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OPENER UNVEILS FIRST USA-QUALIFIED ULTRALIGHT ALL-ELECTRIC PERSONAL VTOL AIRCRAFT – BlackFly

Palo Alto, July 12, 2018 —  OPENER, Inc., a pioneer of aero vehicles for consumer travel, today revealed BlackFly; the world’s first ultralight all-electric fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. BlackFly is a single-seat Personal Aerial Vehicle (PAV) designed and built for a new world of three-dimensional transportation. BlackFly is simple to master and requires no formal licensing (in USA) or special skills to operate safely. Though BlackFly has full amphibious capabilities, it is primarily designed to easily operate from small grassy areas and travel distances of up to 25 miles at a speed of 62 mph (USA restriction).

“OPENER is re-energizing the art of flight with a safe and affordable flying vehicle that can free its operators from the everyday restrictions of ground transportation,” said Marcus Leng, CEO. “We will offer competitive pricing in an endeavor to democratize three-dimensional personal transportation. Safety has been our primary driving goal in the development of this new technology. OPENER will be introducing this innovation in a controlled and responsible manner.  Even though not required by FAA regulations, BlackFly operators will be required to successfully complete the FAA Private Pilot written examination and also complete company-mandated vehicle familiarization and operator training.”

The OPENER team has spent the last nine years in stealth mode, designing, developing, and testing new innovative technologies which have now evolved into the zero-emission BlackFly vehicles.  Fault-tolerant design and triple modular redundancy reside at the core of these vehicles. Eight propulsion systems, spread across two wings, provide for multiple-failure security. Years of continuous testing, combined with 1,000+ flights and 10,000+ miles flown, form the bedrock of OPENER’s development program.

OPENER’s long-term vision is to integrate these highly-efficient vehicles into a rural/urban commuting network. These networks would be powered by renewable energy sources requiring only a fraction of the transportation energy used currently.

DREAM OF FLIGHT

“The future of Aviation begins today,” said Alan Eustace, Director at Opener and former Senior Vice President of Knowledge at Google.  “The dream of flight, which was so difficult and expensive to obtain, will soon be within the reach of millions.  Opener is putting the fun back into flying and opening up a new world of possibilities.”

MAKING HISTORY

“I just saw the future. Watching BlackFly take flight just blew me away.  I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Darren Pleasance, Director, EAA. “The magnitude of innovation that OPENER has been driving in electric motors, aerodynamics, and VTOL operations is stunning and inspiring. OPENER has made a huge step forward in bringing the Jetson’s world to life.”

CHECK OUT BLACKFLY VEHICLES  AT EAA AIRVENTURE

Opener vehicles will be on display at the 2018 EAA AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, WI from July 23 to July 29, 2018. The public is invited to view the vehicles in the Innovation Building, booths IC-12A and 13A, and also experience three-dimensional flight by operating the vehicles in a virtual reality simulation.

BLACKFLY – ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Manufactured in the USA
• Super Charging capable (less than 30 mins)
• Low noise signature
• Geofence-capable
• Automatic Return-to-Home button (localized training feature)
• Ballistic parachute option available

About OPENER

On Oct 5, 2011, history was quietly made near the small town of Warkworth, Ontario, Canada. That day saw the first manned flight of a fixed wing all-electric VTOL aircraft. This event prompted the formation of a stealth company with the sole purpose of pursuing the development of this new unique technology. In September of 2014, the Company reorganized as Opener and relocated the majority of its operations to Silicon Valley in California to pursue an unencumbered and accelerated development timeline.

CUBCRAFTERS EXHIBITS 3^RD GENERATION CARBON CUBS AT AIRVENTURE 2018

Exciting New EX-3 and FX-3 Models Contribute to New Chapter in Company’s Expansion

Yakima, Washington – July 11, 2018: CubCrafters will display the newest Carbon Cub (CubFX3) variants in the company’s exhibit at AirVenture starting July 23. Both the EX-3 and FX-3 models spotlight CubCrafters’ new fuel-injected engine, the addition of a constant-speed propeller, and a higher 2,000 lb. gross weight limit. The Carbon Cub EX-3 is an experimental amateur built (E-AB) kit, and the Carbon Cub FX-3 is the company’s FX (Factory eXperimental) builder assist version.

The introduction of the 3^rd generation of the Carbon Cubs has been an important milestone in the growth of CubCrafters’ product line”, says Pat Horgan, President of CubCrafters. “Together with our flagship certified XCub, these new Carbon Cub models have contributed to the best sales in CubCrafters’ history.”

Brad Damm, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, collaborated with Horgan to define the product specification for the new EX-3/FX-3 models. “We listened closely to feedback from experienced flyers in our customer base,” said Damm. “They wanted more speed and payload without sacrificing short-field performance. Pat and I envisioned an improved Carbon Cub airframe with a new lightweight fuel injected engine, driving a high performance composite constant-speed prop. The PIREPs from those same flyers are gratifying; they absolutely love this new airplane.”

The newest additions to CubCrafters’ product family appeal to an ever-widening group of aircraft buyers by offering higher performance, greater comfort, and superior construction over previous generations of taildraggers. “The newest CubCrafters aircraft have made adventure flying more appealing than ever and, as a result, our market is growing”, says Damm.

“As the size of our fleet increases, so does our commitment to support our owner community,” adds Horgan. “Our investments in factory infrastructure and customer service are bearing fruit. We’ve already executed plans to increase production to cover increased demand for our aircraft. Buyers can expect an ever-higher level of service after they take delivery.”

Look for CubCrafters’ AirVenture 2018 exhibit at Booth 273/274. For more information about the new Carbon Cub EX-3 kits and FX-3 aircraft, visit cubcrafters.com/carboncub.  You may also contact CubCrafters or your local Certified Sales Center.

ABOUT CUBCRAFTERS

CubCrafters, founded in 1980 by current owner and CEO, Jim Richmond, is located at McAllister Field Airport (YKM) in Yakima, WA. CubCrafters’ roots are in the 70-year history of classic taildragger aviation, but its products and services are innovative and completely modern.

CubCrafters designs and manufactures Experimental, LSA, and Part 23 Certified aircraft. The Carbon Cub family has redefined expectations for “backcountry aircraft” with light weight, powerful engines, and breathtaking performance. The company’s newest introductions, the Carbon Cub EX-3, an E-AB kit, and FX-3, an addition to CubCrafters’ clever Factory eXperimental builder assist program, further advance Carbon Cub performance. The flagship XCub substantially expands the mission profile of Certified sport utility aircraft with its higher speed, longer range, and larger payload.

For more information, visit CubCrafters.com.

CubCrafters

1918 South 16th Avenue


Yakima, WA 98903


509.248.9491
www.cubcrafters.com