Frontiers April 2014 33 developing marketing strategies in support of Embraer’s KC-390 aircraft, a medium-lift military transport. According to Bryant, Brazil has proved to be a good choice to locate an advanced research center. “Brazil has demonstrated that it is an emerging innovation engine,” Bryant said. “The country directs significant funds to university research and has a long history in aviation. So it makes sense for Boeing to establish research efforts here and tap local technological talent and resources through partnerships.” Bryant said Brazil’s expertise in biofuels made it a natural partner in the development of aviation biofuels. Boeing is also partnering with the Brazilian Institute of Space Research, or INPE, to develop remote sensing PHOTO: A ScanEagle unmanned aircraft is launched off the Brazilian navy ship APA. The navy is conducting a competition for an unmanned aerial vehicle and was evaluating the ScanEagle’s monitoring capabilities. KETCHUM and data analysis systems for efficient energy crop management. This is a program that could make use of nanosatellites, unmanned aerial vehicles and land sensors. The company also is working with the University of Minas Gerais, located in Belo Horizonte in southeastern Brazil, to explore biomaterials that could be used to create more environmentally responsible airplane interiors. BR&T-Brazil is working with Boeing Commercial Airplanes environmental and interiors teams to identify promising materials. Brazil also is doing work in the area of advanced metals, some of which could be adapted for use in Boeing airplanes. “We’re not just working on interesting projects,” Bryant said. “We’re working on things that are important to Boeing and our customers and are of mutual interest to Brazil.” BR&T-Brazil, he added, could ultimately serve as a hub for research collaboration with other Latin American countries. “Research involves innovation that may pay off five, 10 or 20 years from now,” Hrinak noted. “That, better than anything else, demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a lasting partnership.” n william.j.seil@boeing.com
Frontiers April 2014 Issue
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