Gyronautics company Skyworks Aeronautics has received an LOI order for 100 of its Hawk 5 gyroplanes from MTC Slovakia and LaRoucci International Consortium (MTC). The Hawk 5s will be outfitted for various uses to include patrol, transport, medevac and other similar mission sets. The LOI orders will convert into purchase contracts as the options and delivery dates are determined.

The Hawk 5 gyroplane uses a free-spinning rotor to supply lift and an aircraft engine for thrust. Utilising a pre-rotation system while on the ground, the Hawk 5 is capable of 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 landing. 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.

MTC has a history of working in Africa and the Middle East and given the above benefits over helicopters, and at a time when demand for air travel in Africa is expected to double in the next two decades, it is interested in initially acquiring 100 Hawk 5 gyroplanes for their safety, efficiency and affordability and to best satisfy the end user's minimum payload, capacity and diverse operations requirements.

Brigadier General (Ret) John Michel, co-founder, director and CEO of Skyworks, says: “The Skyworks team is thrilled to work with MTC to bring the transformative capabilities inherent to our Hawk 5 gyroplane to the continent of Africa. In delivering this safe, efficient and cost-effective aircraft solution, the Hawk 5 unlocks new sources of market potential in the critical realm of aviation.”

MTC president and CEO Mr Laroussi adds: “The Skyworks Hawk 5 Gyroplane emerges as an elegant and cost-effective solution to meet the soaring demand for affordable and sustainable aviation in Africa. Catering to a wide array of markets from agriculture and law enforcement to logistics support and medical transport, its versatility knows no bounds. This truly is a best-in-class aircraft, and we are excited to be working with Skyworks to bring this platform to Chad and Ethiopia. And we look forward to expanding our cooperation throughout other regions in Africa and the Middle East where we already operate.”