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 May 13, 2008
Smart Bomb Technology Delivers Motorcycles from the Sky
At a dry lake bed in Arizona, Atair Aerospace (Atair) attached a fully functional Honda 400 ATV to an Onyx Ultra Light (Onyx UL) GPS-guided parachute system and released it from a cargo aircraft at 10,000 feet. Minutes later, the autonomous parachute system guided the ATV to a soft landing within 50 yards of the pre-programmed target. A team of operatives, and additional Onyx UL guided-parachute systems carrying mission-critical supplies, closely followed the ATV to the target. Shortly after landing, the operatives were able to detach the Onyx system from the ATV and begin a simulated mission. The exercise demonstrates how Atair's Onyx UL systems can effectively support Special Operations capabilities of the U.S. military.
Onyx UL is a low-cost, GPS-guided parachute system that is designed to meet the U.S. military's Joint Precision Air Drop System Ultra Light Weight (JPADS-ULW) requirement of autonomously delivering payloads from 200 to 700 pounds. In contrast to existing parachute airdrop methods that are performed at low altitude with poor accuracy, the JPADS program was established to facilitate precision delivery of mission-critical military payloads from high altitudes, reducing the risk to troops and supply lines.
Onyx UL is part of a family of Onyx systems with different weight-carrying capabilities that can precisely deliver payloads that range from small ground sensors and munitions to 2,200 pounds of mission-critical supplies. Onyx systems can also be equipped with the breakthrough, industry-first technology of flocking flight algorithms that enable multiple Onyx systems to safely share the same the airspace without risk of collision. These innovative, low-cost systems give military planners the ability to strategically and covertly position equipment for rapidly moving ground and special operations forces, dramatically increasing the odds for a successful mission.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace (Atair) is a high-technology prime defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and government logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs, and guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) systems. Atair's inventive products include the Onyx™ precision-guided parachute system, the Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider™ (LEAPP™) UAV, the Circinus™ GPS-Integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), the Heli-Chute™, and 3DZ™ Composite Parachute Technology. Atair's pioneering spirit and creative approach to research and development has resulted in contracts with the U.S. Army, DARPA, NASA, NRL, NSW, the Government of Israel, and many large defense contractors.
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May 12, 2008
Superhero Fantasy is Brought to Life with Atair's EXO-Wing™, the World's Smallest Human-Piloted Jet
Atair Aerospace (Atair) was chosen by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art to display two of its real-world innovations alongside high-profile superhero collections from Hollywood and the fashion industry. The Met exhibit includes Atair's EXO-Wing™, the world's smallest human-piloted jet airplane. Exoskeletons for increasing human capabilities were once the subject of fictional comic book writers; now it has become real technology to enable human flight. This futuristic aircraft is constructed from advanced aerospace composite materials. The twin micro-turbine-powered EXO-Wing™ is so small and lightweight that a human wears it like a backpack.
The Met is also displaying Atair's AeroSuit™, an engineered bat-like flexible wing suit constructed with advanced composite textiles. This high-technology garment allows a skydiver to glide to a target miles away from the drop point. The arms and legs of this garment include inflating webbed panels that form the elements of a wing which dramatically improves the aerodynamics of a skydiver, providing a safe and extraordinary flight experience. Both innovations are made from a new generation of composite textiles pioneered by Atair which are engineered to perform under extreme conditions.
“I am a born and bred New Yorker and the Metropolitan Museum is one of the city's greatest assets,” said Dan Preston, the CTO and Founder of Atair. "I am honored to be included in this exhibition and I am fascinated at seeing a parallel between fictional superheroes and the real technology we are developing." Although Atair has developed similar advanced products for its military clients, it declined to comment when asked for further details on its government projects.
The exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art features approximately 70 ensembles including movie costumes, avant-garde haute couture, and high performance sportswear to reveal how the superhero serves as the ultimate metaphor for the ability to transform the human body. The exhibition will run from May 7 through September 1, 2008.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace (Atair) is a high-technology prime defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and government logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs, and guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) systems. Atair's inventive products include the Onyx™ precision-guided parachute system, the Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider™ (LEAPP™) UAV, the Circinus™ GPS-Integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), the Heli-Chute™, and 3DZ™ Composite Parachute Technology. Atair's pioneering spirit and creative approach to research and development has resulted in contracts with the U.S. Army, DARPA, NASA, NRL, NSW, the Government of Israel, and many large defense contractors.
