The Next Big Thing

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGM: QTWW)

OTCBlog — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated a lt e rnat ive energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies includes advanced lithium-ion battery systems, electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems, and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low-emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, alternative fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum’s customer base includes automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.

Value Proposition

Quantum Technologies is a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies is being fully integrated into the transportation energy system. The Company’s core hybrid electric, hydrogen, and alternative fuel technologies enable energy efficient utilization in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles; and, Quantum’s hydrogen refueling stations provide modular solutions for distributed infrastructure to meet the growing demand from hydrogen hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. The Company has provided groundbreaking, concept-tocompletion solutions for industry leaders such as Toyota, Ford, Suzuki, Yamaha, Opal, General Motors, NASA, and the U.S. Army. Quantum’s products and services provide leading-edge solutions for its customers and partners. With technological milestones such as the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to go 300 miles without refueling and the development of a 13.3 wt% hydrogen tank and 0.75 kg regulator for NASA/AeroVironment, coupled with the environmental impacts of global warming and the recent prices of gasoline, Quantum Technologies is poised for both shortand long-term growth for the foreseeable future.

o On November 8th 2007 ASOLA has signed a long-term supply contract with Ersol Solar Energy AG for the procurement of 155 MW of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar cells, starting in 2008. Resulting sales from the supply agreement with Ersol are anticipated to generate US $500 million for ASOLA and Quantum.

o On March 5th 2008 Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, has been awarded a contract by AS Solar GmbH for the supply of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar modules. The value of this contract is estimated at $135 million over a three year period, beginning in 2008, and subject to final negotiations on quantity and price in 2009 and 2010.

• Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP) has developed breakthrough energy and power management technologies, including advanced control strategies for lithium-ion cell balancing and thermal management, resulting in battery packs of unprecedented power density, energy density, safety, and durability. Quantum has a 40% stake in ALP.

o On April 18th 2007 Quantum’s strategic partner in lithium-ion battery systems, ALP, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading Chinese automaker to jointly develop battery-dominant propulsion systems for passenger



Products

Advanced Vehicle Systems

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles

• Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines

• Fuel Cell Vehicle Systems

Energy Storage and Delivery

• Lithium-Ion Battery and Advanced Control

Systems

• Advanced Hydrogen & CNG Storage

Systems

• Mobile & Portable Hydrogen Refueling

Systems

• 2,000 Hydrogen Systems

Renewable Energy Generation

• Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Automotive, Residential, and Commercial)

• Wind Turbines (Installation, Electricity and Hydrogen Generation)



Services

• Concept to Production Vehicles

• Powertrain Engineering

• Electronics & Software

• Design Analysis & Rapid Prototyping

• Computer Graphic Rendering

• Full Size Clay Modeling

• Reactive Injection Molding Body Parts

• SULEV Emissions Test & Certification

• Vehicle Validation

• Service Engineering

• Second Stage Manufacturing

• Aftermarket Products

Management

Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Niedzwiecki has served as Quantum’s President and as one of its directors since February 2002 and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in August 2002. Mr. Niedzwiecki served as Chief Operating Officer from November 2001 until he was appointed CEO in August 2002. From October 1999 to November 2001, Mr. Niedzwiecki served as Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. From February 1990 to October 1999, Mr. Niedzwiecki was President of NGV Corporation, an engineering and marketing/commercialization consulting company. Mr. Niedzwiecki has more than 25 years of experience in the alternative fuels industry in product and technology development and commercialization relating to mobile, stationary power generation, and refueling infrastructure solutions. Mr. Niedzwiecki is a graduate of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Jeffrey P. Beitzel, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Beitzel has served as Quantum’s Chief Operating Officer and as one of its directors since March 2005. Mr. Beitzel previously served as a director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Starcraft and as President of Wheel to Wheel. Mr. Beitzel has founded and owned several automotive companies since leaving an engineering position with Ford Motor Company in 1983. Such businesses have generally focused on converting automotive design concepts into limited volume production for original equipment manufacturers.

W. Brian Olson, Chief Financial Officer
W. Brian Olson has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since August 2002 of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. From July 1999 to August 2002, Mr. Olson served as Treasurer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IMPCO. He originally joined IMPCO in October 1994 and held various financial positions with IMPCO, including serving as Corporate Controller. Prior to joining IMPCO, Mr. Olson was with the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP and its Kenneth Leventhal Group. Mr. Olson holds a B.S. degree in business and operations management from Western Illinois University and an M.B.A. degree in finance and economic policy from the University of Southern California. Mr. Olson is a Certified Financial Manager and a Certified Management Accountant.

