Skyler Shuford

Method Aeronautics Advances to Next Phase in DARPA's ANCILLARY Program, Pioneering VTOL Technologies for Unmanned Aircraft Falls Church, Virginia — April 30, 2024 The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced that Method Aeronautics LLC has progressed to the next phase of the groundbreaking AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program. This phase aims to further the design and test of an X-plane demonstrator of advanced propulsion and control architectures for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Adding to Method's reputation as experts in long endurance fixed-wing aircraft design, with this milestone Method has emerged as a leader in vertical takeoff and landing technology for unmanned aircraft systems. Method's design brings a novel approach enabling efficient, robust VTOL capability for Group 3 UAS. Method sees this program as critical technology development to enable wider use of VTOL UAS by U.S. forces abroad, and is actively working to accelerate development beyond the scope of the award. For the ANCILLARY program Method is collaborating with two other industry standouts: Bechamo and SNC. Bechamo was founded in 2020 to provide flight control solutions, and to help aircraft makers create better and more controllable aircraft. Funded also by NASA Phase 1 and Phase 2 SBIRs, Bechamo is using AI and Optimization approaches to provide easier, safer aircraft flight controllers. SNC is proud to partner with Method and Bechamo as part of the DARPA ANCILLARY program. SNC’s long-history in enduring landing systems and aircraft modification and integration is enabling it to generate a state-of-the-art AI/ML landing solution with verifiable statistical safety checks to meet the demands of the ANCILLARY program and the modern warfighter. About Method Aeronautics: Since being founded in 2019 by the team responsible for the creation of Vanilla Aircraft, Method Aeronautics has been engaged in concept development, detail design, fabrication, flight test, and operational support for multiple unmanned aircraft programs. By adopting an entirely fresh approach to unmanned VTOL designs, Method once again aims to redefine the limits of possibility in the industry. Contact Information: [email protected] https://lnkd.in/gtAc2Fxu

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🚀 Introducing the HTV-R: The Heart of the NYX Hypersonic Missile Defense Platform 🚀 HYPERIAN AEROSPACE is once again pushing boundaries with the HTV-R—the world’s first radar and command & control system with a built-in self-defense Direct Energy Multi-Cannon Weapon designed to neutralize incoming threats targeting its own platform. This revolutionary feature ensures continuous operation and unparalleled security, setting a new standard for missile defense systems. Why the HTV-R Stands Alone: 📡 Advanced Radar & Command & Control Precision The HTV-R provides the most precise, responsive targeting in the industry, tracking hypersonic threats in real time. With multi-band, multi-mode radar technology, it can detect, prioritize, and track a vast range of incoming missiles, aircraft, and drones faster than ever before. 🔆 Self-Defense Direct Energy Multi-Cannon Weapon HYPERIAN’s HTV-R is the only radar and command platform equipped with a self-defense weapon, capable of destroying threats before they reach the command center itself. This breakthrough innovation secures the critical command & control element that ensures the effectiveness of the entire missile defense system. 🚛 Mobility on Hyper Tactical Vehicles (HTV) Mounted on our highly versatile HTV, the HTV-R can be deployed rapidly and positioned in high-risk zones, offering unmatched flexibility and coverage. Without a robust radar and command & control platform, a missile defense system is rendered ineffective. The HTV-R, with its integrated self-defense and cutting-edge technology, guarantees that the NYX Hypersonic Missile Defense Platform is always ready to defend. Once again, HYPERIAN AEROSPACE is revolutionizing what’s possible—delivering the world’s fastest, most precise, and reliable missile defense command & control system. Want to see how HYPERIAN is transforming global security? Let’s connect! 🔗 https://HYPERIANAero.com #MissileDefense #RadarTechnology #Hypersonics #HYPERIANAerospace #NYXDefensePlatform #CommandAndControl #Innovation

