Welcome to MISATS

TROY, MI. July 8, 2005. The Michigan Small Aircraft Transportation System (MI SATS) recently demonstrated its array of proof-of-concept technologies at a flight demonstration in Danville VA, June 5-7, 2005. The demonstration was the culmination of the NASA Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) research and technology program which is dedicated to enhancing air traffic flow at small U.S. airports.

MI SATS demonstrated how commercial and automotive off-the-shelf technologies can be tailored to GA aircraft applications with the effect of lowering the overall cost of ownership and improving safety. Some of the technologies demonstrated included a digital dashboard concept which uses proprietary software providing real time cockpit information services, laser weld bonding, artificial laser horizon, and a low cost heads up display with night vision.

Initially the flying cars will be piloted in much the same way as a bus or taxi. Later, they may fly themselves

SATS is an equitable, on-demand, point-to-point, widely distributed nationwide transportation system. Such a system promises improved safety, efficiency, reliability and affordability for small aircraft operating within the nation’s 5,400 public-use-landing facilities. The national impact of this could be more equitable distribution of air-accessibility and economic opportunity for existing and new GA aircraft market entries.

MI SATS was formed in support of the NASA Langley Research Center and is a non-profit aircraft technology consortium, affiliated with the Troy based engineering consulting firm, Munro & Associates, Inc.

MI SATS consortium membership includes large multi-national corporations such as Microsoft, GE-Honda Jet Engines, SAGEM, Fuji Heavy Industries as well as small innovative technology companies like JADI, Inc., Munro & Associates, Inc., Dynamic Systems Inc. and Edison Welding Institute.