Board of Directors

Dale L. Rasmussen, Chairman of the Board
Mr. Rasmussen has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2000, and was appointed as chairman of the board of directors in February 2002. Since April 1984, Mr. Rasmussen has held various positions at IMPCO Technologies, Inc. ("IMPCO"), our previous parent company, including his current position as Senior Vice President and Secretary since June 1989, as well as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Prior to joining IMPCO, Mr. Rasmussen was a commercial banker for 12 years at banks that were acquired by Key Bank and U.S. Bank. He received a B.A. in Business Administration and Economics from Western Washington University and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.

Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and Chief Executive Officer
(See Bio Above )

Jeffrey P. Beitzel, Chief Operating Officer
(See Bio Above )

uWink, Inc. (OTCBB: UWKI)

OTCBlog — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:00:00 GMT

uWink, Inc. (OTCBB: UWKI) is a digital entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California that develops interactive entertainment software and platforms for restaurants, bars, and mobile devices. uWink is led by entertainment and restaurant visionary Nolan Bushnell, founder and former CEO of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese (NYSE: CEC).

   Interview With Mr. Nolan Bushnell

uWink has launched a new entertainment dining experience which leverages its proprietary network and entertainment software, including the uWink Game Library.

uWink has invested more than $10 million over the last 4 years to build its entertainment vending platform, Boxter Bear, and its Entertainment Systems Network, including SNAP! and the uWink Game Library. uWink’s sophisticated and proprietary technology serves as the foundation for the uWink restaurant. Similar to how Chuck E. Cheese created a new market opportunity for Atari’s games, uWink believes that its restaurants will provide an exciting new venue and market for its products. uWink’s proprietary technology creates significant barriers to entry, including cost of development, time to market and decades of game play experience.

The Company opened its first restaurant location in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles in October of 2006, with additional locations currently being planned.

On October 25, 2007, uWink announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the leasehold interest and certain assets of a currently operating restaurant in downtown Mountain View, California. uWink expects to be able to convert the approximately 7,000 square foot restaurant to the uWink concept and open to the public by early 2008.

uWink Completes $10.4 Million Equity Financing

On November 7, 2007, The Company completed a $10.4 million registered equity financing. The proceeds of the raise are to be used to fund new restaurant development and general working capital needs.

Investors purchased approximately 5.2 million units at a purchase price of $2.00 per unit, each of which consists of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.40. The warrants are immediately separable from the units, immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of their issuance. The net proceeds are expected to be approximately $9.3 million after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.

Nolan Bushnell, chairman and CEO of uWink stated. "This financing marks an important inflection point in the growth of our company, highlighting market acceptance of our concept and technology while providing us with the capital to allow us to execute on our growth plans,"

uWink Launches Real-Time, Multiplayer in-Restaurant Game Platform

November 28, 2007 uWink announced the launch of its real-time, multiplayer game platform, that allows for restaurant-wide, head-to-head and team game play, greatly enhancing customer interaction.

The first game to be featured on uWink’s new game platform, uWink Trivia Live, allows patrons throughout the restaurant to play a multiple-choice trivia game against one another in real-time (including real-time scoring), either head-to-head individually or in teams, using uWink’s proprietary tabletop touchscreen terminals. The game scoring and results are projected on the walls of the restaurant in real time, making the game a truly immersive experience.

Future games to be featured on the platform include uWink Scene Investigation (uWink’s riff on the popular CSI television series), Xingo (a mashup of bowling and bingo) and Picture Perfect, uWink’s popular "find the differences" game.

uWink’s new game platform also allows uWink to run a myriad of unique in-person tournament and multi-player prize games. uWink plans to open its platform to 3rd party developers in the near future.

uWink Successfully Implements Customer-Controlled Pay-at-the-Table Technology

December 3, 2007 uWink announced the successful implementation of customer-controlled pay-at-the-table technology. Using uWink’s proprietary software coupled with credit card readers at the table, uWink customers can now verify the bill, add a tip, swipe a credit card and digitally sign the charge directly on uWink’s proprietary touchscreen terminals.

uWink’s new pay-at-the-table software features a straightforward user interface that walks customers through the checkout process step by step. Once the customer has verified the bill, added a tip and swiped a credit card using the credit card reader attached to the uWink terminal, uWink’s software securely captures, verifies and processes the credit card information and then prompts the customer to digitally sign the charge directly on the uWink touchscreen. The system also offers the ability to email transaction receipts. The software is fully integrated with uWink’s electronic credit card processing gateway and point-of-sale system, allowing for state-of-the art, secure transaction processing and direct capture of transaction data in uWink’s accounting and reporting systems.

