El Gavilan at a distance

Abstract

Ecuador now joins the new generation of technological innovation with the introduction of a new aircraft named UAV-2 “Hawk”. The now infamous UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have become a trendy acquirement for both military and civilian arsenals in various countries worldwide. Ignoring their recent controversial use with military applications, these artifacts give us a glimpse at the future of commercial and military aviation. With the Ecuadorian UAV dubbed “Gavilán” or “Hawk”, the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) welcomes a local product with hopes of its future deployment and export. The creation of “Hawk” marks a milestone in the history of Ecuadorian aviation thanks to its domestic production and for the fact of adding the Andean nation to the vanguard of aeronautical trends. These are novelty vehicles given they are remotely controlled, have great range of action, payloads and operational variability. Ecuador is preparing for its recognition as a potential manufacturer of new technologies and in a more negative sense, preparing to join the group of users of these so ill-seen machines in modern days. A main question that arises from this new creation is, will Ecuador use these new technologies inappropriately or even illegally as many other nations have done? It could be a close reality given the operational record of the Ecuadorian Air Force and the regions situation in general.