History
Having an idea is one thing. Putting it into practice is quite another.
A concept, an idea, a determination were core to the origins of GFS Projects. At the turn of the millennium Geoff Hatton, the founder of GFS Projects, took the decision to prove that there had to be a way to use the Coanda effect to make a craft not just float and go round objects but to go over them.
A hovercraft engineer by background, Geoff believed there had to be a solution. As with many inventors it was his home which was to figure in the early design and development work.
In 2002 a craft lifted in its rig proving that it was possible. The airflows were working, not only was the craft lifting but everything in the flat was moving, curtains, lampshades, newspapers etc.
That same year GFS Projects was formally registered with its office in Peterborough, United Kingdom. It was initially funded by six private investors and a Department of Trade & Industry SMART grant. This finance enabled the project to move into a proper workshop.
Several test rigs were designed and built with the help of a theoretical analysis written by Dr. Holger Babinsky of Cambridge University, the project advanced at a steady pace.
There were many iterations of the design that resulted after 36 months work with a craft that had the ability to fly under directional control, albeit it required an independent power source.
Eventually the problem of carrying sufficient batteries was conquered allowing the craft to fly freely.
Many demonstrations have been given to interested parties showing the craft flying around the workshop and going through an obstacle course to show the controllability.
In May 2007 the first outdoor flight took place. In a wind of 3 mph, the craft flew to a height of more than 80 feet and at a speed in excess of 25 mph. Probably the most significant part of the whole test was the demonstrated ability of taking off and landing on a marked out two foot square, showing precise directional control.
Today the company is still based in Peterborough and has teamed with several partners including Lola Composites and is a member of the MIRA team competing in the UK MoD Grand Challenge.
“Having an idea is one thing. Putting it into practice is quite another” says Geoff Hatton, Founder of GFS Projects