The pay-at-the-table technology also helps support uWink’s labor model by reducing the need for cashiers to handle customer checkout. In addition, with this new technology, the restaurant operations staff has greater visibility into table status, leading to better customer flow and table seating management, ultimately resulting in happier customers.

uWink Monetizes In-Restaurant Game Play with New ''Micro-Transaction'' Software System

December 5, 2007 uWink announced the introduction of its new proprietary game "credit" purchasing and redemption system. The new software is designed to facilitate customer purchases of uWink’s premium and prized, single and multiplayer casual and social games in micro-transactions (i.e. with dollar-values ranging from 25 cents to $2.00 per play), leading to higher average revenue per customer. The system is also designed to increase customer loyalty by allowing for portability and redemption of game credits during future visits.

"We are very pleased with customer adoption of our new game credit system," said Nolan Bushnell, CEO of uWink. "Customers are now buying more games and are coming back to redeem unused credits. The new software enhances uWink’s ability to deliver unique revenue streams."

With the new software, customers self-purchase virtual game "credits" on uWink’s tabletop terminals, purchased credits are stored in a virtual account, and then automatically deducted from that account as customers spend those credits on games offered on the terminals. The system offers discounts for bulk game credit purchases and allows for portability and redemption of purchased game credits during future visits, encouraging return visits.

The game credit software also integrates directly with uWink’s restaurant point-of-sale system allowing for game credit purchases to be charged on the customer’s bill, along with food, drink and merchandise purchases. The game credit sales revenue is also captured directly into uWink’s accounting system.

uWink & Volante Systems to Provide Innovative Hospitality Solutions

On December 11, 2007 uWink announced that they will co-develop and co-market innovative technology solutions for the hospitality industry with Volanté Systems, a leading hospitality technology provider.

The companies will offer the "uV Hospitality Solution," an end-to-end self-order, self-pay and at-the-table digital entertainment delivery solution pioneered and proven in uWink’s prototype interactive restaurant in Woodland Hills, California. The "uV Hospitality Solution" is a seamless integration of uWink’s innovative touch screen user interface software and micro-transaction game credit and redemption system with Volanté’s point-of-sale (POS) and back office enterprise system.

Over the last year, uWink and Volanté have been tightly integrating their two software systems into one seamless, end-to-end solution, a process greatly facilitated by extensive real-time customer feedback and stress testing in the 200 seat prototype uWink restaurant.

Volanté Systems’ software offers unique flexibility, cross-platform compatibility and open-source, peer-to-peer technology, along with its full range of features, including credit/debit processing, loyalty programs and gift card management.

Nolan Bushnell, CEO of uWink stated. "The licensing of our technology into other hospitality markets is a logical expansion. We see a huge opportunity to leverage our software solution and offer it to other hospitality and public-space markets as an integral component of our growth strategy."

"The uWink restaurant has proven that the "uV Hospitality Solution" is a smashing success, showing that the public, across all demographics, is ready to embrace self-serve technology, and that the technology can in fact deliver major benefits to the industry, including higher average checks, labor savings, increased customer loyalty, increased transaction speed and accuracy, and reduced lines," said A. Ennamorato, vice president of operations, Volanté Systems. "Many of our hospitality clients, including hotels, universities, stadiums, theme parks, casinos, casual/fast food chains, and golf and ski resorts, are keenly interested in self-service technology solutions. The combination of uWink’s proven customer-facing self-order, self-pay and digital entertainment delivery and monetization capabilities seamlessly combined with Volanté’s innovative java-based, peer-to-peer point-of-sale enterprise software, represents the end-to-end solution the hospitality industry has been waiting for."

At the uWink restaurant in Woodland Hills customers self-order and self-pay for food, drink and digital media, including short form video games from uWink’s library of 70+ casual and social single-player and multiplayer games, from tabletop touch screen terminals running proprietary user interface software. The uWink system is fully integrated with Volanté’s POS system allowing for seamless transaction billing, processing and accounting.

The "uV Hospitality Solution" software also allows for the delivery of digital advertising and the monetization of customer game play via a unique "micro-transaction" game credit purchasing and redemption system that is also tied directly into the Volanté POS for billing and processing.

The Story of uWink

From the fun, casual games, to the legendary leader, uWink is simply about fun and food. They make it easy for people to interact, have fun, and enjoy a delicious meal at a reasonable price. uWink is an entertainment dining experience that can’t be had anywhere else. It’s not a game arcade or pool parlor; uWink is an interactive, social restaurant where at-the-table touchscreens let you be in control of your meal and your fun.

