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AEROSPACE

KBR to Update and Improve UH-60V Black Hawk Fleet for U.S. Army with $156.7M Contract

KBR | November 22, 2022 | Read time : 02:28 min

KBR to Update and Improve UH-60V Black Hawk Fleet for U.S.
KBR announced today it has been awarded a $156.7 million task order to support capabilities assessment and enhancements for the U.S. Army's Utility Helicopter 60 Variant (UH-60V) fleet, providing technologically superior and cost-effective helicopters for U.S. and Allied Forces. KBR was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center's (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle. These DoD IAC MAC task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force's 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) repository and the research and development and science and technology community. Under the terms of the contract with Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, Utility Helicopter Project Office (UHPO), KBR and key teammate Northrop Grumman Corporation will develop recommendations and technical solutions for the UHPO and its international partners to increase availability, improve reliability, and reduce the support costs for the UH-60V.

"KBR is excited to support PEO aviation as they advance Black Hawk technology to better support the U.S. military with this critical asset, KBR and Northrop Grumman bring the experience and expertise to deliver solutions to maintain Army aviation technological superiority and reduce costs."

Stuart Bradie, President and CEO of KBR

This work is expected to be performed over five years, with KBR performing Reliability, Maintainability, Quality, Supportability, and Interoperability (RMQSI), logistics and testing, program management, and validation, prototyping, lifecycle analyses, and sustainability improvement. Work is expected to take place at KBR and partner facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. According to the U.S. Army, the UH-60V helicopter, known as the Victor, "was developed to overhaul the aging UH-60A and L fleets. The new model has several technological advancements that make it easier to operate than older variants, including an upgraded digital glass cockpit, certified GPS RNAV database and advanced flight planning and mission capability." Planned upgrades and improvements to the UH-60V encompass the avionics architecture, flight controls, fuel system, electrical system, airframe, drive train, and a newly developed rotor system. KBR is proud to be a leader in advancing air, space, cyber, and defense systems for the U.S. military. KBR offers full lifecycle support for hardware including design, obsolesce management, prototyping, and full integrated logistics support. KBR has been supporting PEO Aviation and UHPO since 1988, providing critical support and analysis through decades of program evolution, sustainability, and technology transitions. Northrop Grumman provides the Integrated Avionics Suite for the UH-60V. This transformational approach to avionics modernizes the U.S. Army's UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with a glass cockpit, including an integrated computational system, visual display system and Control Display Units. This replaces the analog gauges in UH-60L helicopters with an integrated system that provides one of the most advanced avionics systems in the U.S. Army.

About DOD IAC Program
The DoD IAC, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DoD science & technology (S&T) and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.

About KBR
We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission-critical roles in 34 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

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AIR TRANSPORT

Qarbon Aerospace Receives Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for Business Management Excellence

Businesswire | June 07, 2023

Qarbon Aerospace, Inc.,a premier manufacturer of medium to large complex composite components and assemblies, is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by Raytheon Technologies, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, as a recipient of the prestigious Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for our outstanding performance in 2022 on the F135 program. The award recognizes Qarbon Aerospace's exceptional value, contribution, and overall excellence in the category of Business Management. The Raytheon Technologies Premier Award is presented annually as part of the Raytheon Technologies Performance+ Program. This program acknowledges suppliers who have demonstrated exemplary performance and have made significant contributions to Raytheon Technologies. The award categories include Cost Competitiveness, Technology & Innovation, Business Management, and Collaboration & Customer Service. Qarbon Aerospace's selection for the Premier Award highlights its exceptional achievements in Business Management. "We are extremely proud to receive the Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for our outstanding Business Management," said Pete Wick, CEO of Qarbon Aerospace. "This esteemed accolade is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our entire team. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Raytheon Technologies for this honor and reaffirm our commitment to delivering excellence in all aspects of our business." Qarbon Aerospace's unwavering dedication to operational excellence has significantly contributed to the success of its customers worldwide. This prestigious award underscores Qarbon Aerospace's ability to consistently deliver exceptional results with assured quality. It further solidifies Qarbon Aerospace as an industry leader and preferred supplier for leading aerospace companies globally. About Qarbon Aerospace: Qarbon Aerospace, headquartered in Red Oak, Texas, is a leading provider of large, complex composite and metallic structural components and assemblies such as fuselages, wings, flight control surfaces, and engine nacelles and components. Qarbon Aerospace operates nearly two million square feet of factory space across three facilities located in Red Oak, Texas, Milledgeville, Georgia, and Rayong, Thailand. Qarbon Aerospace has vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities from component fabrication through large-scale assembly as well as world-leading proprietary thermoplastics technologies. Qarbon Aerospace has longstanding relationships with blue-chip OEM customers and a diversified product portfolio across a variety of successful commercial, defense, and business jet platforms. Qarbon Aerospace has the capabilities and resources to solve the market’s toughest challenges with Quality Assured.

