Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), announced that its state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules will be designed into the development of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (H-UAV) called the Silent Sentinel developed by Bye Aerospace, Inc. The H-UAV will be designed primarily for military use; however, its capabilities will also include a broad spectrum of civil applications.

The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), and other technologies to enhance its endurance, quiet operations and low emissions. Bye Aerospace is teamed with thin film PV manufacturer Ascent Solar to develop the solar energy capability on the aircraft. For primary propulsion the hybrid UAV will be coupled with an advanced Williams International FJ33 turbofan. The efficient engine will provide the UAV remarkable climb rates and high altitude quick access to areas requiring surveillance.

Charlie Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Bye Aerospace, said the Silent Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV that will incorporate several proprietary clean energy features. “Ultimately, it will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient.”

Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technical Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. stated, “Our flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS PV technology offers the ideal combination of low weight, higher voltage, and high performance that makes it ideal for applications such as the Silent Sentinel, and we look forward to providing Bye Aerospace the materials they require for their vehicle.”

Potential military applications include border patrol, search and rescue, visual and thermal reconnaissance, and forward air control. In addition, potential civil applications include traffic control, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection and aerial photography. Initial meetings are being conducted with US Government entities regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. More are planned in the near term.

About Bye Aerospace, Inc.
Bye Aerospace, founded in 2007 and headquartered near Denver, is applying clean energy solutions to innovative aircraft design for the business aviation and Department of Defense markets. For more information, go to http://www.ByeAerospace.com.

About Ascent Solar Technologies
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules with substrate materials that can be more flexible and affordable than most traditional solar panels. Ascent Solar modules can be directly integrated into electronics, military and consumer portable power products, transportation systems, building elements, and space / near-space applications resulting in market differentiated solutions. Ascent Solar is headquartered in Thornton, Colo. Additional information can be found at http://www.ascentsolar.com.

Ascent Solar modules are ultimately envisioned to incorporate unique “plug-and-play” features that should eliminate the vast amount of wires, cables, connectors, junction boxes, conduit and other balance of systems required in current systems.

Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company’s actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “expect,” “intends,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “plan,” to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact
Brian Blackman
Investor Relations
Ascent Solar Technologies
P:  832-515-0928
E: 

Kelly Brandner
Brand Fortified Public Relations
Media Relations
P:  303-289-4303(Media)

Diane Garcia
Bye Aerospace
P:  303-459-2862