Gyroplane developer Skyworks Aeronautics Corp has received an LoI order for 200 of its Hawk 5 turboprop aircraft destined for use by public institutions throughout the country of Turkey. The Hawk 5s will be outfitted for various uses with various options including patrol, transport and medevac. The LoIs will convert into purchase contracts as the options, as well as delivery dates, are determined.

The Hawk 5 gyroplane uses a free-spinning rotor to provide lift and an aircraft engine for thrust. Utilising a high power, pre-rotation system while on the ground, the Hawk 5 is capable of take off from almost anywhere, allowing for runway independent operations. In flight, the unpowered rotor is always in autorotation, so in the unlikely event of an engine failure, the Hawk 5's rotor continues to autorotate, providing a normal glidepath, keeping the pilot in complete control and enabling a very low speed touchdown. Since there is no requirement for antitorque transmission systems, the Hawk 5 reduces both cost and complexity and significantly increases mission reliability, while providing operators with greater levels of safety. With its simple but sophisticated aircraft design, the Hawk 5 benefits from operating much like fixed wing aircraft, making it a true one-of-a-kind reliable aviation workhorse.

Given these benefits over helicopters, the customer was interested in acquiring 200 gyroplanes. With its combination of safety and five seat capacity, only the Hawk 5 gyroplane was able to meet their minimum payload and capacity requirements.

Skyworks co-founder, director and CEO Brigadier General (retired) John Michel says: “The Skyworks team is thrilled that our partners from Turkey have selected our Hawk 5 gyroplane to deliver a safe, efficient and cost-effective aircraft solution to public institutions across their nation. Leveraging the inherent versatility of this unique aircraft platform, Turkish operators from diverse departments will now be better equipped to execute their missions with greater reliability, lower cost and unparalleled safety.”

Yunus Nuriler, a board member of Green Otomasyon Enerji who has previously worked with the Turkish National Police and who arranged the order, adds: “With leading design, excellent safety characteristics and payload capacity, the Hawk 5 meets all of the requirements of our customer. This truly is a best-in-class aircraft and we are excited to be working with Skyworks to bring this platform to Turkey.”

As per the signed LOI, Nuriler and Skyworks will also set up distribution rights in Turkey for the Hawk 5, and the parties may discuss other regions in the future.

Skyworks' director of aviation operations and chief pilot British Army Air Corps Captain (retired) Barry Jones, who previously oversaw UK Special Forces Rotary Aerial Surveillance Operations. says: “Flight operations benefit greatly from the knowledge that the equipment needed is safe, robust and reliable. When considering aviation support, these three key attributes are paramount. The customer will now be able to conduct a wide range of operations with the knowledge that their air assets can be relied upon, are highly flexible and offer the highest levels of safety. Skyworks is looking forward to delivering this step change improvement in capability.”

Skyworks is also currently working on going public via SPAC.