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ITA and FAB research uses artificial intelligence to optimize aircraft wreckage detection operations in Brazil!
Published on 16/03/2025 – 09h
A revolutionary research developed by the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) is bringing significant innovation to aerial search and rescue operations in Brazil.
The research, which combines academic experience and operational knowledge, resulted in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model capable of detecting aircraft wreckage in rescue missions, improving the efficiency of operations carried out by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
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ITA: innovation in the use of artificial intelligence in rescue operations
The study, titled “Detection of aircraft wreckage based on computer vision models”, was led by Major Aviator André Villela Gaspar, a student of the Postgraduate Program in Operational Applications (PPGAO) at ITA.
Under the guidance of Professor Angelo Passaro, from the Institute of Advanced Studies (IEAv) and Professor José Alberto Silva de Sá, from the State University of Pará (UEPA), the study proposes an innovative application of AI in the aerial search scenario.
How AI can help with aerial searches
The research was based on real images captured during missions by the Pelican Squadron, a specialized FAB search and rescue unit.
Using drones and waste materials, researchers have created a rich database of simulated wreckage images, improving the performance of the AI model.
The adaptation of this technology to the specific context of Brazilian biomes, with their geographical and environmental challenges, is one of the main innovations brought by the research.
Challenges in the search and rescue process
While the use of AI to locate missing people is common, the focus on identifying aircraft wreckage is an underexplored field.
Major Villela explains that logistical difficulties and the scarcity of records in remote regions make this type of search even more challenging. The search aims not only to save lives, but also to optimize the use of resources in FAB operations, ensuring greater precision and speed in locating the wreckage.
Integration between academia and FAB operations
Lieutenant Colonel Airman Daniel Alberto Pamplona, deputy coordinator of PPGAO, highlighted the importance of research in integrating academic and operational knowledge, aligning with the Strategic Conception of the Brazilian Air Force, which aims to incorporate new technologies and operational concepts to improve defense and rescue missions.
Impact of research on search and rescue operations
With this advancement, Brazil takes an important step towards making its search and rescue operations even more efficient, using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology to ensure the safety of lives in the air.
The research carried out by ITA and FAB represents a milestone in the use of advanced technologies to improve air rescue operations.
By applying artificial intelligence to detect aircraft wreckage, Brazil is not only improving the effectiveness of its search and rescue missions, but also positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovations applied to air safety.
