Executive Summary
AWZ is an autonomous vehicle that takes off and lands vertically, carries one passenger, and targets a range of over 1,000 miles on a single trip. It has no onboard pilot and no remote operator. Safety comes first in every design decision.
Safety First
- Three flight computers work together; if one fails, the other two keep the vehicle flying safely.
- A backup system keeps the engine running if the main controls fail.
- A parachute can lower the whole vehicle to the ground in an emergency.
- The vehicle can land safely on water if needed.
How AWZ Flies Itself
Cameras and sensors let AWZ see in every direction. It navigates and lands safely even without an external signal.
Fuel and Power
AWZ runs on Jet-A fuel, which is common and easy to find today, and carries batteries for backup power. A future switch to hydrogen fuel is possible once hydrogen stations are widely built.
Engineering Status
AWZ exists as a complete design that has been tested through simulation. The next step is a physical prototype, starting small and building up to full size. The 1,000-mile range is a design goal that has not yet been demonstrated in flight.
Important Notice
AWZ is under development and is not available for sale or operation. Statements about the future are forward-looking and are not guarantees of performance, safety, or availability.