Drone Express, a trailblazer in autonomous drone delivery
technology, says it is redefining the logistics landscape with its
groundbreaking delivery solutions. In a release, the company states that by
integrating cutting-edge engineering with advanced AI, Drone Express
exemplifies the essence of Hard Tech, delivering real-world impact through
innovative technology.
Advancing Autonomous Delivery
Drone Express’s autonomous drones are a significant
advancement in logistics. They can navigate complex environments and deliver
packages with precision and efficiency. These drones use advanced AI algorithms
and real-time data processing to autonomously plan routes, avoid obstacles, and
execute deliveries seamlessly. This transformative technology addresses today’s
logistical challenges and paves the way for a more connected and efficient
future.
Beth Flippo, CEO of Drone Express, shares: “Our autonomous
drone delivery solutions are a testament to the power of Hard Tech. By merging
sophisticated hardware with intelligent software, we’re creating delivery
systems that are not only efficient but also revolutionary. This innovation is
more than just technology; it transforms how goods are moved and enhances
modern logistics capabilities.”
Hard Tech: The Fusion of Innovation and Engineering
Hard Tech is characterized by substantial engineering
challenges and the creation of groundbreaking physical products. Drone
Express’s autonomous drones exemplify this by integrating state-of-the-art
hardware with intelligent systems. This combination of robust engineering and
innovative technology underscores Drone Express’s commitment to solving complex
problems through advanced solutions.
A Vision for the Future
Drone Express is dedicated to addressing the immediate needs
of the logistics industry and laying the groundwork for future innovations. The
company is focused on Hard Tech and is committed to pushing the boundaries of
what is possible. They aim to drive advancements shaping the future of
autonomous systems and logistics.
CAL Analytics, in coordination with the Ohio Department of
Transportation (ODOT), has launched a low-altitude air traffic management
system for drones to support statewide operations. As the number of uncrewed
aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, grows, a robust system for managing the
low-altitude airspace where these aircraft operate is necessary to ensure
safety. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides air traffic
control for traditional aircraft flying in certain airspaces, low-altitude traffic
management for drones is the responsibility of individual operators. Currently,
drone pilots are required to keep the aircraft within sight to avoid a
collision. A UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system enhances safety by enabling
sharing of flight details between UAS operators, providing a digital tool for
flight planning, and allowing operators to eventually operate beyond visual
line of sight (BVLOS) while continuing to minimize the risk of collision.
“The introduction of this vital capability continues Ohio’s
tradition of innovation in the aviation community while prioritizing safety,”
said Rich Fox, director of the Ohio UAS Center at ODOT. “As we collaborate with
others at the newly opened National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence,
we expect this to be the first of many industry-leading activities coming out
of that state-of-the-art facility.”
Following several state sponsored research efforts to
determine the best way to develop and deploy traffic management for uncrewed
aircraft in Ohio, this system, implemented by CAL Analytics, provides
interoperability where any user can enroll to share and receive flight
information. As drone technology continues to advance, traffic management will
be a key enabler of BVLOS operations, which currently require special
permission from the FAA once stringent safety requirements are met.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our collaboration
with ODOT by deploying this discovery and synchronization services to fully
realize this first of a kind operational UTM capability throughout the state of
Ohio,” said Dr. Sean Calhoun, managing director of CAL Analytics. “This
realization is the result of a lot of industry development, including the
essential work from The Ohio State University research team and sponsored
research from the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN). We are looking forward
to working with the various interested stakeholders throughout the state and
the FAA to learn from this system and to start scaling UAS operations
throughout Ohio.”
ODOT and the City of Hilliard will be the first
organizations to enroll in the system and begin exchanging information as they
look to leverage UAS as a tool for everything from inspection and traffic
monitoring to onsite situational awareness for first responders, such as police
and fire department dispatches.
