Developer Changes Its Name To Better Reflect Its Business
Focus
The Argus One lighter-than-air UAV has successfully completed
its initial series of flight tests to an altitude of 500 feet,
according to a news release Tuesday from Sanswire Corp., which
developed the UAV and its related technologies. The restricted, low
altitude flight tests were conducted under tower control at Easton
Airport (KESN) in Maryland by its technical partner, Eastcor
Engineering.
Argus One UAV
The initial series of flight tests involved aerodynamic
assessments of the Argus One's new airship design, its envelope and
stability and propulsion systems. The Argus One airship made a
number of controlled ascents and descents and was flown both with
and without its engine running to evaluate the airship's handling
and stability characteristics. At all times during these initial
tests, the airship was tethered to the ground to comply with
currently applicable regulations and for safety reasons. Control of
the Argus One's systems was accomplished during the flight tests by
wireless line of sight digital signaling. Subsequent tests of the
Argus One in Easton, MD will, among other things, evaluate the
electronic flight attitude control systems, autopilot and vehicle
control interfaces, sensor command and control, data exfiltration
and a new propulsion system with a more powerful engine. This
series of low altitude flight testing in Maryland is designed to
prepare the Argus One for its upcoming flight tests at the U.S.
Army's proving ground facility in Yuma, AZ where higher altitude,
untethered flight testing will commence. Once the Argus One airship
design has been proven in these controlled tests, the Company
expects to file for an experimental license from the FAA that will
enable the Company to perform more wide scale testing of its
airship.
Additionally, Sanswire Corp. announced Tuesday that it has
changed its corporate name to World Surveillance Group Inc.
("WSGI"). The new name reflects the Company's intention to focus on
providing enhanced global intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance ("ISR") and monitoring services following its
recently executed letter of intent to acquire satellite based
tracking firm, Global Telesat Corp. ("GTC"). WSGI has been issued a
new CUSIP number by Standard and Poor's and has requested a new
stock ticker symbol, which it expects FINRA to assign in the near
future. The Company will continue trading on The OTC Bulletin Board
(OTCBB) under the ticker SNSR until it receives its new stock
symbol from FINRA. In connection with its name change and the
Company's new focus and direction, the Company is unveiling a new
website which includes pictures and
videos of the Argus One test flights in Maryland.
Glenn Estrella, President and CEO of WSGI stated, "We are very
excited by the performance of the Argus One in its initial test
flights and plan to continue testing in Maryland in preparation for
higher altitude, less restricted testing next month in Yuma. Each
new test allows us to advance the development of our airship and we
continue to believe the Argus One UAV will be able to deliver
capabilities that are currently in strong demand in the marketplace
today at acquisition and operating costs that makes the Argus One
attractive to both government and commercial customers." Mr.
Estrella added, "We look forward to working with our partners to
continue the development, demonstration and commercialization of
our Argus One airship."
Michael K. Clark, the Company's Chairman of the Board, added,
"In connection with our desire to acquire GTC and the combined
company's expected focus on providing global ISR and monitoring
services through its integrated product offerings, we decided to
change our corporate name to reflect the Company's new mission. We
have redesigned our corporate website to more fully showcase the
advances the Company has made and its new direction."