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In a new two-part Viewpoints series, Glenn Reis delves into groundbreaking technologies revolutionizing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) in aerospace and defense. Read part one which shows the journey from CBM+ to CBM++, the impact of Generative AI & ML to reduce downtime, and the future of maintenance if you’re looking to implement scalable CBM++ capabilities: https://hubs.ly/Q02HFfLW0

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JETX is excited to announce the release of the first APEX OTA Request For Solutions (RFS); the Hybrid eVTOL for Resilient ISR Prototype Project. The Army Research Lab (ARL) Advanced Prototyping and Experimentation (APEx) Team has issued this RFS to develop a hybrid Group 2 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Prototype Kit, capable of utilizing alternate energy sources. This project aims to support both current and future Department of Defense (DoD) Group 2 Long Range/Long Endurance (LR/LE) mission requirements. If successful, the ARL APEx Team plans to field LR/LE kits for extended Military User Assessments and potential transition support to DoD Programs of Record (PORs). For more details on the Hybrid eVTOL for Resilient ISR Prototype Project, visit https://lnkd.in/gsuutJ5g #APEXOTA #RFS #sUAS #Hybrid #ISR #Prototype #DoD #Innovation #TechAccelerator

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"We're not 'stuck' - we're just not going anywhere." FUTURE #CTPSPACE #TRAVEL Future #CTPcraft won't need Reaction Control Systems (RCS) or deal with these types of systemic 'leaks' (https://lnkd.in/gWp4zfDt) such as these. All of these fuel values, hoses, thrusters are ALL potential points of failure. Each a liability (safety). In #space - not a good thing to trouble with. One major/minor fuel-line pressure/ pressurization or thruster issue and your entire craft is at risk! Those gimble points via RCS are ALL needed to orient your craft/attitude for reentry trajectory as well. Our future advanced #CTPcraft will NOT require RCS (sub)systems, monitoring systems, installation, thruster pods, thruster hose/lines, valves, fittings, flanges, or the weight or space required that could be dedicated to other ship's systems. THIS KID IS OUT OF HIS MIND! But who's listening to me? I'm just 'some freak with a 'theory'. Some nobody. Whacka-doo-froo-froo guy no one's ever heard of with some deceased obscure mentor thinks he's got the science used by #UFOs/#UAPs or the #nextbigthing. "Let's point fingers and laugh children! This 'Reso' idiot thinks #UFOtech he calls #CTPtech stands a chance to revolutionize the #spaceindustry! Nerve of that guy! And safer space travel to boot than present space capsules? Bah! What nerve!" (https://lnkd.in/e-8e6fAY) #newscience #innovation #futuretech #deeptech

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Those are not 'lights' on outer-hull perimeter of the #CTPcraft filmed here (https://lnkd.in/ehwEnkfR). Those 'lights' are part of the CEMAS™ Arrays which are part of the CTP Propulsion Systems (CTPPS) utilized to control/modulate Gravity via the CTP Energy Cycle™. DISCLAIMER: Providing this footage wasn't faked. "This was faked" lulz Whatever. #newscience #propulsionsystems #propulsion #deeptech #deeptechstartup #spacecapital #newspacecapital #newspace #newspaceeconomy #heiroftesla