“Hilliard is excited to leverage this and other airspace
services that Ohio has established to enable our first responder drone
operations” says Deputy Police Chief for Hilliard, Ron Clark. “These services
will be critical for us to achieve FAA approval and operate our drones in a
safe and effective manner.”
In the coming years, more advanced and BVLOS drone
operations will increase in Ohio, which means multiple operators may be flying
in the same area to deliver medical supplies, perform emergency services,
conduct infrastructure inspections, and even deliver commercial packages. For
safe and successful scaling of commercial drone operations, it’s imperative
that pilots have situational awareness for strategic deconfliction.
While both private and public organizations can enroll in
the traffic management system, this resource is particularly valuable for other
state agencies and local governments across Ohio. These services are available
at no cost to any operator or fleet manager that requests access and goes
through the onboarding process. To learn more or request access, please contact
CAL Analytics at info@calanalytics.com.
Arcline Investment Management (“Arcline”), a growth-oriented
private equity firm, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement
to acquire Hartzell Aviation (“Hartzell” or the “Company”) from Tailwind
Technologies.
Hartzell designs and manufactures proprietary aircraft
subsystems and aftermarket components. The Company operates two complementary
business units: Hartzell Propeller and Hartzell Engine Tech. Hartzell Propeller
is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance propeller
systems, components, and related accessories. Hartzell Engine Tech is a leading
designer, manufacturer, and supplier of aircraft engine accessories and
adjacent products, including turbochargers, alternators, starters, starter
adapters, fuel pumps, magnetos, cabin heaters, exhaust systems, and engine
mounts.
Arcline commented, “As investors exclusively focused on
Critical Suppliers to Critical Industries, Hartzell’s portfolio of
flight-critical propeller and engine subsystems for a large and long-lived
installed base fits perfectly with Arcline’s strategy. We are excited to
partner with the Hartzell team to carry on its legacy generated over the past
100 years and facilitate the Company’s next phase of growth.”
“Our family has been blessed to be the stewards of Hartzell
Aviation for 37 years. As we look to the future, we believe Arcline fully
embraces our core value – Built on Honor – and will bring the skills and
resources to build on over a century of excellence and innovation,” said Jim
Brown, President of Hartzell Aviation.
BMO Capital Markets served as financial advisor to Arcline
in connection with the transaction. RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as
financial advisor to Tailwind Technologies.
Forbes has named Hartzell Aviation’s flagship company Hartzell Propeller to the global media company’s 2023 list of America’s Best Small Employers.
Hartzell Propeller is listed as the 64th best small employer
on a roster of the top 300 organizations recognized, out of 10,000 total
American employers originally considered. The company was also listed in the
top five of all employers in the Aerospace and Defense category. For the
complete list go to America’s Best Small Employers 2023. (forbes.com).
Built on Honor
“This national honor stems from a number of factors. It
begins with a top-notch group of employees who care about our work and about
each other. They live our motto ‘Built on Honor.’ That’s our north star and
brings us together,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge. “We also have
engaged owners who love the company and aviation. Collectively, we are a tight
knit group.”
To develop the rankings, Forbes partnered with a research
firm, which used a number of tools to measure different aspects of employers
with 200 to 1000 employees. They used anonymous surveys, tracked job-related
websites to gauge employer reputation, engagement, retention, and analyzed
social listening techniques.
These efforts created hundreds of thousands of data points on an initial pool of 10,000 employers across America. The employers with the highest data points overall made it onto the final list of 300. Hartzell Propeller’s career website is at Employment | Hartzell Propeller Inc.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is delighted to
announce the appointment of Aimee Maruyama as its President & CEO. Ms.
Maruyama emerged as the top candidate after a competitive and inclusive national
search conducted by the NAHF’s Board of Trustees and facilitated by Korn Ferry,
a leading global executive research and recruitment firm. She will assume her
new role on June 5, 2023.
