NASA unit skyTran Inc. and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) have entered into an agreement for the evaluation of a skyTran technology in the grounds of IAI's corporate campus.
skyTran is a high-speed, energy-efficient, transportation system, designed to transport passengers in a safe, green, and economical manner. The system is a network of computer-controlled, 2-person "jet-like" vehicles employing state-of-the-art passive Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) technology.
The evaluation will include testing, refinement, and validation of skyTran's technology in IAI's controlled environment and will provide a platform for skyTran vehicles to travel at high speeds with full payloads while levitating.
The evaluation and system development is expected by skyTran to be followed by deployment of the first commercial skyTran system in Tel Aviv and other projects worldwide.
skyTran CEO Jerry Sanders said: "IAI's support is a breakthrough for skyTran. IAI, as a world-class designer of aircraft, avionics and advanced systems, is the perfect partner to take skyTran from concept to construct."
IAI Lahav Division Director Yosef Melamed said, "We are proud to be part of this exciting moment in transportation history and to host the first SkyTran system in our grounds. The evaluation process will incorporate IAI's advanced capabilities in the areas of engineering, robotics and control."
In recent years, IAI has been investing in and developing an innovative line of commercial products, designed to provide advanced and unique solutions. Among its products is the revolutionary TaxiBot system - a semi-robotic tractor which reduces fuel consumption and pollution for civilian aircraft when taxiing to and from their takeoff and landing runways.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 24, 2014
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