The Food

At the center of uWink is the food. It’s fresh and made just for you. It's ordered at the table on touch screen terminals, served quickly and accurately by runners. No waiting for a waitperson, no misunderstandings in the kitchen. No flagging down your server to get more water. The signature bistro fare includes pizza, burgers, salads, appetizers and shareable desserts. Tasty and fresh always! Lunch specials make grabbing a meal (and some fun) a snap. There’s something for everyone to enjoy - any time of day.

The Place

The uWink look and feel is dynamic. Ever-changing iCandy creates a hip and sophisticated environment and a lively bar area makes uWink a comfortable and entertaining place to spend an evening. Speedy service makes uWink an excellent place to grab a quick and delicious lunch. There is a connection with uWink that so many feel when they first walk in the door. You're immediately engaged in interactive fun and surrounded by a sophisticated, hip and warm atmosphere complete with iCandy, inviting you to engage and enjoy, while savoring the innovative flavors of our menu. uWink offers a premium convenience where you always feel welcome and where you always have a great time.

The Business

uWink has created a culture that is both guest-centered and performance-based. With a commitment to delivering a premium convenience experience to consumers, while operating the business in a disciplined, strategic, focused, and results-oriented way. uWiink has built a team of experienced leaders and a strong operating business model.

The Growth and Investment Opportunity

From one restaurant in the Los Angeles area, the Company plans on lively growth through both company-owned restaurants and franchising. The uWink story continues to unfold as more restaurants open, and execute on delivering the promise that uWink is simply about great food and good fun.

Company headquarters are located at:
16106 Hart Street
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 909-6030

investors@uwink.com

Force Protection makes it Big

OTCBlog — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:29:00 GMT

FORCE PROTECTION, INC. "FRPT" ACHIEVES NASDAQ LISTING

Force Protection, Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of ballistic- and blast-protected vehicles, which have been used to support armed forces and security personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other hot spots around the globe, is now listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

"We are thrilled to be here today," said Force Protection Chairman Frank Kavanaugh. "We recognize and deeply appreciate the efforts of Force Protection’s executive management team, its investors, and workforce who have supported our mission to produce vehicles that protect and save lives, and who have made this important opportunity possible.

"We especially dedicate this moment to the men and women of our armed forces for whom these vehicles are built."

Shareholders do not need to take any action as a result of the NASDAQ Capital Market listing. Company stock certificates will remain valid.

Popular with troops who credit the vehicles with saving lives, Force Protection’s Buffalo and Cougar blast- and ballistic-protected vehicles have an unmatched record for troop safety, protecting against attacks on vehicles led by improvised explosive devices and roadside bombs. Combined, the vehicles have logged more than 1.6 million hours of combat operations since their initial deployment with U.S. and Allied forces in 2003.

Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB: FRPT)

OTCBlog — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 23:44:00 GMT

Hand-Built Armored Vehicles Save Lives

The U.S. Army fielded its first Buffalo armored vehicle to an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team in Iraq in mid 2003. Three years later, South Carolina-based manufacturer Force Protection has delivered around 300 Buffalos and smaller Cougars to the Army and Marine Corps. And despite more than 1,000 attacks on Soldiers and Marines riding in the vehicles in Iraq, there have been no fatalities. Now the company is set to massively expand production of the lifesaving trucks.

"Our vehicles take good care of us," Staff Sergeant Colin Thompson said in January. Thompson and other members of the North Dakota National Guard's 164th Engineer Battalion patrolled the streets around Balad, Iraq, for Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs. The unit was equipped with Buffalos, Cougars, up-armored Humvees and other vehicles, but credited the custom-designed Buffalos and Cougars with keeping it safe from attack. Thompson recalled a 164th patrol that was hit by three IEDs but suffered no injuries.

"Our armored vehicles effectively counter the effects of IEDs, land mines and roadside bombs," Force Protection CEO Gordon McGilton said in a recent statement. "In terms of safety and survivability, no other vehicle deployed in the war compares."

Some classified design secrets contribute to the vehicles' high degree of protection. But the major reason Buffalos and Cougars are so safe is simple: In an age when the military is obsessed with cutting vehicles' weight to make them easily air-transportable, Force Protection makes its vehicles heavier.

At a converted jet engine factory in the small town of Ladson, Force Protection craftsmen build each Buffalo and Cougar by hand. They start with commercial trucks purchased direct from the manufacturer, tear the trucks down to their chassis then pile on a new body comprised of steel and composite armor. To the tall, six-wheeled Buffaloes the workers affix an articulated remote-controlled arm for probing IEDs. The Cougars, which come in four-by-four and six-by-six models, are outfitted with gun turrets for the Buffalo escort role.