Aimee Maruyama
“As an organization that has grown into a vital force
over the span of 60 years, the NAHF is dedicated to honoring our rich aviation
heritage while inspiring and educating the next generation of aerospace
pioneers,” Maruyama said. “I am humbled and privileged to lead the
NAHF, especially during a period of unprecedented evolution and growth in the
aerospace industry. The NAHF’s unwavering commitment to honoring the bravery,
determination, and innovative spirit of our nation’s aerospace legends and
disseminating their remarkable stories is truly admirable. I am excited to
strengthen our support and propel our organization to unprecedented levels of
success.
Maruyama brings extensive non-profit experience to the role.
She has served as a consultant to the NAHF on programs, strategy, and
development since 2019 and has been leading the organization in an interim
capacity since December 2022. With over 18 years of involvement in nonprofit
strategy development, management, philanthropy, marketing & communications,
and event planning, Maruyama has contributed significantly to the growth and
success of numerous organizations, including The Contemporary Dayton, Glen
Helen, Wittenberg University, and The University of Dayton.
In collaboration with the former CEO, Maruyama co-founded
the NAHF’s educational initiative, Discovering Flight. The standards-aligned
aviation and aerospace curriculum for pre-K through 6th grade will reach more
than 6,000 classrooms (and 180,000 students) by the end of 2023. She has also
played a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the NAHF’s Heritage Hall
and Education Center.
“The board is confident that Maruyama’s diverse skill
set and extensive experience will continue to advance the NAHF’s 60-year legacy
of honoring our nation’s aviation and aerospace greatness while inspiring and
nurturing the aerospace workforce of tomorrow,” said Jim Cooling, Chair of
the NAHF’s Board of Directors. “Maruyama’s extensive involvement with
nonprofit organizations and educational institutions has provided her with
firsthand knowledge of the incredible opportunities we have to expand the
NAHF’s impact and reach. Additionally, her deep understanding of nonprofit
operations and finance, coupled with her awareness of the challenges and
possibilities in building a thriving organization for future generations, will
make her a tremendous advocate for both our Enshrinees and our educational
mission.” Cooling added, “We eagerly look forward to the positive
contributions Maruyama will make to our organization.”
When Universal Hydrogen’s De Havilland Dash 8 hydrogen fuel
cell-powered testbed first flew earlier this month, its powertrain included a
prop designed and tested for the experimental aircraft by Hartzell Propeller.
The 91-inch diameter five-blade swept airfoil carbon fiber
propeller utilized derivative blades, hub and retention components from an
existing 14 CFR Part 35 certified propeller. The specially designed Hartzell
prop is smaller than the standard Dash 8 prop, but provided thrust to keep the
aircraft airborne when the other jet fuel powered turbine engine was throttled
back during first flight.
“This project with Universal Hydrogen is one of many
programs where Hartzell Propeller is working with and supporting advanced air
mobility manufacturers. Hartzell Propeller has been around for over a hundred
years, and carbon-free flight can power our next century,” said Hartzell
Propeller President JJ Frigge.
“We’ve been working with this team for almost two years as
we step up our investments working on future new aircraft design opportunities.
Hartzell Propeller is pleased to be a part of this historic first flight of a
hydrogen fuel cell-powered regional airliner,” Frigge added.
Universal Hydrogen’s team of experts and the specialized Hartzell prop mated to a magniX-series electric propulsion system.
Hartzell also customized a governor for Universal Hydrogen
and continues to develop governor advancements for green-powered aircraft. In
this first test flight, one of the airplane’s turbine engines was replaced with
Universal Hydrogen’s fuel cell-electric, megawatt-class powertrain. The other aircraft
engine was powered by conventional fossil fuel for safety.
Universal Hydrogen’s first flight marked the largest
hydrogen fuel cell-powered airplane ever to take to the skies and the largest
airplane to cruise principally on hydrogen. The airplane, nicknamed Lightning
McClean, flew for 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,500 MSL. The flight was
conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate and the program is
planned to culminate in 2025 with entry into passenger service of ATR 72 regional
aircraft converted to run solely on hydrogen.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame announced its Board of
Trustees has elected aviation and aerospace attorney James E. Cooling as board
chair and business aviation leader Douglas Schwartz as vice chair.