[read more...]
October 04, 2006
Swarming "smart bomb" Precision Parachutes and 48 hour Long Endurance Powered Paraglider UAV to be debuted by Atair Aerospace at the 2006 AUSA
Atair Aerospace (Atair) will exhibit its inventive Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems and LEAPP™ Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider UAV technologies at the 2006 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington October 9-11.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitudes of up to 35,000 ft, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to ~150 ft. Atair's Onyx systems set the state-of-the-art with Adaptive Control, Flocking/Swarming and Active Collision Avoidance capabilities. With this technology, multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from small ground sensors or small munitions to 2200 lbs of mission-critical supplies can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair is the first company in the world to successfully develop autonomous agent swarming UAVs. Atair was recently awarded a $3.2 million contract by the U.S. Army to supply Onyx systems.
Atair will also debut Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider (LEAPP) UAV technologies with display of the Micro LEAPP ISR UAV and LEAPP UAV. Micro LEAPP is a light-weight, small-scale version of Atair's DARPA-funded LEAPP UAV. Micro LEAPP is designed for special operations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Micro LEAPP can operate fully autonomously or be piloted by remote control via a portable base station computer and advanced software which allows continuous tracking, mission and flight planning, video and data downlink. Micro LEAPP is one-man deployable and transportable using a backpack. Mission critical features of Micro LEAPP include up to eight (8) hours of flight time and a max payload capacity of 50 lbs.
Atair's DAPRA-funded full-scale LEAPP UAV, which is designed for loitering surveillance missions of 48-55 hours aloft, utilizes the largest elliptical paraglider wing ever built with a wing span over 112 ft. Maximum payload capacity for the LEAPP UAV is 2400 pounds inclusive of fuel.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and government logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems. Atair Aerospace's inventive products include the Onyx™ precision guided parachute system, the long endurance autonomous powered paraglider (LEAPP™) UAV, and the GPS-Integrated Inertial Navigation Unit (INU). Atair developed the Onyx precision guided parachute system under contract with the U.S. Army, and the LEAPP UAV under contract with DARPA.
Atair Aerospace will be available for questions and technology demonstrations at Booth #4511 during the 2006 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition.
[read more...]
September 06, 2006
Atair awarded $3.2 million Onyx™ precision parafoil system contract by U.S. Army
Atair Aerospace (Atair) has been awarded a $3.2 million contract by the U.S. Army to supply Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems. Based on an exhaustive search of public record, Atair believes this to be the single largest purchase of precision parafoils by the U.S. Army to date.
The Onyx system contract is being issued by the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM). Onyx systems will be used for precision airdrop reliability and confidence testing conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitudes of up to 35,000 ft, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to about 150 ft. The Onyx system is designed to fulfill precision airdrop requirements under the U.S. Army's Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) program.
The JPADS program was developed to help transition the U.S. military's current WWII-era low-altitude, low-accuracy, high-vulnerability airdrop practices into the 21st century. Existing airdrop methods expose ground forces conducting resupply operations to the growing threat from insurgents' low-cost improvised explosive devices (IEDs); air crews are exposed to threat from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Onyx systems can be likened to smart bombs, but for the safe precision delivery of cargo. Onyx systems provide military planners with the capability of strategically and covertly positioning equipment and supplies for rapidly moving ground and special operations forces.
Atair's Onyx systems are equipped with advanced flocking, swarming and collision avoidance capabilities. With this technology, multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from small ground sensors or small munitions to 2,200 lbs of mission-critical supplies can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair is the first company in history to develop and demonstrate flocking/swarming and collision avoidance capabilities.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and government logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems. Atair Aerospace's inventive products include the Onyx™ precision guided parachute system, the long endurance autonomous powered paraglider (LEAPP™) UAV, and the GPS-Integrated Inertial Navigation Unit (INU). Atair developed the Onyx precision guided parachute system under contract with the U.S. Army, and the LEAPP UAV under contract with DARPA.
[read more...]
