Brazil’s first jet-powered drone ATD-150 conducts maiden flight to modernize air defense exercises
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On June 11, 2025, Nest Design Aerospace announced that the ATD-150 LTO (Lightweight Takeoff & Operations) variant completed its first flight. This configuration of the ATD-150, designed for runway takeoff and landing, reached 300 kilometers per hour during its maiden flight. The company stated that future flights will gradually increase the aircraft’s velocity until the platform achieves its intended cruise speed of 600 kilometers per hour. The ATD-150 LTO is described as a lighter variant of the original ATD-150 aerial target system, which was developed as the first fully Brazilian jet-powered drone. Nest Design Aerospace indicated that the program will continue through a phased test schedule to verify the air vehicle’s performance envelope.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The ATD-150 was initially presented on March 29, 2025, by Nest Design Aerospace as the first jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle to be entirely designed, developed, and assembled in Brazil. (Picture source: Nest Design Aerospace)
The ATD-150 was initially presented on March 29, 2025, by Nest Design Aerospace as the first jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle to be entirely designed, developed, and assembled in Brazil. The drone is intended to serve as an aerial target for the Brazilian Armed Forces and is also proposed for export. The manufacturer explained that the ATD-150 was created to simulate advanced airborne threats in training environments, with the aim of increasing national operational readiness. The aircraft is marketed as a system that provides a domestic alternative for simulated combat and air defense training, eliminating the need to rely on foreign suppliers for jet-powered aerial targets. The company has stated that the aircraft is engineered to reproduce the behavior and performance of potential adversary platforms for weapons evaluation and training purposes.
The ATD-150 integrates multiple technical features aimed at enhancing its effectiveness during air defense exercises. It is powered by the TM TJ-200 turbojet engine, which is developed by the Brazilian firm Turbomachine. The aircraft uses Jet A-1 or aviation kerosene and is capable of cruising at Mach 0.6 under flight conditions of FL150 and ISA+35. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 150 kilograms and can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms. It operates at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet and has a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. The system is equipped with a Miss Distance Indicator (MDI) to record the proximity of intercept attempts, as well as passive RF signal augmentation and real-time video transmission. The drone also emits an infrared signature and includes a smoke generator to improve visibility during exercises. It can be piloted manually, semi-autonomously, or fully autonomously, depending on mission requirements. Navigation is supported through pre-programmed waypoints, and the system is capable of automated evasive maneuvers.
The main mission profiles associated with the ATD-150 include air strike simulation, air-to-air engagement training, air defense systems calibration, and cruise missile threat replication. It is also designed to assist in collecting intelligence data and validating the performance of defense weapon systems. The system can emulate adversarial aerial behavior, enhancing the realism of simulated training environments. Nest Design Aerospace participated in LAAD 2025 in Rio de Janeiro to promote the ATD-150. During the exhibition, the company stated that it engaged with suppliers, potential customers, and industry partners. According to Nest Design Aerospace, the drone drew attention from professionals already familiar with the platform, contributing to increased interest in the aerial target program and providing opportunities to advance strategic collaborations.
The company announced that the ATD-150 is progressing toward its initial operational phase. Development activities such as component integration, functional verification, and performance testing are reportedly on schedule. Nest Design Aerospace emphasized that the project reflects a national effort to establish an indigenous capability for high-speed aerial target systems. The system is described as a configurable platform that supports different mission profiles depending on operational needs. Promotional material released by the company includes video footage showing stages of the UAV’s design and testing process. Nest Design Aerospace indicated that further detailed information and visual documentation of the system will be made available in the future. The company has stated that the ATD-150 represents a milestone for Brazilian aviation, positioning the system as a locally controlled asset for defense training.
The ATD-150 follows earlier Brazilian efforts to develop jet-powered unmanned systems. In 1983, Companhia Brasileira de Tratores (CBT), in cooperation with the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, developed the CBT BQM-1BR. This system was powered by a Tietê JT2 turbojet engine mounted in a nacelle at the rear of the fuselage. It had a length of 3.89 meters, a wingspan of 3.18 meters, and a takeoff weight slightly over 90 kilograms. It could reach speeds up to 560 kilometers per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 6,000 meters. Although the Brazilian Air Force initially planned to acquire 20 units, only two prototypes were produced, and the project was canceled due to political and economic constraints. Separately, Brazil has developed air-breathing propulsion systems such as the 14-X scramjet engine through the Institute of Advanced Studies (IEAv) under the PropHiper program. This engine was first tested in flight in December 2021, when it reached an apogee of 160 kilometers following a launch from the Alcântara Space Center. While not directly related to UAV applications, the scramjet program reflects Brazil’s sustained interest in aerospace propulsion technologies for defense and space.