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THE ULTIMATE REUSABLE HEAT SHIELD FOR MARS: MATECH’s 5000F C/ZrOC TPS offers the ultimate in reusability. While LEO returns don't require 5000F capabilities, this ability guarantees 3000F performance for hundreds of safe missions. Reusability is the key to mission affordability. For more ambitious missions, Lunar return and Mars return, MATECH C/ZrOC is absolutely imperative! According to a very recent press release [1] and article in CompositesWorld [2] by Grace Nehls, Sierra Space has selected a layer of C/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) on top of light-weight and highly insulative silica-based tiles, modelled after Space Shuttle tiles. For the lower heat flux of LEO return, this may be a viable heat shield solution. As Damond Benningfield wrote for the Smithsonian Magazine, for LEO return, “the tiles exposed to reentry temperatures of up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit [3].” Benningfield also stated “Tiles are too brittle to attach to the orbiter directly.” This underscores two inherent challenges to the very light-weight and highly porous silica-based Space Shuttle heat shield tiles. They are not high temperature capable enough for Lunar or Mars return, and they are also fragile and weak. For more aggressive mission requirements, such as Mars return, envisioned by SpaceX, what worked for the Space Shuttle simply won’t work. Consider the fact that the reentry velocities for LEO return are much lower than Lunar and Mars return [4, 5]. “The atmospheric entry interface velocity upon return from the Moon is approximately 11.1 km/s (36,500 ft/s; 40,100 km/h; 24,900 mph) whereas the more common spacecraft return velocity from low Earth orbit (LEO) is approximately 7.8 km/s (25,649 ft/s; 28,000 km/h; 17,000 mph) [5, 6].” Mars return velocity is much higher at 12.5 km/sec (41,104 ft/s; 44,800 km/h; 27,200 mph). To date, no reusable non-ablative heat shield has ever been demonstrated for either Lunar or Mars return. Yet, this is EXACTLY what Elon Musk is seeking. In his tweet of November 19, 2024, Elon Musk wrote “The biggest technology challenge remaining for Starship is a fully & immediately reusable heat shield. Being able to land the ship, refill propellant & launch right away with no refurbishment or laborious inspection. That is the acid test [7].” He’s absolutely right. MATECH has the solution for Starship. In the figure below, under identical conditions and a surface temperature of nearly 5000F, C/SiC CMC is compared to MATECH C/ZrOC CMC. The difference in ablation is dramatic [8]. Under very extreme heat flux conditions at AFRL’s LHMEL facility, the ablation rate of fully dense C/SiC is 100 times higher than MATECH C/ZrOC. This is exactly what Starship needs. MATECH’s C/ZrOC can be artfully combined with existing materials to produce a composite structure that is extremely high temperature capable, reusable, mechanically tough, light weight, and highly insulative, thereby meeting all of Starship’s Lunar and Mars return requirements.

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Last week at #IAC2024, Matt Hejduk of The Aerospace Corporation presented a paper on behalf of the Office of Space Commerce, describing technical results from the #TraCSS Consolidated Pathfinder project. The study revealed opportunities and challenges for using commercial space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities to support spaceflight safety in low Earth orbit. Read the paper: https://lnkd.in/ek3i2cf3

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In a recent interview with Paul Brinkmann of Aerospace America, a publication of AIAA, we get into some of the finer what-if details of #AAMInfrastructure standards and fire code. Understanding that this is an area of technology that is evolving daily and that what we knew yesterday is often different than what we understand today, developing standards and codes in this ever-changing landscape requires constant input from all stakeholders. That said, I encourage those who are interested to check out NFPA-418, Standard for Heliports and Vertiports, and provide Public Input as you see fit to help guide the next revision cycle. NFPA-418: https://lnkd.in/gRX2mv4w NFPA Free Access: https://lnkd.in/gfAzyXbV Vertical Flight Society Vertical Aviation International NASAO - National Association of State Aviation Officials General Aviation Manufacturers Association NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Federal Aviation Administration NFPA Clint Harper, C.M. Nicolas Zart Raymond Syms Ricarda Bennett Kathryn Wright Jeff Wright Tom Schuman #uam #vtol #evtol #technology #advancedairmobility #vertiport #heliport #firesafety #firecode #faa #nfpa #nasa Jim Sherman