June 14, 2006
Atair Aerospace to display inventive defense and homeland security technologies at the 2006 International Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week
Atair Aerospace (Atair) will exhibit its inventive Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems and LEAPP™ powered paraglider UAV technologies at the 2006 International Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Fla., June 20-22.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitudes of up to 35,000 ft, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to about 150 ft. Atair's Onyx systems are equipped with advanced flocking, swarming and collision avoidance capabilities. With this technology, multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from small ground sensors or small munitions to 2,200 lbs of mission-critical supplies can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair is the first company in the world to successfully develop and demonstrate flocking and swarming capabilities.
Atair will offer a glimpse of its long endurance autonomous powered paraglider (LEAPP) UAV technologies with the debut of its Micro LEAPP ISR UAV. Micro LEAPP is a light-weight, small-scale version of Atair's DARPA-funded LEAPP UAV. Micro LEAPP is designed for special operations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Micro LEAPP can operate fully autonomously or be piloted by remote control via a portable base station computer and advanced software which allows continuous tracking, mission and flight planning, video and data downlink. Micro LEAPP is one-man deployable and transportable using a backpack. Mission critical features of Micro LEAPP include four (4) hours of flight time and payload capacity for 20 lbs of surveillance equipment. Atair's DAPRA-funded full-scale LEAPP UAV, which is designed for loitering surveillance missions of over 48 hours aloft, utilizes the largest elliptical paraglider wing ever built—the wing span is over 112 ft with an aspect ratio of 6:1. LEAPP flight tests are scheduled to begin in Sept. 2006.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and government logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems. Atair Aerospace's inventive products include the Onyx™ precision guided parachute system, the long endurance autonomous powered paraglider (LEAPP™) UAV, and the GPS-Integrated Inertial Navigation Unit (INU). Atair developed the Onyx precision guided parachute system under contract with the U.S. Army, and the LEAPP UAV under contract with DARPA.
Atair Aerospace will be available for questions and technology demonstrations at Booth #1511 during Special Operations Forces Week 2006.
[read more...]
March 09, 2006
Atair Aerospace to exhibit at the 2006 SO/LIC Symposium and Exhibition
Atair Aerospace (Atair) will exhibit its Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems and other inventive defense technologies at the 2006 Special Operations Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) Symposium and Exhibition in Alexandria, Va. March 13-15.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target-accurate to about 150 feet. Atair's Onyx systems are equipped with advanced flocking, swarming and collision avoidance capabilities. With this technology, multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from small ground sensors or small munitions to 2,200 pounds of supplies can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair is the first company in the world to successfully develop and demonstrate flocking and swarming capabilities. Atair developed the Onyx system under contract with the U.S. Army.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Visit Atair Aerospace at Booth #402 during the SO/LIC Symposium and Exhibition.
[read more...]
October 11, 2005
U.S. Army parachute technology demonstration to feature Atair Aerospace's autonomous agent swarming and collision avoidance technologies
Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will demonstrate its Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems and inventive autonomous agent swarming and collision avoidance technologies before an audience of key military officials and field operatives at the 2005 Precision Airdrop Technology Conference and Demonstration (PATCAD) at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. October 17-21.
PATCAD is a biennial event which brings together allied militaries and governments for practical demonstrations and briefings on the latest precision airdrop technologies. Atair AS is among an elite group of defense contractors invited to demonstrate at PATCAD, and the only company demonstrating precision guided parachute systems equipped with advanced swarming (formation flying) and collision avoidance capabilities. In December 2004, Atair AS made history by becoming the first company to successfully develop and demonstrate swarming and collision avoidance capabilities on a fleet of autonomously guided parachute systems. The 2005 PATCAD will be Atair AS's second consecutive invitation to the event, and first opportunity to place its autonomous agent swarming and collision avoidance technologies on an international stage.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitude and horizontal stand off and land accurately on target. Onyx systems can be dropped from an altitude up to 35,000 feet, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to better than 150 feet. Atair AS's advanced swarming and collision avoidance capabilities enable multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from two pound ground sensors or small munitions to 2,200 pounds of supplies to be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair AS developed the Onyx system under contract with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems.
[read more...]