Just two years ago, Force Protection had a staff of 12 hand-building one Buffalo per month, according to spokesman Wayne Phillips. Now the company employs 400 and churns out more than a vehicle per day. Force Protection is slated to build 300 Buffalos through 2010 and several hundred more Cougars. This year, Force Protection partnered with BAE Systems to build as many as 1,000 Cougar derivatives for the Iraqi Army under the U.S.-managed Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle program. In recent weeks, the company has signed a similar agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems to jointly manufacture the standard Cougar in order to meet rising demand, including 85 for the British Army.

Capitalizing on its successes, the firm is looking to compete for the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, which aims to replace the Humvee across the U.S. military. As many as 100,000 vehicles are up for grabs in that competition.

Force Protection's dramatic growth from a small start-up firm to a mainstream manufacturer with a workforce of more than 550 has been driven by the demand of U.S. combat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal teams for the Buffalo and Cougar mine-protected vehicles, which they credit with saving lives since 2003. A recent contract from the British Ministry of Defense for protected vehicles to support infantry patrols marks an additional expansion of the company to the international defense industry.

Force Protection's dramatic growth from a small start-up firm to a mainstream manufacturer with a workforce of more than 550 has been driven by the demand of U.S. combat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal teams for the Buffalo and Cougar mine-protected vehicles, which they credit with saving lives since 2003. A recent contract from the British Ministry of Defense for protected vehicles to support infantry patrols marks an additional expansion of the company to the international defense industry.

The Buffalo is the most advanced mine resistant vehicle in the world. It can be configured for multiple missions and is specifically designed to be repaired in the field. Cutting-edge technology combined with the best American automotive components give this vehicle the maximum visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and parts availability of any vehicle in its class.

The Cougar is a family of medium mine-protected vehicles which can be supplied in 4X4 or 6X6 layout. It can be configured for a wide range of tasks including troop carrying (up to 14 in the 6X6), EOD (4 troops and a large EOD robot in the 4X4), command and control, artillery prime mover, recovery and ambulance duty. Cougar is in production.

Force Protection, Inc. is committed to provide vehicles that protect lives, while at the same time giving troops versatility in meeting mission objectives. Force Protection, Inc. believes that keeping troops safe is not a business; it’s a cause.

Force Protection, Inc.

9801 Highway 78, #3

Ladson, South Carolina 29456

Phone: (843) 740-7015

Fax: (843) 740-1973

www.forceprotection.net

Email: info@forceprotection.net

Groen Brothers Aviation

OTCBlog — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 03:02:00 GMT

On August 17, 2006, Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (GBA) (OTCBB “GNBA”) announced that the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ("DARPA") has passed GBA’s submission for the third Milestone of its contract to design a proof of concept, high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This modern rotorcraft, named the "Heliplane" by DARPA, is intended for use in combat search and rescue roles. The goal of this proof-of-concept demonstrator is a greater than two-fold improvement in speed and range performance over a conventional helicopter. The Heliplane will have a cruise speed of 400 mph and an un-refueled range of 1,000 nm (1,152 miles). The proof-of-concept aircraft will also carry a 1,000 lb payload. It will offer the VTOL capability of a helicopter, the fast forward flight of an airplane, and the safety, simplicity and reliability of a GBA gyroplane and is designed to exploit the Company's gyrodyne technology.

The contract, awarded to a GBA led team in November 2005, is for Phase One of a potential multi-year $40 million four-phase Program. Phase One is a fifteen month $6.4 million award to perform trade studies, develop appropriate risk mitigation, perform extensive advanced computer modeling of the entire vehicle, develop the preliminary design for the Heliplane, and complete the rotor system design. The Company estimates its share of Phase One payments will approximate $4.3 million, with the remaining portion to be paid by the Company to subcontractors and consultants hired by the Company.

Payments under this contract are conditional upon the Company attaining several milestone objectives during the course of Phase One of the contract.

DARPA is the central research and development organization for the US Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs a $2 billion budget for basic and applied research for DoD, emphasizing technology development projects where payoff is high and where success may provide dramatic advances in the capabilities of this country's combat forces. DARPA has around 240 Personnel managing a $2 billion budget.

In December 2005, the Company completed the first milestone of the DARPA Heliplane contract and recognized contract revenue of $390,000. During March 2006, the Company completed the second milestone of the DARPA contract and recognized contract revenue of $760,000. The Company is now moving toward the completion of the fourth milestone.

GBA's team, in addition to a highly renowned team of aerospace consultants, includes:

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), whose Center of Excellence in Rotorcraft Technology has done extensive research on the gyrodyne concept.