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Apex is kicking off conversations early… Partnering with the Hudson Institute and Defense & Aerospace Report, we’re bringing key conversation topics to industry now, ahead of January 28-29, 2025, so we can support the delivery of advanced capability at speed and at scale. Here is just a sample of the conversations we have already brought to the community. View our website to discover more and register your interest to hear when our next series of engagements are announced. Past Engagements: https://lnkd.in/eYvCKjvu Register Interest: https://lnkd.in/eWrysG7J   NEXT UP Our next series of pre-Apex activities - in partnership with the Hudson Institute - will explore opportunities for non-US owned companies to fill needs in the US defense market, as there are many partner nation companies with US based subsidiaries looking to fill critical capability gaps. We’ll look to answer the following questions: ✅ What current requirements exist? ✅ What regulations help or hurt these endeavors? ✅ How can more partnerships can be forged?   Find out more about Apex: https://lnkd.in/eNqeQpGw   #Apex #EmergingTech #Innovation #DefenseTech #Defense #Adaptability #JointCapability #Acquisition

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🚀 SpaceX Rivals Raise Concerns Over Starship-Super Heavy's Florida Arrival 🌴 SpaceX's ambitious plans to bring its Starship-Super Heavy rocket system to Florida have sparked apprehension among industry competitors. As the aerospace giant seeks to expand its launch operations at Cape Canaveral, rivals are voicing concerns over potential impacts on the local ecosystem, airspace congestion, and the competitive landscape. The Starship-Super Heavy, designed for deep space missions and capable of carrying larger payloads than any current rocket, represents a significant leap forward in space exploration technology. However, with great advancements come significant challenges, prompting calls for careful consideration of environmental and regulatory implications. Stay tuned for further developments as the space race intensifies! 🚀🌌 #SpaceX #Starship #SuperHeavy #SpaceRace #AerospaceIndustry #Innovation #Florida

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Autonomy Prime will be accepting submissions for the First Fly-Off (Call 001) solicitation opportunity through August 1. If you have a novel autonomous technology focused on alternate navigation solutions designed for small unmanned aircraft leveraging techniques such as timing propagation via signals, solar/astronomical, and other novel solutions for navigation, consider applying! The purpose of each Fly-Off released as part of Autonomy Prime’s overarching Innovative Capabilities Offering (ICO) solicitation will be to competitively request solutions for prototype and fielding resulting from the initial submissions in response to the calls associated with this ICO. Similar to other Prime programs, Autonomy Prime will partner with the private sector to accelerate the development and testing of game-changing technology to deliver to the warfighter. Find information on the ICO solicitation structure, Fly Off #1 opportunity, and submit here: https://ow.ly/N3iO50S2t9V . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AutonomyPrime #autonomy #autonomous #UAS #funding #futureofflight #innovation

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Volatus Aerospace is developing an on-board Detect and Avoid (DAA) system, supported by a $75,000 grant, to enhance BVLOS drone operations > > https://hubs.la/Q02ZwFdm0 This technology, integrated with advanced airspace awareness tools, will enable safer, scalable drone missions without heavy ground intervention, advancing commercial drone capabilities. Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, said; “On-board detect and avoid technology, together with the IRIS Terminal, represents a transformative leap in airspace awareness, essential for the commercialization of large-scale drone operations. “The DAIR Green Fund empowers us to advance our DAA system, paving the way for safer, more complex BVLOS missions. This initiative is a perfect example of Volatus’ commitment to sustainable, scalable solutions for the future of aerial operations.” Volatus Aerospace Find out more on the UST website 🔗

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Really great article on Space! Highlights Rocket Lab and their mission of small launches their Electron rocket has filled. It goes on to discuss the Neutron that is a medium lift vehicle. Rocket lab focuses on the taxi service where it takes individual payloads to specific orbits, but the new Neutron rocket is meant to compete with SpaceX and its Falcon 9. The article further discussed start ups, such as Relativity Space and ABL Space Systems. I was quoted around the maturity of businesses in this segment and discussed M&A activity. I highlighted that, "... for a company to be a consolidation target it needs some enterprise value; it needs sales and employees and contracts." I further went on to say that, "... those pure-play space companies, they are going to have a harder time because it is a slower cycle, versus a company that gets into space with a diversified book of business and will probably be more successful." #aerospace #space #mergersandacquisitions #thefactorydoctor https://lnkd.in/gsNrw2cA

