FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 5, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Sanswire-TAO Corp., the joint venture equally owned by TAO Technologies GmbH and the Sanswire subsidiary of GlobeTel Communications Corp. (Pink Sheets:GTEM), today announced that its lighter than air (LTA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program is entering a new phase that encompasses a more rigorous series of preparations leading to stratospheric flight of the Stratellite airship models. This phase of the program involves various tasks including the finalizing of plans for specific test flight dates to be announced as air space and requisite permissions become available.
Sanswire-TAO's goal is to conduct controlled ascents and descents of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the stratosphere and back to Earth using the patented segmented cell design coupled with the recently patented energy generation systems. The flight test will include the demonstration of the proprietary autonomous flight control system adapted to the unique flight characteristics of the segmented cell technology illustrating the capability to fly through the adverse weather conditions presented during the ascent and descent to and from the stratosphere. Throughout the flight and while operating in the stratosphere, the vehicle will produce power from its newly patented energy generation system within the segmented cell airship.
Sanswire-TAO expects to fly the first of several stratosphere-capable vehicles to roughly 60,000 feet above the Earth's surface for several hours before returning to earth. Once stationed in the stratosphere, the company will be able to demonstrate line of sight capabilities with a radius of more than 250 miles of Earth below. Following the initial flights, additional stratospheric flight missions flown by larger vehicles will take place with extended duration and payload capabilities. Many years of development and experimentation have brought the technology of the Stratellite to this point.
Jonathan Leinwand, Chief Executive Officer of GlobeTel Communications, explained, "Sanswire has been a proponent of Dr. Kroplin's segmented cell design ever since we first learned about its unique maneuverability and its inherent flight characteristics for high altitude operations. With the recent design advancements under patent protection we believe the time has come to demonstrate our capabilities."
About The Stratellite
The Stratellite is a patented non-rigid segmented lighter-than-air (LTA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate at altitudes of 60,000 ft for extended durations and differs from the usual plump "cigar" shape that characterizes most airships. Physically, the Stratellite has inter-linked gas cells which are a part of the segmented gas cell envelop which in cooperation provide a unique combination of energy and dynamic lift.
About Sanswire-TAO Corp.
Sanswire-TAO exclusively owns and markets all the technology and intellectual property associated with TAO's lighter than air (LTA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including the Stratellite(tm) high-altitude airships, the SAS-51 low-altitude airships, the mid-altitude SkySat airship category, and the PADDS Precision Air Drop Delivery System in the US, Canada and Mexico. Sanswire-TAO Corp. is jointly owned by TAO Technologies GmbH and Sanswire Corp., subsidiary of GlobeTel Communications Corp. For more information, visit www.sanswire-tao.com.
About Sanswire Corp. and GlobeTel Communications Corp.
GlobeTel Communications Corp. develops and provides an integrated suite of aerospace communications products and services, leveraging its relationships with leaders in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technologies. Sanswire Corp. is focused on the design and construction of various aerial vehicles, capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent surveillance and security solutions at various altitudes.
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.
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or statements which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "forecast," "project," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," and similar expressions and all statements, which are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including an ongoing formal investigation by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and delayed filings of quarterly results, any of which could cause the Company's previously reported actual results, performance (finance or operating) to change or differ from future results, performance (financing and operating) or achievements, including those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.