With the organization engaged in the transformation of its
Heritage Hall and Education Center in Dayton, Ohio, and working at the
forefront to deliver elementary aviation education, these aviation and
aerospace leaders will take charge at a particularly consequential time.
“Jim and Doug have well-earned reputations as respected and
visionary leaders in the aviation industry. The NAHF has built significant
momentum under the leadership of outgoing chair Michael Quiello and Vice Chair
David Brixey. They will ensure our future as an organization dedicated to
honoring aviation legends and inspiring future leaders,” said NAHF Interim
President and CEO Aimee Maruyama.
“As the nation’s only Congressionally chartered aviation
hall of fame, The NAHF is widely respected for its unique role in spotlighting
the individuals who have built the rich past, present, and future of American
aviation,” said Cooling. “I look forward to continuing to work with fellow
members and the incredible staff that make up this organization to honor,
celebrate, and share the stories of the 256 men and women enshrined in the NAHF
who have significantly contributed to the advancement of our nation’s aerospace
legacy.”
“With its newly launched, comprehensive STEAM aviation
education program and the ongoing transformation of its Heritage Hall and
Education Center, the NAHF is leading the charge to inspire and build the
aviation workforce of tomorrow,” said Schwartz. “It is a privilege to represent
such a dynamic and important organization.”
The NAHF Board of Trustees provides guidance and leadership in developing the organization’s educational vision, programs, and annual enshrinement. Twenty-one aviation and aerospace leaders serve on the NAHF Board.
The new board chair and vice chair were elected at the December meeting of the NAHF Board.
James Cooling
James E. Cooling (Jim) is the founding partner of the Kansas
City based aviation law firm of Cooling & Herbers, P.C. The firm represents
corporate operators, aircraft owners, air charter operators, urban air mobility
(UAM) operators, as well as other aviation-related businesses in the
acquisition, sale, leasing, financing, and taxation of aircraft, including FAA,
IRS, and SEC compliance.
Mr. Cooling is a 1968 graduate of the University of Notre
Dame Law School and received his B.A. from the University of Missouri in 1965.
He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Lawyer Pilots Bar
Association, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and is admitted to
practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an aircraft owner and pilot holding
commercial, instrument, multi-engine and flight instructor ratings with a
Cessna Citation jet type rating.
He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), a past Chairman of the Aviation,
Transportation and Space Law Committee of the Missouri Bar, past President of
the Aviation Insurance Association, a member of the Aviation and Space Law
Committee of the American Bar Association, a member of the Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association and the EAA Legal Advisory Council. He received the NBAA
John H. Winant award for a lifelong contribution to the aviation industry. He
was elected to the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame in
2011. Jim and his wife, Ann, reside in Kansas City, Missouri.
Douglas Schwartz
Douglas Schwartz is an experienced business aviation leader
with over 40 years of experience in aviation management, strategic planning,
flight operations, operational risk management, flight crew training, and
aviation human factors. Since retiring in 2016, he continues to share his
knowledge and experience as an independent consultant (Cardinal Aviation
Advisors, LLC) and also functions as Vice President, Operational Excellence. He
retired from ConocoPhillips, where he led the company’s Global Aviation
Services team, responsible for providing safe and efficient air transport for
more than one million passengers annually. Prior to joining ConocoPhillips,
Doug was Director of Aviation for AT&T Corporation. He began his aviation
career with FlightSafety International, where he served in various leadership
and technical roles.
In addition to his service to the NAHF, Doug currently
serves on the Technical Advisory Committee of Corporate Angels Network. He is a
past member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Board of
Directors, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) Governing Committee,
and Flight Safety Foundation Board of Governors; and a recipient of the
Aviation Week & Space Technology Laurels Award, Flight Safety Foundation
Meritorious Service Award, and NBAA John H. Winant Award.