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Northwest C++ Users Group (NWCPP) July 18, 2024 at 6:30PM (US Pacific Time) Leonard Mosescu "CUDA Tooling & Basic Optimizations" Please Like, Follow, & Share. nwcpp.org/July-2024.html Onsite: Microsoft | 3709 157th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 Remote: see the Teams link at: nwcpp.org/July-2024.html Speaker: Leonard Mosescu Title: CUDA Tooling & Basic Optimizations Abstract: We’re going to pick up where last month’s “CUDA Without a PhD” left off (watch the recording in case you missed it, since we’re going to build on top of Lloyd’s excellent introduction to CUDA). This time, we’ll take a deeper look into NVIDIA’s CUDA toolchain, including the compiler, debugger, profiler(s), sanitizers and more. Using these tools, we’ll introduce a few basic ideas around optimizing CUDA applications. Speaker Bio: By day, Leonard Mosescu is exploring next-generation compilation technologies and programming models at NVIDIA. By night, he’s pursuing an old interest in AI and Evolutionary Algorithms.

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My #unfiltered take on the State of the Commercial #UAS industry – while there is value (present and future), we have a long/painful way to go before the industry figures itself out. None of my opinions are directed at any one individual/company...just my own general thoughts.   A full $0.02 exceeds a LI character limit. So here is my $0.01: UAS/Hardware/Software manufacturers 🚁🕹️💻 : Many of you are making great strides in the #innovation aspects of your products, kudos to you. It’s becoming harder to weed you out from your competitors though. It’s one thing to brand yourself product as a Swiss-army knife. It’s a completely different thing to say your Swiss Army knife is bullet proof, only to find out that under the hood, it’s made of #3D printed plastic. Drone Service Providers (DSPs)🚧📋: You’re trying to juggle #industry resources, conflicting industry reports, a challenging #economy , #customer demands (race-to-bottom pricing), and #differentiation . All while trying to manage the idea of your customers taking on flight services internally (effectively cutting you out). #Regulatory State ⚖️: Whether you are for or against the CCP regulations, & whether or not it is completely passed, it is going to affect all of us in some way. I see both sides of the issue. Both sides can (and should) stand up as tax paying citizens and have their voices heard. But at the end of the day, #politicians are going to play #politics . You should have bravo, charlie, & delta plans for each scenario. #Conference Organizers 🏟️: You need to #innovate . The days of nail-biting keynotes with flashy product reveals have come and gone (hopefully not forever). I think you will always have a core group of attendees that can stomach the expensive travel budgets (mainly to network). But right now it’s the same people, with the same breakout sessions, and generally the same tech, every year. That core group is dwindling. If we are going to sacrifice time away from our family’s, let’s get back to when conferences were exciting. End-users/customers of DSPs 🏭:        End-users have been accustomed to this idea that DSPs provide a safer (or alternative) solution to solve a problem. Generally, this is true. But when end-users buy into some of the misconceptions about things like pricing, availability, capacity, and demand, the only underlying KPI that matters is direct cost. If your organization is using a contracted model for UAS services, I think there needs to be a stronger emphasis on the relationships with your contractors (and supporting them). When a customer puts so much pressure on pricing, you’re backing legitimate DSPs into a corner where #safety and #integrity are compromised. No one #wins here. Moral of my story 💡 :     Buckle up and be ready for whatever this crazy world is ready to throw at us next. The commercial UAS industry is here to stay. What will the industry look like in the near (or long-term) future? No one truly knows.

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Great read from Defense & Aerospace Report on hypersonic aircraft. From defense use cases to future developments in commercial aviation – this article hits on the promising dual-use nature of hypersonic technology. Check it out → https://lnkd.in/eSueV9-q

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