Brazil Horus FT-100

The Horus FT-100 (also known as FT-100) is a hand-launched, tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by FT Sistemas in collaboration with Brazil's Military Engineering Institute (IME) and Army Technology Centre for short-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, recognition, monitoring, and perimeter security in military and homeland security operations, including day/night missions across urban and remote areas. It features a high-wing monoplane design (1.9m length, 2.7m wingspan, 8kg takeoff weight with sensors), electric motor-powered propulsion for up to 2 hours endurance, 10-20km range, 2,500m altitude, and 80km/h max speed, with backpack portability for single-operator deployment and parachute recovery. The payload includes gyro-stabilized EO/IR cameras (24x optical/4x digital zoom, 360° rotation), LWIR sensors, laser pointer, and multi-spectral capabilities for high-quality real-time imagery. Key milestones include operational evaluation by IME and CAAdEx in August 2013 (successful real-time imaging), approval as a strategic defense product by Brazil's Ministry of Defence in 2014, first export contract to an undisclosed African military in July 2014 (three units delivered H2 2014 with logistics), entry into Brazilian Army service in Q1 2015, Army acquisition of three systems in November 2015, training in February 2016, and Navy delivery in mid-2016 for ISR during the 2016 Olympic Games. As Brazil's first indigenously developed night-capable UAV, it evolved from the FS-02 AvantVision and remains in service with the Army and Navy, operable by platoons/companies/battalions via backpack ground stations. Its strategic significance lies in advancing Brazil's indigenous defense capabilities as the country's first exported military UAV, enhancing tactical ISR for border/perimeter protection and operations in contested environments while reducing reliance on foreign systems; certified as a Strategic Company product, it supports national sovereignty in UAS technology.