(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 12, 2008 ) Aeros is awarded DARPA Aerostructure Demonstration contract.

September 12, 2008 Los Angeles, California

The United States Department of Defense DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has awarded contract to Aeros Aeronautical Systems Corp. for the Buoyancy Assisted Lift Air Vehicle (BAAV) Rigid Aerostructure Technology demonstration.

The focus of the BAAV program is a demonstration of the lightweight rigid aerostructure technology. This will involve analysis leading to a demonstration air test of the aerostructure under flight load conditions. Proving that the rigid aerostructure can be both light and strong enough to accommodate air loads without failure will validate this structural approach as the air platform basis for a new class of buoyancy assisted vehicles that are more robust and have potentially greater military utility. New missions that require extended speed, range, and loiter times would be enabled.

The aerostructure, essentially the body of the air vehicle, is one of the main technology elements of the new type of variable buoyancy air vehicle – it is an essential design element of the Aeroscraft; an air vehicle that is designed to control lift in all stages of air or ground operations including the ability to off-load payload without taking on-board ballast. In distinct contrast to earlier generation airships, the Aeroscraft is a heavier-than-air vehicle and generates lift through a combination of aerodynamics, thrust vectoring and gas buoyancy generation and management. The key features of the Aeroscraft include the noted rigid structure, vertical takeoff and landing capability, ability to operate at low speed and hover, and operate from unprepared surfaces.

This vehicle would provide new capabilities the warfighter and would be capable of deploying composite loads of personnel and equipment “from fort to fight”. It would be capable of conducting search and rescue missions, emergency relief, hurricane evacuation and airborne hospital and many others. It would also offer significant benefits to the oil and gas exploration industry that is operating in remote and ecologically sensitive areas by allowing a constant access to operating sites with a minimum environmental impact.

About the Aeroscraft: The Aeroscraft is a new type – the variable buoyancy air vehicle designed to control lift in all stages of air or ground operations including the ability to off-load payload without taking on-board ballast. The key features of the Aeroscraft include the rigid structure, vertical takeoff and landing capability, ability to operate at low speed and hover, and operate from unprepared surfaces.

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. For more information please visit www.aerosml.com

Aeroscraft and Aeros are registered trade marks.

Contact Information:
Worldwide Aeros Corp.
Edward Pevzner
Tel: 323-201-8306
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