Beyond the ATD-150, Brazil has developed a number of UAVs focused on tactical, surveillance, and mapping functions. These systems are generally propeller-driven and serve roles distinct from those of a jet-powered aerial target. The SantosLab Carcará, first flown in 2009, is employed by the Brazilian Navy and is designed to be operated by a single individual in confined or obstructed environments. It has an endurance between 60 and 95 minutes and supports infrared or zoom camera payloads. The FT-100 Horus, developed by FT Sistemas, is used by the Brazilian Army and Navy and has a range of up to 15 kilometers with an endurance of two hours. In 2015, Brazil exported three FT-100s to an unspecified African military, marking the country’s first documented UAV export. At the MALE level, the Caçador UAV was derived from the IAI Heron platform through a joint program involving Avionics Services and IAI Brasil. The Caçador has a wingspan of 16.6 meters, a takeoff weight of 1,270 kilograms, and a maximum endurance of 40 hours. It operates at altitudes up to 9,100 meters and is designed for multi-role operations.
Private sector contributions to UAV development in Brazil include systems produced by XMobots, which focuses on civilian and mapping missions using locally developed technologies. The company’s first product, the Apoena 1000B, was used from 2010 to 2013 for aerial surveillance of the Amazon and support to infrastructure development at the Jirau hydroelectric plant. Subsequent models, such as the Nauru 500A, feature 5.5-hour endurance and a 15-kilogram payload. In 2013, the Nauru 500A received Brazil’s first Experimental Flight Certificate for a privately developed UAV. That same year, the company launched the Echar 20A, the first Brazilian UAV equipped with automatic takeoff and landing capability. Other developments include the Avibras Falcão UAV, which supports ISR operations with a payload capacity of 150 kilograms and a flight endurance of over 16 hours. Stella Tecnologia has developed the Atobá XR, a larger version of its earlier reconnaissance drone, capable of flying at 370 kilometers per hour for up to 35 hours. The Atobá XR integrates an AESA radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, SATCOM, and three hardpoints for payload or weapon carriage. These examples illustrate the growing diversification of Brazil’s UAV industry across civil, surveillance, training, and military applications. The ATD-150 fits into this context as the only fully indigenous jet-powered UAV designed for target emulation in advanced training operations.
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On June 11, 2025, Nest Design Aerospace announced that the ATD-150 LTO (Lightweight Takeoff & Operations) variant completed its first flight. This configuration of the ATD-150, designed for runway takeoff and landing, reached 300 kilometers per hour during its maiden flight. The company stated that future flights will gradually increase the aircraft’s velocity until the platform achieves its intended cruise speed of 600 kilometers per hour. The ATD-150 LTO is described as a lighter variant of the original ATD-150 aerial target system, which was developed as the first fully Brazilian jet-powered drone. Nest Design Aerospace indicated that the program will continue through a phased test schedule to verify the air vehicle’s performance envelope.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The ATD-150 was initially presented on March 29, 2025, by Nest Design Aerospace as the first jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle to be entirely designed, developed, and assembled in Brazil. (Picture source: Nest Design Aerospace)
The ATD-150 was initially presented on March 29, 2025, by Nest Design Aerospace as the first jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle to be entirely designed, developed, and assembled in Brazil. The drone is intended to serve as an aerial target for the Brazilian Armed Forces and is also proposed for export. The manufacturer explained that the ATD-150 was created to simulate advanced airborne threats in training environments, with the aim of increasing national operational readiness. The aircraft is marketed as a system that provides a domestic alternative for simulated combat and air defense training, eliminating the need to rely on foreign suppliers for jet-powered aerial targets. The company has stated that the aircraft is engineered to reproduce the behavior and performance of potential adversary platforms for weapons evaluation and training purposes.
The ATD-150 integrates multiple technical features aimed at enhancing its effectiveness during air defense exercises. It is powered by the TM TJ-200 turbojet engine, which is developed by the Brazilian firm Turbomachine. The aircraft uses Jet A-1 or aviation kerosene and is capable of cruising at Mach 0.6 under flight conditions of FL150 and ISA+35. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 150 kilograms and can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms. It operates at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet and has a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. The system is equipped with a Miss Distance Indicator (MDI) to record the proximity of intercept attempts, as well as passive RF signal augmentation and real-time video transmission. The drone also emits an infrared signature and includes a smoke generator to improve visibility during exercises. It can be piloted manually, semi-autonomously, or fully autonomously, depending on mission requirements. Navigation is supported through pre-programmed waypoints, and the system is capable of automated evasive maneuvers.
