Prox Dynamics’ Hornet-1 prototype makes first flight

Norway, Kingdom of (Press Release) July 20, 2008 -- ASKER. Prox Dynamics AS, a Norwegian company established earlier this year, will make the world smallest unmanned UAS. A major milestone was reached today, as the Hornet-1 prototype lifted off for the first time. The flight lasted for more than 2 minutes, and was considered a major success. Take off, forward and turning flight and landings were demonstrated during the flight.

The Hornet-1, weighing less than 15 grams with a rotor diameter of 100 mm, has the same dimensions and weight as the production version, but with a much simpler avionics package. Flight control is based on a standard radio system and specially designed servos developed in-house.

Pål Sandberg, Engineer and Testpilot in Prox Dynamics performed the flight, and commented afterwards; “It’s surprisingly easy to fly”. This is remarkable as most of the technology used in this aircraft have never been tested in a complete aircraft before. The rotor system, critical to its performance and maneuverability, is a completely new design comprising a two-bladed single rotor having some inherent stability. This is controlled by Prox Dynamics’ own PDS-2 servos which are the smallest and lightest in the world, weighing less than 0.5 grams.

The Hornet-1 will primarily be used to verify the concept of the rotor system mechanics, gather aero dynamical data and to some extend demonstrate the operational concept of Nano-UAS to potential users.

For further information please visit our web site www.proxdynamics.com/news/prox_dynamics_newsletter_q3_2008/

Contact:

Petter Muren
PROX DYNAMICS AS
www.proxdynamics.com