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DEFENSE AND SPACE

Archer Aviation Forms Government Services Advisory Board to Support Planned Expansion of its Existing Relationship With the U.S. Department of Defense

Businessiwire | May 11, 2023

Archer Aviation Inc. today announced the formation of a Government Services Advisory Board to support Archer’s planned expansion of its existing relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”). Over the last few years, Archer has completed several projects with the DoD and has several still underway. As Archer’s Midnight aircraft progresses toward commercialization, it is garnering significant interest from the Department of Defense as a result of its performance specifications, including Midnight’s payload of ~1,000 lbs. This advisory board will further build on Archer’s expertise and perspective of government programs and procurement strategies to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore additional opportunities to commercialize eVTOL aircraft. In addition, the board members will assist and facilitate Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of eVTOL aircraft technologies. The initial appointees to the board are 6 highly decorated and distinguished military leaders: Retired 3-star General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, Retired General Steve Townsend, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant. Archer’s Head of Government Relations, Dr. Michael Romanowski, a former 14-year veteran at the Federal Aviation Administration with over 20 years of executive leadership-experience in aerospace who joined Archer last August, will serve as chairperson of the board. “We understand the importance of fostering strong and purposeful relationships across the whole-of-government to enable and support the safe integration of eVTOL aircraft in the U.S.,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The development and commercialization of AAM technologies must remain a strategic national priority and having such decorated and informed military veterans advising us will help us ensure that is the case.” Here are the biographies of the six initial appointees: • Retired Lieutenant General David Krumm is a trusted executive leader and widely known as a strategic planner with demonstrated success spanning over 32 years of military service. He recently completed a diverse military career with his concluding assignment as the Commander of Alaska North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region, Alaska Command, and the 11th Air Force. A career fighter pilot, he has over 3,000 hours in a variety of aircraft including the F-22 and F-15 C. Retired Lieutenant General Krumm possesses relevant and practical experience in a wide range of government, national security, and defense-related areas to include acquisition, requirements and budget programming. He is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a bachelor’s and master's degree from the institution. Retired Lieutenant General Krumm also attended Harvard University in the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Program and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar 21 program. • Retired Vice Admiral Ron Boxall is a lifelong leader and expert in Navy and joint military capabilities and requirements. He has commanded some of our nation’s most advanced deployed maritime forces–the USS John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier Strike Group as well as two other Aegis warships. In the Pentagon, he served in seven different Navy and joint assignments. Admiral Boxall was the Director for Surface Warfare at Navy Headquarters, where he prepared a nearly $20 billion annual portfolio and the requirements for surface ships, weapons, maintenance, training, and operations. Additionally, he has served three tours for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, most recently as the senior military officer overseeing the nearly $800 billion military investment in the defense budget for the Joint Chiefs. Working closely with the Secretary of Defense staff, Combatant Commanders and all Military Services, he was the military officer who released the nearly $800 billion DoD investment in all domains–air, maritime, land, space and cyber–and released the DoD budgets for 2021, 2022 and 2023 to the international media outlets, Congress and the public. Admiral Boxall currently serves as an advisor, consultant and board member for several corporations in and out of the defense industry. • Retired Major General Hutmacher is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He retired in 2018 from the United States Army having served more than 40 years. As an Army Special Operations Aviator, he commanded at every level during his three tours with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he served as the MH060 Direct Action Penetrator platoon leader, company operations officer, executive officer and commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. His last active-duty assignment was the Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida and before that deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Retired General Hutmacher holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval Command and Staff College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. • Retired General Bill Gayler currently serves as the Senior Strategic Advisor to PeopleTec Inc, Advisor to Warrior Performance Framework, Independent Consultant, Co-Chair of the Screaming Eagle Aviation Association, and volunteers his time with the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation. He is a decorated Master Army Aviator and Standardization Instructor Pilot in the AH-64A Apache and the AH-64D Longbow and has commanded at every level up to two-star General. He has over 4,000 flight hours in scout reconnaissance and attack aircraft with numerous operational and combat deployments around the world. His last command assignment was as the Commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Branch Chief for Army Aviation. After 33 years of military service, he retired in 2021 as the Chief of Staff, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Retired General Gayler holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from North Georgia College, a master’s degree of Military Art and Science from the US Army Command and Staff College, and a Masters of Science in National Policy and Strategic Studies from the U.S. National War College, National Defense University. • Retired General Steve Townsend is self-employed as a consultant, advisor and public speaker. He volunteers his time with the American Battle Monuments Foundation and supports various wounded warrior events. He retired in 2022 having served over 40 years in uniform. As an Army infantry officer, General Townsend served in Airborne, Light, Ranger, Stryker and Air Assault formations, in both peace and war, leading and commanding war-fighting units at every level from a 40-soldier rifle platoon to a 92,000-soldier Army Corps and two combined/joint task forces during operations overseas. As a 4-star general, he commanded the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command responsible for all recruitment, professional military training and education, and the development of concepts and doctrine to prepare the Army for the challenges of the future. His last assignment was Commander of U.S. Africa Command where he was responsible for all U.S. military forces, operations and activities throughout the continent of Africa. General Townsend holds a bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College, and master’s degrees from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. • Retired Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) Michael J. Durant is currently the Board Chair of Pinnacle Solutions, Incorporated, an engineering and services company that he founded. He retired in 2001 after completing 22 years of active-duty service. Michael’s assignments include the 470th Military Intelligence Group, Fort Clayton, Panama, Flight Training and UH60 Blackhawk Qualification Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, the 377th Medical Evacuation Company, Seoul Korea and the 101st Aviation Bn, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He joined the 160th Special Operations Group in 1988 where he performed duties as Flight Lead and Standardization Instructor Pilot. He participated in combat operations Prime Chance, Just Cause (Panama invasion), Desert Storm (Liberation of Kuwait), and Restore Hope (Somalia). Michael is a 2008 Army Aviation Association of American Hall of Fame Inductee and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association 2013 Vetrepreneur of the year. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. About Archer Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA.

