Ekolot Aerospace & Defense To Introduce ZEUS VTOL-CTOL Platform at FIDAE 2026

EKOLOT Aerospace & Defense (EAD) has announced that the company will be exhibiting its ZEUS VTOL-CTOL platform (ZEUS) at FIDAE 2026.

This is the first time EAD is participating in the FIDAE (International Air and Space Fair), which is occurring in Chile from April 7-12. The event is geared toward supporting business and connection across the aerospace, security and defense sectors.

Attendees of FIDAE typically include:

• Aircraft operators
• Government institutions
• Technology companies

EKOLOT Aerospace & Defense’s ZEUS VTOL-CTOL platform is designed for missions in environments that are remote or difficult to reach, ideal for defense, security and civil missions.

Its maximum takeoff weight ranges from 100 to 250 kilograms, achieving the flexibility of an aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) as well as the aerodynamics of fixed-wing aircraft.

The convertible and modular ZEUS platform allows single base airframes to accept VTOL or CTOL conversion kits and achieve 12-24 hours of endurance. It supports several maximum takeoff weights, such as:

• 150 kg (VTOL)
• 200 kg (VTOL)
• 250 kg (VTOL)
• 250-350 kg (CTOL)

In terms of payload, the ZEUS can handle 30-120 kg on VTOL versions, with a maximum of 150kg on the CTOL variant, the ZEUS G.

ZEUS helps to close the gap between small UAVs and heavy MALE-class UAV systems, as its modular architecture reduces costs and enhances interoperability.

CEO of EKOLOT Aerospace & Defense Edgardo Zapata says, “ZEUS is a comprehensive family of systems, designed around a single technological platform to adapt to a wide range of scenarios, specifically addressing the needs of government operators seeking persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities, border security, maritime surveillance and the protection of critical infrastructure.”

As the ZEUS platform excels in demanding environments, its usefulness is heightened in areas with minimal infrastructure, such as varying regions of Latin America. This includes missions like:

• Protecting natural resources and infrastructure
• Emergency response
• Humanitarian support
• Detecting forest fires
• Combating illicit activities
• Border security