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What's New

Progress is being made on the new turbine-powered ILV. The attached photos show the new ILV that is approximately 70% complete. Two engine heat exchangers will be mounted directly below each engine for easy maintenance and good cooling flow. The new ILV will be equipped with a collective rotor pitch system to provide increased performance and directional control. Initial power plant testing is being done on a conventional helicopter called the WASP (see LINKS for further information).

Several photos are shown of the PAM 100T outside our shop awaiting the turbine engines and unique fly-by-wire control system. The electronic control system has been "brass boarded" and is awaiting final packaging by electrical engineer Dave Donovan. Dummy engines are mounted on the airframe to help obtain more accurate placement of components.

EMERGENCY EGRESS VEHICLE (EEV)

The concept of an Emergency Egress Vehicle (EEV) is being developed by the PAM Group to provide a small, lightweight, easily flown air vehicle that would have the capability to fly a man into and out of hazardous situations. The EEV would become an air vehicle that would be the equivalent of an aerial ATV. It is estimated that a ferry range of up to 75 nm could be obtained using a small advanced turboshaft engine. A total useful load of 350 pounds could be carried.

Animation was done by Nathanael Miller, Williamsburg, VA, USA

FLYING SHOE II

The PAM Group is exploring and developing the FLYING SHOE II, This small aerial vehicle is truly the magic carpet for the individual. The concept is based on an old, proven idea and made possible by the latest advances in material and propulsion technology. The FLYING SHOE II is a small air vehicle capable of flying out-of-ground effect and powered by an advanced micro-turbine engine using Jet A fuel. SWB Turbines of Neenah, Wisconsin originally developed this power plant for the Army.

The original “flying shoe” was invented by Charles Zimmerman and experimentally operated by the Hiller Helicopter Co. in the early 1950’s under a Navy contract. Two small 65 horsepower drone engines, each independently operated by the pilot, powered this vehicle.

The FLYING SHOE II is physically small enough to comply with FAA Part 103 (flight as an ultralight) but because of the engine horsepower would not fully adhere to this regulation.