Heliplane Gets More Time For Testing

Aviation manufacturer will have until Feb. 28 to complete a successful flight test on a new cargo trailer it plans to make in Minot, N.D.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) -- An aviation manufacturer that is in line to get $500,000 from Minot's economic development fund has been given more time to test its product.

Heliplane of Minneapolis will have until Feb. 28 to complete a successful flight test on a new cargo trailer it plans to make in Minot.

The trailers would be towed by aircraft and guided by an unmanned aerial control system. To get the full $500,000 loan, Heliplane must produce confirmation of successful air testing from the Federal Aviation Administration or the military.

The company says it has experienced weather and manufacturing delays outside of its control. It expects to test before the Kansas National Guard to obtain U.S. Army and Air Force certification.

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