What's next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
AirStar International completes design, prototyping, testing, modification of 'Rear Engine' Super Lift 4.0 VTOL UAV
AirStar founder Josef Joebstl points out, "The primary benefits from a rear engine design are the ability to configure the payload at the front of the UAV or industrial helicopter, usually a camera or optical equipment which currently needs to be counterweighted by adding additional 'dead weight' at the rear of the airship. With the engine weight balanced in the rear and without the unnecessary counterweight, there is an increase in the payload capacity, or more fuel for longer flight time. Center gravity (CG) allows for smooth flying characteristics to achieve stable picture and movie taking."
After 25 years, re-designing and re-thinking UAV helicopters is a way of life for AirStar founder and veteran UAV innovator / inventor Josef Joebstl. "Balance is everything when you are controlling an unmanned hovering vertical take off and landing vehicle (UVTOL) a few hundred feet away and your performance needs to respond with tight and precise coordinated flying operations while assisting a cameraman who is next to you focusing a high power lens that is on the UAV you are controlling and the art of the day is seeking absolute perfection and the right light."
This simple weight and balance improvement increases overall performance and has the potential to become an industry standard as our close clientele have expressed a keen interest with pre orders. The engine mounting is a revolutionary design isolated with a free-floating, shock-mounted system. The Super Lifter 4.0 is currently going through a rigorous testing program and production has yet to start. We currently have four prototypes under development, which are being prepared for second phase field-testing.
AirStar will accept orders once the second phase of testing is completed to AirStar's quality and performance standards. AirStar's Super Lift 4.0 Rear Engine proprietary technology and CamCopters will be sold through existing dealerships and Franchises exclusively.
Source: Mundus
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