A Groen Brothers Aviation Hawk 4 gyroplane is to be used for aerial observation during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, which begin later this month in Salt Lake City, Utah. The move is a boost to Groen's efforts to market the aircraft for security and law enforcement applications.
The Hawk 4 is being equipped with daylight and infrared cameras, searchlight, onboard display, real-time video downlink and law-enforcement radios and is expected to enter service on 20 January, providing additional security around Salt Lake International Airport.
Lack of funds forced Groen to put certification work on the four-seat, turboprop-powered Hawk 4 on hold late last year. The company has switched focus to the homeland defence market as law enforcement and other public-use applications that do not require a certificated aircraft.
Source: Flight International
