STUTTGART, Germany, Dec. 4, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- GlobeTel Communications Corp.'s (Pink Sheets:GTEM) Sanswire Networks subsidiary and TAO Technologies, together with their partners and the University of Stuttgart, today announced some of the data compiled from last week's successful flight test of the SAS-51 (Sanswire Autonomous Solar), the first Sanswire-branded solar powered, non-polluting lighter-than-air surveillance and monitoring solution.
The SAS-51 flew with a surveillance package capable of providing real-time video transmission using onboard telemetry systems, and high-resolution imagery. The flight test included a demonstration of the flight control systems, which manage the airship's functions via onboard computers and sensors. The airship weighed 96 kg. at launch. Top altitude achieved was 360 meters and maximum velocity was 46 km/h.
This first landmark flight for Sanswire and TAO kicks off a set of ongoing tests for the remainder of the calendar year. Subsequent flights will test payload capability together with additional maneuverability at higher altitudes and additional range capabilities. The SAS-51 enables a multitude of payload integration packages, depending on the mission profile.
Dr. Bernd Kroplin, President of TAO Technologies, stated, "The first of several planned tests was successful. We realized the results we were hoping to see and the results needed to support and execute upcoming missions effectively. SAS-51 is a mature technology based on a long term development of TAO and its partners and the University Stuttgart. We are happy to conduct these flights under the recently closed license agreement with GlobeTel."
Jonathan Leinwand, GlobeTel CEO, added, "This flight was a significant step toward demonstrating the technical maturity of the airship and its controls. We'll continue to demonstrate our capabilities through additional free flight demonstrations of the SAS-51 as well as other vehicles with the goal of proving the potential for such vehicles in a real world environment."
Photos and video footage of the SAS-51 flight test are available at www.sanswire.com
About GlobeTel Communications Corp. and Sanswire Networks
GlobeTel Communications Corp. (Pink Sheets:GTEM) develops and provides an integrated suite of terrestrial and aerospace telecommunications products and services, leveraging its advances in VoIP and Wireless Access technologies. Sanswire Networks is focused on the construction of airship platforms capable of carrying payloads that transmit various types of wireless communications and security solutions.
About TAO Technologies GmbH
TAO Technologies GmbH, in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart, led by Professor Dr. Bernd Kroplin, is highly regarded throughout the world for research, design, development and flight testing of various designs of aerial vehicles.
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