FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2021
Hilliard, Ohio – The City of Hilliard, GhostWave, Inc., LIFT Aircraft, and Parallax Advanced Research are discussing the potential implementation of a new, life-saving advanced air mobility (AAM) technology on Ohio’s first flying car. HEXA by LIFT Aircraft, which would allow emergency responders to safely arrive on scene more quickly. Beyond emergency responders and public safety groups, other potential beneficiaries include search and rescue and firefighters.
The Detect and Avoid system (DAAS) was developed by Ghostwave Inc., a Hilliard-based startup, and funded by Parallax Advanced Research’s Ohio Federal Research Network program. The system monitors the locations of multiple drones and aircraft in the air and would use real-time sensor data integrated with telemetry onboard LIFT’s HEXA to achieve the intended goal.
According to a memorandum of understanding between the organizations, plans include a first-of-its-kind live public safety demonstration on June 3, 2021. The City of Hilliard is proud to host the demonstration, championing the future of flight through the use of these cutting edge AAM technologies.
“The Hilliard City Council and city manager fully support public and private partnerships in technology that enhance public safety. The Hilliard Division of Police has a burgeoning unmanned aerial vehicles program. We couldn’t be more excited to incorporate LIFT’s HEXA and GhostWave’s sensing technology,” said Deputy Chief of Police, Eric D. Grile.
“Our technology is highly capable of preventing a mid-air collision with closely situated airborne objects, which is vital when it comes to public safety use cases. It will detect and classify obstacles in the vicinity while communicating with the pilot. If we can help first responders safely arrive on scene more quickly, then we will have really done something,” said Dean Zody, CEO of GhostWave, Inc.
LIFT’s HEXA resembles a large drone with 18 sets of propellers, motors, and batteries. The one-seat piloted Federal Aviation Administration Part 103 ultralight aircraft weighs only 432 pounds. No pilot’s license or advanced training is required, and the aircraft is cleared to fly over congested areas when operated under public use.
LIFT Aircraft CEO, Matt Chasen said, “Our initial market, experiential entertainment, has had an incredible response. As we’ve further developed HEXA, we’ve recognized the power of our aircraft to save lives. This Ohio collaboration will help make that possible.”
HEXA was brought to Ohio for continued research and testing in February 2021; an effort made possible through partnerships between the U.S. Air Force AFWERX program, the office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and JobsOhio.
Five years ago, this vision was pioneered by Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Federal Research Network. In 2017, both entities were behind a $7 million push to expand drone development and advance science and technology research in support of Ohio’s federal and state missions.
“This is what our program has always been about: connecting a network of Ohio innovators at the leading edge of technology to produce revolutionary breakthroughs that transform the way we do business in Ohio,” said OFRN Executive Director, Bob Tanner.
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About Parallax Advanced Research
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that tackles global challenges by accelerating innovation and developing technology and solutions through strategic partnerships with government, industry and academia across Ohio and the Nation. Together with academia, Parallax accelerates innovation that leads to new breakthroughs. Together with the government, Parallax tackles critical global challenges and delivers new solutions. Together with industry, Parallax develops groundbreaking ideas and speeds them to market.
About the OFRN
The OFRN has the mission to stimulate Ohio’s innovation economy by building statewide university/industry research collaborations that meet the requirements of Ohio’s federal laboratories, resulting in the creation of technologies that drive job growth for the State of Ohio. The OFRN is a program managed by Parallax Advanced Research.
About GhostWave Inc.
GhostWave Inc.’s patented radars utilize a pseudo-random radio frequency generator to solve interference and jamming problems presented by other radars. GhostWave Inc. products have applications in three areas: UASs, low altitude threat detection, and studying bees.
About LIFT Aircraft
Austin, Texas-based LIFT Aircraft is making aviation history, launching the world’s first experiential entertainment business based on an entirely new type of personal, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. HEXA, LIFT Aircraft’s multi-rotor, amphibious, ultralight aircraft democratizes the experience of piloting an aircraft. Find out more at www.liftaircraft.com.
