July 2008 edition

VTOLs map out bespoke manufacturing routes to the mass market

Developers of the VTOL personal aircraft are taking distinctly individual routes through the concept, design, test and manufacture phases. The processes are incorporating innovations giving each approach a distinct character and style.

Carter Aviation wants to focus on R&D and intends to enable each owner to self build more than half its Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) and it is talking to potential partners about licensing its technology for commercial manufacture.

Marketing coordinator for general aviation, Anita Infante says: "Our research has shown that Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) aircraft technology is scalable from the size of a single place autogyro all the way up to the size of a C-130J Transport. As you can imagine the development process is slow.

"Carter wants to concentrate on research and development to improve and expand its technology. It does not want to be side tracked by production. Therefore, Carter is looking for current aircraft manufacturers that will license their technology for commercial manufacture.

Carter currently has 16 patents on its technology with more pending.

These patents would be made available through licensing. Carter has received several inquiries about manufacture, but does not currently have an agreement for production."

Infante adds: "We believe that the most immediate introduction of the technology would be accomplished through the production of a ....

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