence.