Doug has more than 4,500 flying hours with type ratings in
the Dassault Falcon 2000, Falcon 20, and Learjet. He and his wife Pat reside in
The Woodlands, TX.
Photo above – Monica Newman McCluney, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Embraer Foundation, presents the award to NAHF outgoing CEO Amy Spowart, and interim President and CEO Aimee Maruyama at the Embraer facility in Melbourne, FL.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is honored to
share that Embraer Foundation has awarded the NAHF with a grant to support
their education and workforce development programs.
NAHF Interim President and CEO Aimee Maruyama said,
“This commitment of $20,000 from Embraer will have a substantial impact on
our work to ensure that young women, people of color, and other
underrepresented groups will have exposure to the amazing world of aviation and
aerospace. We believe that including the intentional engagement of these
underrepresented groups in the design of our education programs to ignite
curiosity is a critical part of the answer to building the aviation workforce
of tomorrow.”
The grant provided by Embraer will provide the funding to
support the NAHF’s 2023 Wings of Women (WOW) event and a new series of
quarterly workforce development webinars for young people ages 8-17 that aim to
open the doors of opportunity for careers in aviation.
The mentorship programs seek to provide hands-on activities,
career inquiry, and creativity through formal and informal fun and engaging
interactions. The programs aim to provide students from underrepresented groups
the opportunity to meet and interact with women across the spectrum of fields
in the aviation and aerospace industry. We want every participant to walk away
with the inspiration to see themselves in the aviation and aerospace fields and
with the resources to achieve such dreams.
“At Embraer, we use design, imaginative engineering,
and technology as the principal tools to create new perspectives and arrive at
solutions that bring excellence and performance to our clients and
partners,” said Monica Newman McCluney, Head of Corporate Social
Responsibility and the Embraer Foundation. “This affords us the ability to
partner with organizations that align with our values, like the NAHF. Together,
we will inspire youth through programs that not only share the wonders of
aviation but also help develop a high-performing and diverse talent
pipeline.”
“We are beyond grateful to the Foundation,” said
Maruyama. “With the generous support of the Embraer Foundation, the NAHF
can continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of aerospace
innovators and legends.”
Building on acceptance by backcountry flyers of Cessna
Skywagons, Hartzell Propeller has once again expanded the applicability of its
ubiquitous three-blade aluminum Voyager props. The Voyager, which is popular
with bush pilots, was previously approved for other Cessna 180/182/185/206
aircraft powered by the Continental 520 and 550 engines.
The Voyager is now STC approved for Cessna 180 aircraft,
powered by Continental 470-A (S/N 41000 and higher) -J, -R, and -S engines.
This includes models 180, and models C – J with standard engines.
“Inspired by customer acceptance since we introduced
the Voyager in 2019, we are continuing our efforts to make it available to a
much broader fleet,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge. “We
are also excited to partner with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) to
offer its members a $1,000 discount on the regular price of Voyager props from
now until the end of 2023.”
Improved Performance
The custom-designed Voyager propeller provides premium
performance offering the same or better cruise speeds, increased take-off
acceleration, and an exceptional climb rate. It features swept scimitar
aluminum blades designed for optimal performance, specifically for these
airplanes.
Cessna backcountry adventurers are encouraged to contact
Hartzell Propeller or one of its Recommended Service Facilities to order the
Voyager propeller, which is being sold as part of Hartzell’s Top Prop
Performance Conversions line.
Hartzell is offering the 86-inch diameter Voyager propeller
for $16,561, including polished spinner and all STC documentation. The Voyager
propeller has a 2,400-hour, six-year TBO, and the longest propeller warranty in
the business through first overhaul.
Commitment to Backcountry Flying
“The Voyager is a real tribute to Hartzell Propeller’s
commitment to backcountry pilots. It shows that they are paying attention to
what the market is looking for, they hear what we’re saying, and they
understand,” said RAF Chairman John J. McKenna, Jr. “Hartzell really
hit the nail on the head with this one. I’ve had a number of different
propellers on my 185, and the Voyager has outperformed them in all quadrants.