September 26, 2005
Atair Aerospace to exhibit at the 2005 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition
Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will exhibit its Onyx™ precision guided parachute systems and inventive technologies at the 2005 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington October 3-5.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitude and horizontal stand off and land accurately on target. Atair AS developed the Onyx system under contract with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center. Onyx systems can be dropped from an altitude up to 35,000 feet, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to about 150 feet. Atair AS's Onyx systems are equipped with advanced flocking/swarming and collision avoidance capabilities. With this technology, multiple Onyx systems (50+) with payloads ranging from two pound ground sensors or small munitions to 2,200 pounds of supplies can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without the possibility of midair collisions. Atair Aerospace is the first company in the world to successfully develop and demonstrate flocking and swarming capabilities.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair Aerospace is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Visit Atair AS at Booth #3754 during the AUSA Annual Meeting.
[read more...]
August 30, 2005
Atair Aerospace to display flying car at the 2005 Modern Day Marine Military Exposition
Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will exhibit its flying car, the Chimera™ Military Tactical Vehicle, at the 2005 Modern Day Marine Military Exposition in Quantico, Va. September 13-15.
Chimera is a highly specialized fast attack, light strike vehicle with integrated parachute system, paraglider and ducted fan propulsion. Atair AS developed Chimera to demonstrate special operations infiltration and exfiltration mission capabilities, and further develop enabling technologies for UAV/MAV GN&C systems and giant-scale paraglider designs.
Modern Day Marine is the Marine Corps' premier equipment, systems, services and technology exposition. The Exposition is being held in Quantico at the center of Marine Corps' research & development, requirements, acquisition, procurement, and professional school activities.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair AS is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance navigation & control systems.
[read more...]
August 15, 2005
Atair Aerospace presents its Flocking/Swarming and Collision Avoidance technology at the AIAA GN&C Conference in San Francisco
Daniel Preston, chief executive and lead engineer, along with Dr. Anthony Calise, senior scientist and guidance, navigation, and control expert for Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will present, "Flocking/Swarming and Collision Avoidance for Mass Airdrop of Autonomous Guided Parafoils" at the 2005 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Conference. The presentation will focus on enabling technologies which led to Atair AS's recent achievement in becoming the first company in history to develop and demonstrate Flocking/Swarming and Collision Avoidance capabilities.
The AIAA GN&C Conference and Exhibit assembles the world's leading aeronautics and astronautics experts, scientists, and engineers to discuss the latest developments and practical applications of GN&C technology. Technical presentations at this year's conference will include such topics as, autonomous and unmanned systems, aircraft GN&C, and intelligent control in aerospace applications. The event will be held in San Francisco August 15-18.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, Atair AS is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance, navigation, and control systems.
[read more...]
July 22, 2005
Atair Aerospace to display Chimera™ at AirVenture Oshkosh 2005
Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will exhibit its Chimera™ Military Tactical Vehicle and inventive technologies before an estimated crowd of over 750,000 at the 2005 AirVenture Oshkosh.
Atair AS's Chimera is an advanced military tactical concept vehicle designed to demonstrate special operations infiltration and exfiltration mission capabilities using manned aerial vehicles (MAVs). Atair AS developed Chimera an as advanced aerial concept platform to test and further develop enabling technologies for UAV, MAV, GN&C systems, and large-scale paraglider designs.
AirVenture is known as "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," and will feature a lineup of air and space vehicles including Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne (the world's first civilian spacecraft and winner of the $10 million Ansari X Prize).
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Atair AS is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance navigation & control systems.
[read more...]
June 01, 2005
Atair to exhibit at the International Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2005 in Tampa, Fla.
Atair Aerospace (Atair AS) will exhibit its inventive technologies and Onyx™ autonomously guided precision airdrop system at the International Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2005 and Advance Planning Briefing to Industry in Tampa, Fla.
SOF Week 2005 will be held June 6-10 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. The event is a series of conferences and proceedings hosted by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) designed to enhance collaboration among special operations forces. A central part of SOF Week 2005 is the Advance Planning Briefing to Industry presented by the Special Operations Acquisition Executive. This special program is designed to provide defense contractors with information about upcoming USSOCOM acquisition opportunities.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, Atair AS is a high-technology defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate the state-of-the-art in parachute designs and guidance navigation & control systems.
[read more...]
April 04, 2005
Smithsonian spotlights Atair Aerospace's composite parafoil at "Extreme Textiles" exhibition
The Smithsonian has selected Atair Aerospace's (Atair AS) Composite Parafoil for display opposite the Wright Brothers' 1902 flyer. This display will contrast early to state-of-the-art textiles used in aviation.
