CarterCopter Updates Its Personal Air Vehicle

Carter Aviation Technologies of Wichita Falls, Texas has released updated information on their plans to commercialize their new Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) design.

The PAV prototype was introduced at AirVenture 2009 as a static display prior to moving into flight-testing. Carter is preparing for the next stage in the PAV release, a spokesman said.

Carter also announced they have signed their first Licensing Agreement for use of their Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft Technology. The agreement is with AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company.

The agreement is for a 40-year, exclusive use of Carter's technology in all government and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs worldwide. The agreement was signed on November 16, 2009.
`Textron Inc. also owns Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company and Lycoming Engines.

For Carter, commercialization has translated into expansion. In laying the foundation for expansion Carter has created two subsidiary companies - Carter Aerospace Development, LLC and Carter Air Vehicles, LLC. Carter Aviation Technologies will continue to handle all licensing of Carter's unique Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft Technology.

Carter Aerospace Development will transition to handle research and development programs for the company. Carter Air Vehicles is the new manufacturing arm that will produce pre-production and initial production aircraft for the civilian market.

The new PAV design is the second-generation aircraft to demonstrate Carter's revolutionary, Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft technology - a combination of rotorcraft and fixed-wing aerodynamics. It incorporates developments learned in seven years of flight-testing Carter's original prototype and newly developed automated controls and systems.

Carter said that transition of the companies began on October 1st, 2009, however, new websites, offices and contact information may take up to another 30 days to finalize. Transition information can be found on the Carter website: www.cartercopters.com.