The main mission profiles associated with the ATD-150 include air strike simulation, air-to-air engagement training, air defense systems calibration, and cruise missile threat replication. It is also designed to assist in collecting intelligence data and validating the performance of defense weapon systems. The system can emulate adversarial aerial behavior, enhancing the realism of simulated training environments. Nest Design Aerospace participated in LAAD 2025 in Rio de Janeiro to promote the ATD-150. During the exhibition, the company stated that it engaged with suppliers, potential customers, and industry partners. According to Nest Design Aerospace, the drone drew attention from professionals already familiar with the platform, contributing to increased interest in the aerial target program and providing opportunities to advance strategic collaborations.
The company announced that the ATD-150 is progressing toward its initial operational phase. Development activities such as component integration, functional verification, and performance testing are reportedly on schedule. Nest Design Aerospace emphasized that the project reflects a national effort to establish an indigenous capability for high-speed aerial target systems. The system is described as a configurable platform that supports different mission profiles depending on operational needs. Promotional material released by the company includes video footage showing stages of the UAV’s design and testing process. Nest Design Aerospace indicated that further detailed information and visual documentation of the system will be made available in the future. The company has stated that the ATD-150 represents a milestone for Brazilian aviation, positioning the system as a locally controlled asset for defense training.
The ATD-150 follows earlier Brazilian efforts to develop jet-powered unmanned systems. In 1983, Companhia Brasileira de Tratores (CBT), in cooperation with the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, developed the CBT BQM-1BR. This system was powered by a Tietê JT2 turbojet engine mounted in a nacelle at the rear of the fuselage. It had a length of 3.89 meters, a wingspan of 3.18 meters, and a takeoff weight slightly over 90 kilograms. It could reach speeds up to 560 kilometers per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 6,000 meters. Although the Brazilian Air Force initially planned to acquire 20 units, only two prototypes were produced, and the project was canceled due to political and economic constraints. Separately, Brazil has developed air-breathing propulsion systems such as the 14-X scramjet engine through the Institute of Advanced Studies (IEAv) under the PropHiper program. This engine was first tested in flight in December 2021, when it reached an apogee of 160 kilometers following a launch from the Alcântara Space Center. While not directly related to UAV applications, the scramjet program reflects Brazil’s sustained interest in aerospace propulsion technologies for defense and space.
Beyond the ATD-150, Brazil has developed a number of UAVs focused on tactical, surveillance, and mapping functions. These systems are generally propeller-driven and serve roles distinct from those of a jet-powered aerial target. The SantosLab Carcará, first flown in 2009, is employed by the Brazilian Navy and is designed to be operated by a single individual in confined or obstructed environments. It has an endurance between 60 and 95 minutes and supports infrared or zoom camera payloads. The FT-100 Horus, developed by FT Sistemas, is used by the Brazilian Army and Navy and has a range of up to 15 kilometers with an endurance of two hours. In 2015, Brazil exported three FT-100s to an unspecified African military, marking the country’s first documented UAV export. At the MALE level, the Caçador UAV was derived from the IAI Heron platform through a joint program involving Avionics Services and IAI Brasil. The Caçador has a wingspan of 16.6 meters, a takeoff weight of 1,270 kilograms, and a maximum endurance of 40 hours. It operates at altitudes up to 9,100 meters and is designed for multi-role operations.
Private sector contributions to UAV development in Brazil include systems produced by XMobots, which focuses on civilian and mapping missions using locally developed technologies. The company’s first product, the Apoena 1000B, was used from 2010 to 2013 for aerial surveillance of the Amazon and support to infrastructure development at the Jirau hydroelectric plant. Subsequent models, such as the Nauru 500A, feature 5.5-hour endurance and a 15-kilogram payload. In 2013, the Nauru 500A received Brazil’s first Experimental Flight Certificate for a privately developed UAV. That same year, the company launched the Echar 20A, the first Brazilian UAV equipped with automatic takeoff and landing capability. Other developments include the Avibras Falcão UAV, which supports ISR operations with a payload capacity of 150 kilograms and a flight endurance of over 16 hours. Stella Tecnologia has developed the Atobá XR, a larger version of its earlier reconnaissance drone, capable of flying at 370 kilometers per hour for up to 35 hours. The Atobá XR integrates an AESA radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, SATCOM, and three hardpoints for payload or weapon carriage. These examples illustrate the growing diversification of Brazil’s UAV industry across civil, surveillance, training, and military applications. The ATD-150 fits into this context as the only fully indigenous jet-powered UAV designed for target emulation in advanced training operations.
