Groen Brothers Aviation (GBA) says it has secured a further large order for its gyroplanes from Shanghai Energy and Chemicals (SECC) of China .
The order is on top of an existing contract for 200 of the Utah-based company's Hawk III gyroplanes, and covers purchase options on further Hawk IIIs as well as larger versions for five and eight passengers now under development.
"SECC is preparing for an air taxi operation in China, using the Hawk gyroplanes. They wish to ensure that they will have first access to the larger Hawk series when these become available from GBA," says the company's chairman, Jay Groen.
The Hawk series of gyroplanes relies on a turbocharged Textron Lycoming TSIO-550E, with a take-off rating of around 220kW (300hp). Lift is provided by a 12.8m-diameter rotor in the case of the Hawk III, with larger-diameter rotors planned for the bigger gyroplanes now under development. Seats for three are provided in an enclosed cabin and the aircraft is fitted with fixed tricycle gear, although a retractable undercarriage is being developed.
The Hawk V, for which SECC signed an order for up to 100, will seat five, while the Hawk VIII, 100 of which were also selected by China, will seat eight.
"All the emphasis is on the Hawk III at the moment," says deputy marketing director Hank Parry. "We have filed for [US] Federal Aviation Administration certification and the current schedule calls for us to complete that within two and half years," he says. Parry adds that Chinese-bought Hawks, to be assembled, certificated and sold by SECC as complete units, will be certificated separately by the Civil Aviation Authority of China under "grandfather rights".
Source: Flight International
