Carter Aviation Technolgies’ Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) has completed its first milestone in flight-testing. The PAV is Carter’s second generation, proof-of-concept aircraft set to demonstrate the company’s SR/CTM technology — a combination of rotorcraft and fixed-wing aerodynamics.
The milestone flight designation is outlined in an economic development incentive agreement that Carter has with the city of Wichita Falls, Texas. Completion of a 30-minute flight constitutes the first, flight-based milestone of eight funding milestones under the agreement. On Jan. 5, the PAV completed a 36-minute flight while testing the installation of new sensors on the aircraft.
“This is an exciting time for us,” said Jay Carter Jr., president. “Our first aircraft proved the viability of our technology. This aircraft translates that technology into a viable consumer product. Each of these milestones moves us one step closer to our final goal by providing the funding to refine our technology for commercialization.”
The PAV incorporates several advances developed during the testing of Carter’s original proof-of-concept aircraft. Most systems have been automated with new computer controls, reducing pilot workload, according to company officials. “This aircraft is unbelievably fun to fly,” said Larry Neal, test pilot.
The PAV is completing Phase I of its flight-test regimen, which refines the flight control systems of the gyro performance segment including the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability of the PAV. For Phase II of the test plan Carter will add the 45-foot wing section to the aircraft and begin flight-tests to refine the Slowed Rotor/Compound flight aspects that define their SR/CTM technology.
For more information: CarterAviationTechnologies.com
