Southwest joins Synapse VPx propulsion team

Dwight Cox, President of Southwest Airmotive Corporation announced that his company has signed a joint venture agreement with Synapse LLC. Located in Seattle, Washington, Synapse LLC is the prime contractor of the Velarus Aircraft Propulsion System (VPx). Southwest will provide testing and validation of heat regeneration technology in support of the VPx Program. Cox's company is one of several sub-contractors working with Synapse to bring the propulsion system to the marketplace with prototype delivery expected as early as late 2010.

The propulsion system was designed by Brazilian aerospace engineer Humberto Sachs. Sachs has licensed his Velarus Propulsion System (VPx) to Synapse. "The VPx is a green engine," Sachs explains. "Its revolutionary design results in minimal air and noise pollution. The system enhances fuel efficiency and can deliver nearly twice as much thrust per pound of fuel burned than conventional technologies. The magic is real," Sachs concludes. "The consequence is a fundamentally perfect design."

Southwest will begin its work with Synapse engineers later this month. "We are very pleased with this opportunity," Cox comments. "It complements our core business and enables us to look well into the future as an integral part of this program. Mr. Sachs has designed an engine that will have a major impact on aviation."