Aeros successfully completes performance under DARPA Walrus Program
Aeros Aeronautical Systems
Corp
September 31, 2006 Los Angeles, CA
Aeros completed activities on the DARPA Walrus program in September and
were successful in achieving the program objectives.
The
starting goals were to develop and evaluate a very large airlift vehicle
concept designed to control lift in all stages of air or ground operations
including the ability to off-load payload without taking on-board ballast
other than surrounding air. In distinct contrast to earlier generation
airships, the Walrus aircraft is a heavier-than-air vehicle that generates
lift through a combination of aerodynamics, thrust vectoring and gas
buoyancy generation and management. Aeros proof-of-concept technology
demonstrations included their unique integrated buoyancy management system
that provides a new and revolutionary approach to vehicle lift generation
and control. Aeros believes that these demonstrations mark the value of
their technical progress and provide a basis of confidence on which to
launch a new commercial effort to build a full scale demonstration
vehicle.
"What we accomplished and demonstrated is an exceptional buoyancy
management solution; something that has not been done before in the
history of aviation," said Igor Pasternak, President of Aeros Aeronautical
Systems Corp. He added, "Along with the innovative structure design and
low speed maneuverability system, we have positioned ourselves to begin
production of a full scale technology demonstrator vehicle that will have
the capability of vertical takeoff and landing, absolutely autonomous, and
incorporate the innovative lift and buoyancy concepts that do not rely on
off-board ballast."
Aeros is the world's leader in manufacturing of the FAA Certified
conventional airships; however Aeros' concept of the partially buoyant
Aeroscraft vehicle is a rigid hull structure. "After years of thorough
research and analysis we discovered that the real utility lies within the
rigid structure. We know the limitations of airships, and are absolutely
certain that conventional airships are not well suited for cargo
applications," said Aeros VP Fred Edworthy.
Throughout the Walrus program Aeros has led the development team that
included Northrop Grumman Corporation, United Technologies' Pratt &
Whitney and Hamilton Sundstrand companies, and ATK GASL.
"With continuous development of this technology we move a step closer to
the next breakthrough in aerospace innovation," said Pasternak. He added
"Aeroscraft will do to the cargo industry what Internet did for the
information exchange. Kudos to the Aeros creative
team and its partners for the commitment and diligent efforts given during
the program."
About Aeros:
Aeros is the world's leading lighter-than-air, FAA-certified aircraft
manufacturing company. The company's operations involve the research,
development, production, operation and marketing of a complete family of
Aeros-branded air vehicles used in government and commercial applications.
These include non-rigid FAA Type Certified Aeros 40D Sky Dragon Airships,
Advanced Tethered Aerostatic Systems and New Type Rigid Air Vehicle -
Aeroscraft.
Contact:
Edward Pevzner
Business Development Manager
Tel. 818 344-3999 x 106
Edward@AerosML.com
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