Not to mention, it’s a great looking propeller.”
In addition to providing a RAF discount, Hartzell Propeller
will make a $250 contribution directly to the RAF organization for every member
that buys the Voyager until the end of the year. The RAF is a non-profit
organization with the mission to preserve, maintain and create public-use recreational
airstrips for backcountry access throughout the United States.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that
Jill Weaver of Valley View Schools is the 2022 NAHF A. Scott Crossfield
Aerospace Educator of the Year.
Jill Weaver
The Crossfield Award, founded in 1986 by NAHF Enshrinee
Scott Crossfield, is a juried annual competition to recognize a teacher for his
or her exemplary use of aerospace in their classroom curricula. Crossfield, who
was inducted in 1983, was a renowned test pilot, research pilot, and aerospace
researcher. Among a myriad of aviation “firsts,” Crossfield’s testing of
pressurized suits led to the development of the space suit.
The successful nomination was submitted by Colonel Joseph
Kittinger, USAF (Ret), a 1994 Enshrinee of the NAHF. Col. Kittinger, a personal
friend of Scott Crossfield, promised to carry on “Scotty’s Legacy” of
recognizing the most impactful aerospace educators in the nation. Kittinger
said, “Mrs. Weaver has dedicated her career to promoting STEM objectives to her
students. Because of her advocacy, she has been awarded over $250,000 in grants
to finance STEM programs for her students.”
The funding Weaver gains have been used to support various
educational endeavors, from robotics to remote-controlled cars, drones, and 3D
printers. She also earns appreciation from organizations and peers from across
the country. Ben Richards, Superintendent of Valley View Local School, shares
his support of Col. Kittinger’s nomination, “While I know that there are many
deserving candidates for this recognition, Jill Weaver is one of the foremost
science instructors that I’ve encountered in my 20+ years in education. Her
passion for science, coupled with her unwavering commitment to enriching the
lives of her students, make her truly deserving of this award.”
Over the last two decades, Weaver has earned numerous honors
and awards. Included in the recognition are being named the Air Force
Association (AFA) Teacher of the Year (2016), Outstanding Earth Science Teacher
Award (OESTA) (2017), Roy Junior Award for Excellence National Finalist (2019),
Teacher of Influence Award (2021), and STEM Fellow for Montgomery County, OH
ESC.
Jenny Michael, a former Valley View Board of Education
member said, “Jill epitomizes what great hands-on education can do for student
achievement. In fact, she pioneers STEM education in our district, and I see
firsthand how much she is admired by her students.”
Weaver will receive her award on September 23, 2022, as part
of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 58th Enshrinement events. Over 600
people are expected to attend two days of events in Dayton, including industry
leaders and several returning Enshrinees, including former NASA astronauts
Charlie Bolden, Eileen Collins, Bob Crippen, and Hoot Gibson, aviation
visionary and test pilot Clay Lacy, general aviation titans Dale Klapmeier, and
John & Martha King. NAHF candidates Rhea Seddon, Ed Bolen, and Connie
Tobias will also join the celebration this year.
The ceremony, led by emcee CNN’s Pete Muntean, features the
formal installment of the NAHF Enshrinee Classes of 2020 and 2022; (The late)
Second Lieutenant Eugene J. Bullard, USAF., (The late) Dr. Maxime “Max” A.
Faget, Ms. Joan Sullivan Garrett., (The late) Captain Richard “Dick” F. Gordon,
USN, Colonel/Dr. Paul G. Kaminski, USAF (Ret). (The late) Willa Brown, (the
late) Joe Clark, Dr. Margaret Hamilton, Dr. Story Musgrave, (the late) Geraldine
“Jerrie” Mock.
The ten inductees will bring the total number of NAHF
Enshrinees to 256.
