Rotron Secures Martin Jetpack Engine Agreement

Rotron Power Ltd, a leading manufacturer of advanced rotary propulsion systems and subsidiary of Gilo Industries Group, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an engine supply agreement for the Martin Jetpack, an experimental VTOL aircraft under development by Martin Aircraft Company Ltd. in New Zealand.

As described in recent announcements by Martin Aircraft, the custom designed two-stroke V4 engine presently being used on the Martin Jetpack test aircraft was never planned to be the commercial engine solution, and in June 2015 the company moved along a path of investigating alternative options. Following the engine study, Martin Aircraft selected the Rotron rotary engine and consequently is not proceeding with either the 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine concept design at this stage.

The Rotron rotary engine reflects a completely new approach to VTOL propulsion both in manned and unmanned air vehicle (UAV) operations by redefining the relationship between size, performance, efficiency and reliability. The Rotron rotary engine delivers a higher power-to-weight ratio compared to any other specific engine while remaining small, lightweight, reliable and with almost zero vibration which makes it an ideal power plant for the Martin Jetpack range of aircraft including both Manned and UAV models.

The Martin Jetpack specific rotary engine is based upon an adaption of the present Rotron engines already being manufactured for unmanned air vehicles. Testing and Evaluation has been taking place at Rotron’s UK test facilities, with representatives from Martin Aircraft Company assisting, since late last year. Testing will continue as the two companies move to align the engine delivery with the production build.

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Martin Aircraft, Peter Coker said with Rotron’s patented rotor and water cooling systems, and electronic fuel injection fitted as standard, the Rotron engine delivers greater fuel and payload flexibility, improved operational range and a multi-mission capability which fits well with our product development roadmap for the Martin Jetpack and Jetpack products.

Gilo Industries CEO Jim Edmondson said that the vision of Gilo Industries is to produce innovative class beating technology. Working with Martin Aircraft Company is a fantastic fit as we are both Companies that see disruptive technology as a way of changing the status quo. Our unique design using already well proven Rotron technology for the Martin Jetpack will offer a power solution that will serve the growth of Martin Aircraft Company in the future.

ABOUT THE MARTIN AIRCRAFT COMPANY LIMITED

Martin Aircraft Company Limited (Martin Aircraft) is currently developing the Martin Jetpack, the world’s first practical jetpack, with potential search and rescue, military, recreational and commercial applications, both manned and unmanned. The Martin Jetpack was initially conceived and developed by Glenn Martin in Dunedin in 1981. This led to the founding of Martin Aircraft Company in 1998 and the development of a Jetpack that, based on current testing, is expected to have over 30 minutes’ flight capability at a speed of up to 74 km/h and an altitude up to 1,000 m (3000ft).

The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with significant capabilities and is able to be flown either by a pilot or via remote control. The Jetpack can take off and land vertically (VTOL) and because of its small dimensions, it can operate in confined spaces (such as close to or in between buildings), near trees or in confined areas that other VTOL aircraft such as helicopters cannot access.

More detailed information about Martin Aircraft and the Martin Jetpack is available at www.martinjetpack.com

ABOUT GILO INDUSTRIES GROUP LIMITED

Gilo Industries Group is an aviation-focused company fuelled by passion for aerospace technology. From air, land or sea, they provide solutions that advance technology and discovery while meeting customer needs with high impact, best value aerospace products, systems and services.

Established in 2008, Rotron Power Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilo Industries Group is a specialist manufacturer of advanced rotary engines for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications and is at the forefront of aviation technology. Rotron also has experience with provision of supply of engines for Manned Aircraft and is a strategic partner of world famous Martin Baker company.

More detailed information about Rotron Power Ltd is available at http://www.rotronuav.com