Adam Aircraft Industries, known for its innovative use of modern composite materials and rapid prototyping processes that has allowed Adam to bring to market two new high-performance aircraft: the six passenger "center-line-twin" A500 and the A700 personal jet.

Williams International, has developed more than 40 different small gas turbine engine systems for both military and commercial air vehicles, including the Adam A700 and other modern business jets.

The objective expressed by DARPA is to obtain performance out of a rotary-wing aircraft that is comparable with fixed-wing airplanes in speed and efficiency. This aircraft type could be the next generation rotor wing aircraft, meeting economy and performance goals not considered achievable by any other type of VTOL aircraft. As the Company's gyrodyne technology is scalable to much larger aircraft, it has potential applications for both heavy lift, high speed VTOL military aircraft and for runway independent commercial airliners. The Company has been actively engaged in discussions with government agencies and potential aerospace strategic partners in this country with respect to military and commercial gyrodynes.

GBA is recognized as the world’s leading authority on autorotative flight and is the leading advocate for gyrodyne technology. Gyrodynes use tip–jets to spin rotors for vertical or Ultra-Short Take Off and initial flight, then transfer their loads to conventional wings and propellers. This allows the tip-jets to be shut down and the aircraft to operate in autorotation as a gyroplane. Use of powered rotors for short-term hovering/takeoff and main engines for forward thrust eliminates the need for much of the cost, weight, and complexity found in helicopters, while permitting much higher forward speeds. It also offers additional safety, as in the event of loss of power, the aircraft will remain in autorotation and will descend under control of the pilot.

GBA and DARPA believe the Heliplane combines the best characteristics of a helicopter with those of a fixed-wing aircraft, giving it the ability to take off and land vertically, hover with low disc loading and low downwash, yet fly as fast as a turboprop and more efficiently than a helicopter.

More than forty years ago, a British aircraft manufacturer, Fairey Aviation Company, Ltd., developed a revolutionary new 44 passenger gyrodyne called the Rotodyne. This 200 mph VTOL airliner was, in its day, the fastest way to get from downtown London to downtown Paris. If it existed today, even without modern improvements, it would still be the fastest, safest, method of travel between those two city centers.

Groen Brothers Aviation is aiming to rapidly bring the gyrodyne into the modern age, using current technology for design, materials and engines, production of safe, fast, VTOL long range, high payload rotorcraft. These aircraft will have the ability to hover and be economical, reliable and easy to maintain.

Gyrodyne components and flight control systems can be incorporated into certain existing production high wing airplanes with only small modification to the airframe. The time and cost savings benefits of using an existing production airplane are possible because neither the airframe nor most of its systems will need to be designed, engineered, developed, structural loads measured, analyzed, tested, redesigned and engineered, tested again and then prepared for production. And, since the technology exists with GBA, engineering risks are far lower.

Using an airplane that is already in production also means that the production plan, materials management system and massive supplier chain, quality assurance system, tooling, and production line are already in place and do not need to be designed, developed and paid for again, nor will there be a production learning curve to overcome. The only components that will be needed for this development are the tip-jets (which have no moving parts), rotorblades, rotor head, mast and flight control system. Since the airframe is suspended from the rotor exactly from where it is suspended from its wing, in flight loads to the airframe should not be significantly changed.

This concept was successfully tested by Groen Brothers Aviation through modifying a Cessna Skymaster airplane. The experimental aircraft was named   “RevCon6.” First the two piston engines were removed. The forward engine was replaced with a Rolls-Royce model 250 gas turbine engine, and the aft engine was replaced with a large clam-shell cargo door. The wings were clipped and the existing twin boom tail was inverted to give rotor clearance. The rotor system from one of GBA's Hawk 4 Gyroplanes was directly connected to the high wing attach points that were already carrying the Skymaster's fuselage.

This conversion, using minimal assets, took less than one year from first conception to first flight. This aircraft demonstrated its exceptional stability and ease of flight, characteristic of a well designed gyroplane.

The same process would permit the quick and economical introduction of VTOL GyroLiners in the 19, 35, 50, and 75 passenger sizes. These runway independent airliners could provide safe and reliable, regional point-to-point transport and alleviate the continued congesting of air travel systems, a topic of major concern for the airline industry as growth begins to return.

Much larger gyrodynes can also be developed at a fraction of the cost of developing similar helicopters, vectored thrust aircraft, tiltrotor or tiltwing aircraft, even if the gyrodyne is entirely designed new from the ground up, because of the inherent simplicity of the gyrodyne.

