City of Hilliard, GhostWave, LIFT Aircraft, and Parallax Advanced Research Propose Life-Saving Advanced Air Mobility Technology

By CIOReview | Thursday, March 25, 2021

The City of Hilliard, GhostWave, Inc., LIFT Aircraft, and Parallax Advanced Research talks about implementing a new, life-saving advanced air mobility (AAM) technology on the first flying car.

FREMONT, CA: The City of Hilliard, GhostWave, Inc., LIFT Aircraft, and Parallax Advanced Research is talking about the possibility of implementing a new, life-saving advanced air mobility (AAM) technology on Ohio's first flying car. LIFT Aircraft's HEXA enables emergency responders to appear on the scene more quickly and safely. Other potential beneficiaries include search and rescue teams and firefighters, in addition to emergency responders and public safety organizations.

Ghostwave Inc., a Hilliard-based startup, developed the Detect and Avoid system (DAAS) funded by Parallax Advanced Research's Ohio Federal Research Network program. To accomplish the intended objective, the system monitors different drones and aircraft locations in the air, combining real-time sensor data with telemetry onboard LIFT's HEXA.

"The Hilliard City Council and city manager fully support public and private partnerships in technology that enhance public safety. The Hilliard Division of Police has a burgeoning unmanned aerial vehicles program. We couldn't be more excited to incorporate LIFT's HEXA and GhostWave's sensing technology," said Deputy Chief of Police Eric D. Grile.

"Our technology is highly capable of preventing a mid-air collision with closely situated airborne objects, which is vital when it comes to public safety use cases. It will detect and classify obstacles in the vicinity while communicating with the pilot. If we can help first responders safely arrive on scene more quickly, then we will have really done something," said Dean Zody, CEO of GhostWave, Inc.

With 18 sets of propellers, engines, and batteries, LIFT's HEXA looks like a giant drone. The one-seat piloted FAA Part 103 ultralight aircraft that weighs just 432 pounds. When used for public purposes, no pilot's license or intensive training is required, and the aircraft is cleared to fly in overcrowded areas.

LIFT Aircraft CEO Matt Chasen said, "Our initial market, experiential entertainment, has had an incredible response. As we've further developed HEXA, we've recognized the power of our aircraft to save lives. This Ohio collaboration will help make that possible."

"This is what our program has always been about: connecting a network of Ohio innovators at the leading edge of technology to produce revolutionary breakthroughs that transform the way we do business in Ohio," said OFRN Executive Director Bob Tanner.