Published:
Groen Brothers Aviation Selected by the United States Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to Design Next Generation Rotorcraft for Combat Search and Rescue
Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (GBA)
(OTC BB: GNBA) announced today that the US Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected a GBA-led team to design a proof of
concept high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL)
aircraft designed for use in Combat Search and Rescue roles. Phase one of
this potentially multi-year, $40 million four phase program begins with a
fifteen month, $6.4 million award to develop the preliminary design and
perform key technology demonstrations. This modern rotorcraft, named by
DARPA as the "Heliplane," is designed to exploit GBA's gyrodyne technology,
offering the VTOL capability of a helicopter, the fast forward flight of an
airplane, and the safety, simplicity and reliability of a GBA gyroplane.
This aircraft type could be the next generation rotor wing aircraft,
meeting economy and performance goals not considered achievable by any
other type of VTOL aircraft.
DARPA is the central research and development organization for the US
Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs select basic and
applied research for DoD, emphasizing technology development projects where
payoff is high and where success may provide dramatic advances in the
capabilities of our combat forces.
"DARPA is a vastly diverse and capable organization charged with developing
the world's most advanced science in military technologies of every kind,"
said David Groen, President and CEO of Groen Brothers Aviation. "The DARPA
team is an amazing collection of scientists, engineers, and management and
administrative cadre, the likes of which have no equal. We are most
impressed with their dedication and are delighted with having been
selected."
"Our team," said Jay Groen, GBA's Chairman of the Board, "includes The
Georgia Institute of Technology, Adam Aircraft Industries, Williams
International, and a highly renowned team of aerospace consultants."
Georgia Tech is a top U.S. graduate engineering research university, with
premier aerospace engineering programs and its world famous rotary wing
technology program. Adam Aircraft is highly respected for its innovative
use of modern composite materials, engineering quality, and rapid
prototyping processes that has allowed Adam to bring to market two new
high-performance aircraft: the six passenger "center-line-twin" A500 and
the A700 personal jet. Williams International has developed more than 40
different small gas turbine engine systems for both military and commercial
air vehicles, including the Adam A700 and many other modern "biz-jets."
The GBA contract with DARPA is based upon the "gyrodyne" concept long
espoused by Groen Brothers Aviation and extensively researched by Georgia
Tech. A gyrodyne is similar in appearance to a winged helicopter, and like
a helicopter is capable of hovering and vertical takeoff and landing.
Unlike a helicopter, however, a gyrodyne's rotor is driven by rotor blade
reaction drives and are powered only during hover, takeoff and landing.
During forward flight, like a gyroplane, the rotor is not powered, with
forward thrust being provided by engines typical of an airplane. This use
of reaction drives for rotor power and main engines for forward thrust
eliminates the need for much of the cost, weight, and complexity found in
helicopters, while permitting much higher forward speeds.
About Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc.
Developing gyroplane technology since 1986, GBA is recognized as the
world's leading authority on autorotative flight. The company has
developed the Rolls-Royce gas turbine engine powered Hawk 4, the world's
first commercially viable modern gyroplane -- the first "autogiro" to
utilize a jet engine. The Hawk 4 Gyroplane was used extensively for
security aerial patrol missions during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt
Lake City. The gyroplane's inherently simple design offers a safe and
affordable alternative to helicopters and airplanes for many applications,
including aerial observation roles in both government and private
applications, agricultural aerial application, tour guide flights, and
cargo/passenger transport.
Through its American Autogyro division, the company has also developed and
is currently selling a smaller kit gyroplane, the two seat "SparrowHawk,"
and developing a production two seat gyroplane for the Light Sport Aircraft
market. These designs also provide a safe, extremely economical Airborne
Patrol Vehicle (APV) for law enforcement and other government applications.
The Company continues to develop a nationwide dealership network for the
sale of these products.
Further information about the Company, its products, and individual members
of the GBA Team is available on the Company's web site at:
www.gbagyros.com.
Safe Harbor Statement/Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer
Certain statements in this news release by Groen Brothers Aviation are
forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. Forward-looking information is subject to risk and
uncertainty. Certain statements in this Press Release may contain
forward-looking information that involves risk and uncertainty, including
but not limited to, the Company's ability to fund ongoing operations and to
complete its obligations under the government contract and its other
ongoing commitments. Future results and trends depend on a variety of
factors, including the Company's successful execution of internal
performance plans; product development and performance; risks associated
with regulatory certifications of the Company's commercial aircraft by U.S.
and foreign governments; government bid uncertainty; other regulatory
uncertainties; performance issues with key suppliers and subcontractors;
governmental export and import policies; and the ability to adequately
finance operations including meeting its debt obligations, fund
manufacturing and delivery of products.
Distributed by Market Wire
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