Using an adaptation of its same technology, GBA is offering a gyroplane solution to meet the US Army’s need for a vertical take-off and landing heavy lift transport. GBA’s concept was originally in response to a Department of Defense study contract announced in 2003 to examine different concepts for meeting the Army’s need for an Advanced Maneuver Transport (AMT).

In July of 2005, GBA joined the Georgia Institute of Technology Team in a joint Heavy Lift Proposal for the US Army. The proposal called for using a C130 Hercules as a test vehicle, fitting it with a tip-jet powered rotor designed by the Team. The GBA Heavy Lift GyroLifter concept is based on the successful flight characteristics of the Fairy Rotodyne. The proposal, extensively researched by Georgia Tech, was not rewarded one of the five contracts worth roughly $3 million for Concept Design Analysis development. However, in the debriefing by the Army and NASA personnel following the decision, the company was encouraged by the reception the proposal had received and the potential for future participation in the project.

GBA continues to promote the gyrodyne concept and was pleased to have had the support of Georgia Tech, Shafer Corporation and Dancila LLC. Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the Hercules, and Rolls-Royce, manufacturer of the engines in the C130 had pledged their support had the proposal been chosen.

The GBA GyroLifter could rapidly be made available as an interim fast, long range VTOL transport capable of carrying large loads of troops and equipment long distances without the need for runways at either end of the mission.   This aircraft would, in speed, range, economy, reliability, mission readiness, and cargo/troop hauling capacity, be unequaled by any aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically (and able to hover) that is now available, could timely be made available, or is planned.

A variant of this design could be the critical multi-role aircraft necessary for an effective seabasing strategy for the military service. Other military variants of this gyrodyne technology can also be developed, including: large two man gunships; small, light observation and courier aircraft; and VTOL UAVs.

In addition to its uses as proposed for an AMT, the GyroLifter could also serve in a wildfire suppression role. Using this aircraft in a “dual use” role as an aerial fire fighting vehicle was first suggested by William B. Scott, Rocky Mountain Bureau Chief for Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine (AW&ST). Mr. Scott, in his article from the November 3, 2003 issue of AW&ST, notes that the fast moving fires in Southern California underscore the importance of a timely “initial attack” to preclude heavy losses of life and property. Because of its high speed response time and ability to fly low and slow safely, the GBA GyroLifter fitted with a water cannon could fight fires day or night as an initial attack aircraft. Its 3,000 gallon tank provides ample water/retardant for accurately and quickly dousing spot-fires before they become large uncontrolled burns.

The GBA GyroLifter Monsoon™ would give the organizations charged with fighting fires in our national forests what they prefer: the “on site” quick-turnaround capabilities and low speed water/retardant drop accuracy of a helicopter, with the reliability, load carrying capacity, high speed deployment, and low operating cost of a fixed wing fire bomber.

The GBA Monsoon™ could land on the scene, close to fire fighting operations, to refill with retardant, or hover over nearby lakes and other available bodies of water, drop a snorkel line, re-supply itself with water, then quickly return for the next run. The high speed pumps can load its capacity of 3,000 gallons of water in 90 seconds. Round trip sorties would take a fraction of the time that fixed wing options now need. Since the water drop apparatus can be easily removed and reinstalled, the GBA Monsoon™ can double as a personnel carrier for inserting or extracting large numbers of firefighters and their supplies, at virtually any location. This also makes the aircraft available for other cargo/passenger operations when not needed in its fire fighting roles.

With its water cannon, this aircraft would also be useful in fighting fires in high rise office buildings. In the case of the World Trade Center disaster, two GBA Monsoon™ with water cannons could have sprayed 6,000 gallons of water into those fires every seven minutes, refilling from the Hudson river.

GBA’s GyroLifter concept has garnered much attention in many of the world’s top aviation magazines including: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Air International, Defense & Public Service Helicopter and Flight International. Popular Mechanics and New Scientist magazines have also published articles on the potential of the GyroLifter.

The Hawk 4

Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. has developed the world’s first turbine powered gyroplane. Powered by a 420 shp Rolls-Royce Model 250 series gas turbine engine, the five place (pilot and four passengers) Hawk 4 gyroplane brings to aviation a unique aircraft with many utilitarian qualities. The Hawk’s performance and exceptional versatility also offer a safe and affordable alternative to helicopters and airplanes in many applications.

Based on the lessons learned during successful flight testing of three prototypes over 10 years, the Hawk 4, with its patented variable pitch rotor head, provides USTOL (ultra short takeoff and landing) capabilities, as short as 25 feet under sea level standard conditions.