Atair AS's 'Cobalt' composite parafoil is being displayed as part of the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum exhibit, "Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance." Atair AS's parafoils represents the state of the art in gliding parachute design. Also displayed will be a "Birdman Suit" constructed using Atair AS's non-woven composite textiles and inventive manufacturing techniques.
Led by one of New York City's own, Daniel Preston, Atair AS is revolutionizing the parachute industry with the development of composite textiles and manufacturing techniques. Atair AS is using its Composite Parachute Technology&#reg; (CPT) to develop highly efficient, light weight parafoils with applications of great social consequence. Atair AS's CPT is being implemented on autonomously guided parafoils for resupply, and unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance in IRAQ.
Atair AS's autonomously guided parafoil systems were developed for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC) to transition the Army's current WWII-era low altitude, low accuracy, high vulnerability airdrop practices into the 21st Century. Existing airdrop methods expose air and ground troops to threat from insurgents' inexpensive shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Guided parafoil systems can be likened to a smart bomb but for safely delivering cargo. Atair AS's systems can be air dropped at up to 35,000 ft., autonomously glide over 30 miles, and land cargo within 150 ft. of a target-thus saving lives and protecting assets. Cargo for ground and special operations forces includes food and water, medical supplies, fuel, munitions and other critical battlefield payloads.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Preston will speak on Atair AS's enabling technologies during the Museum's May 12 symposium at Rockefeller University entitled, "Extreme Textiles: The Space Between Science, Technology and Design."
"Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance" will be on view April 8, 2005 through October 30, 2005. For further information on the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum visit www.cooperhewitt.org.
Atair AS is a Brooklyn-based defense contractor dedicated to modernizing military and industrial airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomously guided parachute systems, UAVs, and composite materials. Atair AS is under contract with the U.S. Army/DoD to continue developing state-of-the-art autonomous GPS and INS guided parafoil/parachute systems.
[read more...]
March 17, 2005
Atair Aerospace Becomes First to Demonstrate Flocking and Swarming Capabilities
"For the first time in history, autonomously guided parachute systems have flown using flocking and swarming algorithms," reports Daniel Preston, chief executive and lead engineer for Atair Aerospace, Inc. (Atair AS).
"Flocking and Swarming" are two words used interchangeably to refer to modeled flight that is biologically inspired by the flight of flocking birds and swarming insects. The capability of biological systems to autonomously maneuver, track and pursue evasive targets in a cluttered environment is vastly superior to any engineered system.
Atair AS is pioneering the development and implementation of flocking and active collision avoidance algorithms on Onyx™ autonomously guided parachute systems. Atair AS' technology was first tested December 16-18 in Eloy, Ariz. where a fleet of five Onyx systems were airdropped and successfully flocked in tight formation to target. Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems designed to allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitude and horizontal stand off and land accurately on target. Atair AS developed the Onyx systems under contract with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center. Onyx systems can be dropped at up to 35,000 ft altitude autonomously glide for 30+ miles and land on a preprogrammed target—accurate to about 150 feet.
The importance of flocking and active collision avoidance towards the application of precision resupply is critical. With this technology multiple systems (50+) can be deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without possibility of mid air collisions.
Atair AS' inventive technology has advanced the state of the art in guidance and control systems. This technology will open the door for advanced autonomous flight capabilities on a variety of UAV platforms from fixed wing to rotorcraft, with applications from sensor and munitions delivery to surveillance.
Atair Aerospace, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based defense company dedicated to modernizing military and industrial airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomously guided parachute systems and UAVs.
[read more...]
November 22, 2004
Atair receives additional investment funding
Atair receives additional $4m investment from major defense industry investor.
[read more...]
November 09, 2004
Atair Aerospace's Onyx featured in Armada International magazine
Atair's Onyx is featured on page 85 of the November/December issue of Armada International, and on the online digest.
[read online digest...]
[read more...]
October 04, 2004
The History Channel's Tactical to Practical features Atair's Onyx
Catch Atair's Onyx System on Episode #29.
[check local listings...]
[read more...]
