Richard Nowland - Project Director

 Dr Cosmas Pagwiwoko, Vehicle dynamics analyst

 Cosmas joined the project in November 2007 as Aerodynamic designer and at that time was living in Palmerston North. He is currently an Assocate Professor at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus and remains the lead engineer of the Jetblack project.

Cosmas has many years of experience in the aerospace industry and brings the essential skills we require to design and evaluate Jetblack's aerodynamics.

Jim Lawson, Engines Manager

Jim Lawson will install and manage the Rolls Royce Avon that will power Jetblack. Jim's career began in the 1940's with the RAF as an engine fitter. He moved to NZ in 1954 and since then has worked on a vast number of engines and aeroplanes in private practice.

Currently working from Ardmore Airfield, Jim has recently worked on Hawker Hunter aircraft which use the Avon 207, very similiar to Jetblack's 206.

Jan Kruse, Embedded Systems Architect / Software Engineer

Jan Kruse is a robotics and embedded computing specialist, responsible for the onboard electronics design of the project. He is also developing onboard software and remote monitoring software and hardware. His strong background in embedded systems and robotics will help to outfit Jetblack with a cutting edge management and monitoring system. He is currently working through his own company Wizard Robotics Ltd in Wellington, New Zealand.

International Team Members

Event management, photography & design

Public Relations