AVX Aircraft Company today announced that it has been granted its primary utility patent by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office.  The Company’s utility patent covers all aspects of its unique technical functions and configuration, consisting of coaxial rotors and dual ducted fans, the relationship between the rotors and fans, which provide propulsion and directional control, as well as a number of internal controls and components (“AVX Technology”).  The Patent Office granted all claims requested under AVX’s patent application.  AVX previously received its primary design patent (D592,583) in May, 2009.

AVX President and Chief Engineer, Troy Gaffey, stated, “The granting of this patent application is an important milestone for the company.  We’re very pleased that the patent office recognizes that AVX Technology is unique and unprecedented in the field of aircraft.”

Since the main rotors are needed only for lift, the aircraft is able to fly level, similar to a fixed-wing aircraft, resulting in less drag than conventional rotorcraft.  The rear fans act like propellers and provide 30%-50% greater speed than conventional rotorcraft, and also provide directional control which simplifies the function of the rotors.

Developed and analyzed by the Company’s highly experienced aerospace engineers, and validated by independent outside consultants, AVX Technology combines proven technologies to achieve greater aerodynamic efficiency, speed, range, fuel efficiency, hover out of ground effect, ability to operate in hotter temperatures and at higher altitudes, and greater utility than conventional helicopters.  AVX Technology™ is scalable to any size helicopter and is applicable to commercial and military aircraft.

AVX Aircraft Company is currently under contract to conduct Configuration Trades Analysis (CTA) studies for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft.

About AVX:  Based in Fort Worth, Texas, AVX Aircraft Company is an engineering design, horizontally integrated manufacturer, and marketer of advanced helicopters incorporating the Company’s revolutionary and patented helicopter technology (“AVX Technology™”).  As described on the Company’s website www.avxaircraft.com, AVX has developed and patented a unique helicopter configuration — coaxial rotors and dual ducted fans. The Company’s aerospace engineers and executives are highly experienced in managing all aspects of engineering design, marketing, sales, finance, program management and have other areas of expertise in the aerospace and rotorcraft industry.