July 19, 2004
Atair Aerospace Exhibits at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2004 Symposium
On August 3-5 at the Annaheim Convention Center, Atair Aerospace will exhibit its state-of-the-art precision airdrop delivery system, the ONYX, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles during AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2004 Symposium & Exhibition.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world's largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community. AUVSI members include major government organizations, industry, and academic institutions. Participants at the symposium will include Atair Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Boeing, Raytheon, NASA, the DoD, the DoE, and the FAA.
Atair Aerospace, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based defense company dedicated to modernizing military and industrial airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomous guided parachute systems and UAV's and is under contract with the U.S. Army/DoD to continue developing state-of-the-art autonomous GPS and INS guided parafoil/parachute systems.
[read more...]
November 21, 2003
Birdman Flies Atair Parachutes Across English Channel
Chances are, unless you were caught in a sudden media black out, you probably heard of a strange Superman like story on your local newscast this past July 31. This was no Area 51/UFO style hoax, but a spectacular and audacious stunt performed high in the skies when Austrian stuntman and skydiver, Felix Baumgartner, flew across the English Channel with nothing but a small carbon fiber wing strapped to his back and Atair parachutes to stop his hurtling 20 mile long freefall descent that reached top speeds of 220 mph!
Designed and manufactured by Atair Aerodynamics, these high-performance parachutes have won numerous awards and set world records in the parachute industry. The rigid "wing suit" was designed by inventor/engineer Alban Geissler, and the main and reserve parachutes were designed by inventors/engineers Daniel Preston and Stane Krajnc. The Skyray skyflying system is currently featured in Time Magazine under its Coolest Inventions 2003: www.time.com/time/2003/inventions.
[read more...]
October 29, 2003
Onyx System Caught On Tape
Recently, over the skies of Virginia, you might have been surprised to see a bright yellow parachute gliding through the air with a black barrel dangling underneath. An alien sight to be sure, but no cause for alarm. It is only testing for Atair Aerospace's Onyx System, a pioneering new technology that allows cargo to be airdropped from up to 35,000 feet. The Onyx System then autonomously navigates while gliding through the air at high speed until its landing parachute is deployed and the system touches down at a pre-programmed coordinate on the ground.
New pictures of the Onyx System in flight are now available for viewing on Atair's website: http://www.atairaerospace.com/onyx/. The new pictures detail the main guidance parafoil in action and the transition from guided parachute to landing parachute. This recoverable and reusable system will be demonstrated November 2-7 at the classified PATCAD Conference at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds before hundreds of senior ranking Department of Defense and NATO officials and procurement officers. So if you happen to be in Arizona and spot some strange airborne sights, don't run for cover. It's only Atair Aerospace!
[read more...]
July 29, 2003
Atair Aerospace Awarded Over $1 Million for Onyx System Development
The U.S. Department of Defense will continue funding Atair Aerospace, Inc. and its development of a 75lb. autonomous guided parachute delivery system, called the Onyx System. In addition to government awarded funds of approximately $849,000, the Festo Corporation has Fast Tracked Atair's SBIR transition to Phase II funding with a $250,000 dollar investment.
The need for this technology is required now more than ever. Precision airdrop will not only reduce risks to supply lines, but also allow military forces to position supplies ahead of rapidly moving combat forces and deliver supplies covertly to Special Operation Forces without securing the airspace directly over the drop zone. The proliferation of inexpensive surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns gravely jeopardizes aircraft and personnel flying below 25,000 feet; a significant problem since conventional military airdrop techniques require cargo to be released under round parachutes from altitudes below 1,500 feet for accurate placement.
In response to the critical strategic requirements of precision airdrop, Atair has developed the Onyx System. This recoverable and reusable delivery system can be deployed from an altitude of up to 35,000 feet and with an on-board flight computer it can autonomously navigate cargo to a predetermined landing target. This ensures the safety of delivery aircraft and personnel from hostile ground-based fire.
Atair Aerospace is a Brooklyn-based Defense Company dedicated to modernizing military, government, and corporate logistics by creatively solving complex aerospace and engineering problems that integrate state-of-the-art parachute designs and flight navigation systems.
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July 08, 2003
Atair Aerospace Exhibits at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2003 Symposium
On July 15-17 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Atair Aerospace will exhibit its cutting-edge ONYX Autonomous Guided Parachute System during AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2003 Symposium & Exhibition.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world's largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community. AUVSI members include major government organizations, industry, and academic institutions. Participants at the symposium will include Atair Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Boeing, Raytheon, NASA, the DoD, the DoE, and the FAA.