Thus the Hawk 4 provides operators with takeoff distances unimaginable to operators of fixed wing aircraft and very close to those of helicopters. The aircraft’s simple, robust, design translates into lower operating costs than any comparable turbine powered helicopter. The wide operating speed range, from 46 mph to nearly 150 mph, of this highly maneuverable gyroplane also ensures the Hawk 4 a new niche in the aviation marketplace. Easy to fly and always in autorotation, the Hawk 4 offers uncompromising safety in the realm of flight.

During its operational period for the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command (UOPSC), the Hawk 4 "Homeland Defender"™ gyroplane completed 67 missions and accumulated 75 hours of maintenance free flight time. The gyroplane’s inherent simplicity along with the patented rotor system, proprietary airfoil design, the dependability of Rolls-Royce’s turbine engine and GBA’s engineering excellence combined to make their tenure with UOPSC an unqualified success.

The Hawk 4 is an ideal aircraft for aerial observation as it proved during its mission with UOPSC. State and local governments are allowed by the federal government to fly non-certified aircraft in public service. Thus it can be used by any of the many other governmental agencies in the public use market, such as Law Enforcement, Border Patrol and the DEA without a requirement for FAA certification. With the increased governmental concern for the nation’s security since 9/11 and the subsequent terrorist attacks, the opportunity for the Hawk 4 to serve a greater role in America’s security has greatly increased.

Members from Law Enforcement agencies took the opportunity during the UOPSC tenure to serve as observers and get a first hand look at the Hawk 4's unique agility, maneuverability and dependability in an aerial observation role.

GBA has received letters from fifty-five government agencies, representing twenty-seven states, requesting federal funding for the Hawk 4 Gyroplane. Almost all of these requests are from Law Enforcement departments. These many agencies are specifically seeking the Hawk 4, instead of helicopters or fixed wing aircraft, because of the gyroplanes inherent simplicity, low cost, safety and ease of pilot training. GBA is seeking to qualify the aircraft for funding through the Office of Domestic Preparedness grant program.

The market for the Hawk 4 gyroplane is large. The world has become dependent upon helicopters as the only viable form of flight when runways are not available, or if slow flight is required. The Hawk 4 is a low cost alternative which can out-perform helicopters and airplanes in many roles, as diverse as oil exploration and power line survey, to agricultural spraying, and from numerous people searching for economical air-taxi service. As helicopters have become commonplace in the world, many potential users have realized how useful vertical flight would be if only they could afford it. The market studies and forecasts show that this pent-up demand is as important to the company's marketing plans as the opportunity to sell to individuals, companies and agencies already flying helicopters.

The Hawk 4 is designed and built to FAA type-certification standards and will be certified for commercial operation in the future.

The advantages of the Hawk 4 in police work, include low operating cost, high utilization rate, and high performance.

The Company's business plan for the Hawk 4 is now oriented toward offering this aircraft in its already well tested form to the US government, and to governments of friendly countries. This would give the Company the opportunity to receive revenues ahead of FAA certification, and as a result, to reduce the funding need to permit the start of production of the Hawk 4. The Company is confident that the safety, reliability, maneuverability and low operating cost of the Hawk 4 will permit it to perform competitively with helicopters (and airplanes) for many missions requiring low, slow flight, but without the requirement for a runway for take-off or landing.

The initial market for the SparrowHawk II lies with builders of home-built aircraft from kits. The SparrowHawk II offers improved performance, added comfort and robustness, and greatly eases the effort, and reduces the time, needed by the customer to build the aircraft. All aircraft now being delivered are manufactured to the SparrowHawk II standard. Management believes that there are larger, untapped markets, other than the kit market, for fully assembled small gyroplanes.

An emerging market for such aircraft is arising within the United States as a result of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) definition of a new category of aircraft, namely the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). The Company has therefore initiated the design of a new light gyroplane, called the SportHawk to meet the LSA regulations expected to be applicable to gyroplanes in 2008. Meanwhile the Company can participate initially with the SparrowHawk II in the LSA classification through a subcategory called the Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA).

A variation of the LSA design, called the ShadowHawk, is also being developed that incorporates additional capabilities that are expected to enable this model to be a very attractive, low cost patrol aircraft for law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and overseas, and have other manned and unmanned applications.

GBA EXPANDS CORPORATE/MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Due to the additional staff and space requirements associated with the recent DARPA contract, along with the relocation of the Corporate Headquarters for the SparrowHawk manufacturing and shipping operations from its Flight Operations Facility, the Company has taken over the entire building at the Salt Lake City, Utah facility. This increases the Company’s available space by 60%, giving Groen Brothers Aviation a total of more than 38,000 square feet.

Groen Brothers Aviation

2640 West California
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Phone: 801-973-0177

Fax: 801-973-4027