Atair Aerospace, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based defense company dedicated to modernizing military and industrial airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomous guided parachute systems and UAV's and is under contract with the U.S. Army/DoD to continue developing state-of-the-art autonomous GPS and INS guided parafoil/parachute systems.
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June 12, 2003
Atair Aerospace Transforms Precision Airdrop Delivery with Hi-tech Solutions
Atair Aerospace, Inc. (Atair AS) is a Brooklyn-based Defense Company that specializes in developing advanced-design autonomously guided parachute systems for the precise, reliable, and cost-effective airborne delivery of equipment and supplies, ordnance, and personnel in fulfillment of critical military, relief, and rescue missions.
Recent conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia have demonstrated the critical need for guided parachute systems to replace current, obsolete airdrop delivery techniques. Recognizing this serious problem, the U.S. Army has made precision airdrop a central component to its Revolution in Military Logistics (RML), a strategic plan to modernize its Objective Force for the twenty-first century.
The proliferation of inexpensive surface-to-air missiles gravely jeopardizes aircraft and personnel flying below 25,000 feet; a significant problem since conventional military airdrop techniques require cargo to be released from altitudes below 1,500 feet. Speaking with National Defense Magazine about this problem, Edward Doucette, Director of Airdrop and Aerial Delivery at the Army Natick Soldier Center, Mass., stated that "dumb airdrop--the way we [the Army] do it today--is at the mercy of the wind, and accuracy is nonexistent."
In response to the critical strategic requirements of precision airdrop, Atair AS has developed the Onyx System. This recoverable and reusable delivery system can be deployed from an altitude of up to 35,000 feet and autonomously navigate its cargo to a predetermined landing target, thus ensuring the safety of aircraft and personnel from hostile ground-based fire.
After release from the aircraft, the Onyx System employs an elliptical parafoil for initial deployment and guidance. The navigation of the cargo to a predetermined landing zone is controlled by an on-board flight computer that utilizes GPS and Inertial Navigation Sensor technology. A second non-guided parachute is then deployed at the lowest possible altitude for a soft landing.
The Onyx System is unique in that its design significantly reduces time aloft and vulnerability to wind. It is also scalable to considerably heavier cargo weights than is feasible with other technologies. The technological advances used to design this system have received multiple top awards, been used to set multiple world records in the parachute industry, and have led Atair AS to file more than 16 patents.
In order to meet RML goals, the military will need the rapid, accurate, clandestine, low cost, and low vulnerability delivery of supplies to its troops. In a presentation given by Edward Doucette during the 2003 Parachute Industry Association Symposium, he stated that, "out of over 1000 initiatives in the U.S. military, the development and implementation of guided parachute technology ranks 22... and of those top 22, guided parachutes have one of the highest visibility across all branches of the military."
As a part of this development process, Atair Aerospace has been awarded Phase I SBIR funding from the Natick Soldier Center under the auspice of the United States Army to develop a 75 lbs. Onyx autonomous guided parachute delivery system. In addition to government awarded funds of $849,338, the Festo Corporation has Fast Tracked Atair AS' SBIR transition to Phase II funding with a $250,000 dollar investment. Consequently, Atair AS has been invited to present its Onyx autonomous guided parafoil system during the Precision Airdrop Technology Conference and Demonstration (PATCAD) at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds on November 3rd though the 7th, 2003. Natick has since identified Atair Aerospace as the only U.S.-based company to be demonstrating fully autonomous flight capability.
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May 14, 2003
Atair Aerospace Receives Funding From Festo Corporation
Atair Aerospace has recently formed an exciting new relationship with the Festo Corporation, who invested $250,000 in Atair. The funds will support Atair's development of its advanced-design Onyx autonomous guided parafoil system. Dan Preston, CEO of Atair Aerospace, commented: "With representation in 176 countries, ISO certified factories is 56 countries and private revenues exceeding $1.5 billion, Festo's financial, technical and logistical support will prove to be an invaluable resource. Atair looks forward to fostering this relationship well into the future."
Hans Zobel, President and CEO of Festo Corporation offered praise stating "Atair Aerospace represents what we look for in a partnering company. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies to simplify product designs and maintain efficiency, they are a model for young research and development companies."
This support serves to underscore an emerging performance record of innovative research and development at Atair Aerospace. The company has pioneered a dual parachute system that autonomously pilots cargo from a high altitude under a high speed guidable parafoil by using GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation Sensors) combined with pneumatic actuators and a secondary parachute for soft touchdown. The proliferation of inexpensive surface to air missiles is forcing modern militaries to rethink how to effectively and safely delivery vital supplies to hostile environments; autonomous guided parafoil systems are the solution. Atair Aerospace is poised to meet this critical need with its novel, proprietary technology and critical industry partnerships.
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April 29, 2003
Atair Aerospace to demonstrate at prestigious military PATCAD 2003
Atair Aerospace, Inc. has been invited to present its Onyx autonomous guided parafoil system during the Precision Airdrop Technology Conference and Demonstration (PATCAD) at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds on November 3rd though the 7th, 2003. The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center is funding the Atair demonstration and providing C130 airplanes, helicopters, aerial filming, radar tracking, and ground support.
PATCAD is sponsored by: - U.S. Army Soldier Biological & Chemical
Command (SBCCOM) - Natick Soldier Center (NSC)
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory
- Office of Scientific Research
- U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground
- SOCOM Marine Corp War fighting Lab
- NASA-Johnson Space Center
PATCAD was created to provide a comprehensive forum for the Aerial Delivery community, with interest in precision airdrop and complimentary technologies, to share experiences and view technologies in this growing field.
Demonstrations for PATCAD are given by invitation only, and of the diverse range of companies staging demos for the United States Military, Atair is the only U.S. company presenting autonomous flight capabilities. Over 100 DoD personnel with ranks of up to 3 star general are expected to attend. An equal number of foreign military representatives have been invited and are expected to attend.
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April 10, 2003
Atair Aerospace wins COMET Award: '2003 Manufacturer of the Year for Innovation'
Atair Aerospace was one of five manufacturers honored by New York State's Empire State Development and the Long Island Forum for Technology during their COMET expo and awards dinner at the Long Island Business & Technology Center on April 10, 2003. The event was created as a way to feature the numerous high-technology manufacturing companies of the Long Island area, with a particular emphasis on defense related companies.
 BAE Systems, EDO Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Empire State Development, Fleet Bank, and Margolin, Winer & Evans, LLP, judged the over 70 participating companies in five categories: Innovative Products, Precision Parts, Electronic Assemblies, Complex Integrated Products, and Unrestricted. Atair was honored with the 2003 Manufacturer of the Year Award for Innovation for their Onyx family of Autonomous Guided Parachute systems.
Conflicts in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq have demonstrated the wide spread use of inexpensive surface to air missiles by enemies. The United States Military has at the highest level recognized the critical need for the development of guided parachute systems to replace current, obsolete airdrop delivery techniques. A $3000 shoulder fired SAM can put in jeopardy aircraft flying up to 25,000 ft. Conventional military airdrop techniques release cargo under round parachutes from altitudes below 1,500 ft. At such low altitudes placing cargo at the intended landing target is accurate, but puts the carrier plane and personnel in grave danger. Using such airdrop techniques at altitudes of 25,000 ft. to 35,000 ft. provides safety for the aircraft and personnel, but makes delivering cargo to the landing target impossible.
With funding for guided parachute systems now coming from the Secretary of Defense level, government and military agencies appear primed to dedicate serious resources to resolving this critical strategic military requirement. Having foreseen this need and begun the development of guided parafoil systems several years ago, Atair Aerospace continues to develop the state-of-the-art, advanced-design parachutes guided by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and Inertial Navigation Sensors (INS) for the precise, reliable and cost-effective airborne delivery of material and ordnance to remote locations in fulfillment of critical military, relief and rescue missions. Atair has been a pioneer in bringing forth new technological advances in military and sport parachute systems since 1992.
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December 13, 2002
Atair awarded contract by the U.S. Department of Defense
Atair Aerospace was awarded a contract on December 13, 2002 by the U.S. Department of Defense for the development of a guided parachute (a smaller version of their Onyx 500). Atair was the only company awarded funding for this topic.
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