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AIR TRANSPORT

Starburst Announces Expansion Into Washington, DC With New Office

PRnewswire | March 30, 2023

Starburst, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, today announced its expansion into Washington, DC. With a new office and the addition of Rob Ganim, who has joined Starburst's DC office as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development, Starburst is developing deeper relationships within this significant region. These new routes of engagement with the US government and the greater entrepreneurial community strongly positions Starburst to continue leading innovation efforts throughout the industry. The US Aerospace and Defense industry's wide-ranging activities, which include commercial aviation, national security, and space exploration, are critical to the economic health and strength of our nation. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, the industry's workforce generated $892 billion in combined sales in the past few years and is continuing to grow. The US government invests heavily across aviation, space, defense, and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but there are many challenges today that threaten existing systems. "To continue to meet the demands of today and rise to the future, it is imperative that we build new channels for the government to adopt cutting edge technologies from non-traditional sources, specifically startups," says Starburst's US Managing Director, Elizabeth Reynolds. Given the fast rate in which the market is moving, sincere collaborations between startups and the government must keep pace in order to stay competitive and maintain a high level standard of readiness in defense. Government support of innovative A&D companies that capitalize on new emerging technologies will ensure economic growth and prosperity in addition to national security. Starburst bridges the critical gap of emerging technologies through their continuous and consistent efforts of tackling different components within the innovation life cycles using their accelerator programs and investments. Starburst helps entrepreneurs who are building novel technologies have success within commercial industries and in government contracts. Starburst plans to continue to develop government relationships with the new hire of Rob Ganim, based in Washington, DC. "Bridging the gap between startups and the US government brings forth the best technology and ultimately propels the flywheel of innovation in aerospace and defense on a macro scale for both the economic health and national security position for the entire nation," Reynolds adds. Robert Ganim is a national security policy and business professional, bringing to Starburst over 13 years of experience rooted at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics. Throughout his career, Rob has worked on an array of topics within the national security policy portfolio in the US Senate, at the US Department of Defense, and as a government relations consultant and startup executive. Rob is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds certificates from the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. "In an era of great power competition, the United States' robust innovation ecosystem is a key competitive advantage. Starburst's accelerator programs put it in a prime position to leverage this advantage to help DoD deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter and address broader national security needs. I am excited to work with the Starburst team to develop and grow its partnerships with government and industry leaders," says Ganim. About Starburst Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 15,000+ startups in our network. Starburst's flagship accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

Qarbon Aerospace Receives Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for Business Management Excellence

Businesswire | June 07, 2023

Qarbon Aerospace, Inc.,a premier manufacturer of medium to large complex composite components and assemblies, is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by Raytheon Technologies, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, as a recipient of the prestigious Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for our outstanding performance in 2022 on the F135 program. The award recognizes Qarbon Aerospace's exceptional value, contribution, and overall excellence in the category of Business Management. The Raytheon Technologies Premier Award is presented annually as part of the Raytheon Technologies Performance+ Program. This program acknowledges suppliers who have demonstrated exemplary performance and have made significant contributions to Raytheon Technologies. The award categories include Cost Competitiveness, Technology & Innovation, Business Management, and Collaboration & Customer Service. Qarbon Aerospace's selection for the Premier Award highlights its exceptional achievements in Business Management. "We are extremely proud to receive the Raytheon Technologies Premier Award for our outstanding Business Management," said Pete Wick, CEO of Qarbon Aerospace. "This esteemed accolade is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our entire team. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Raytheon Technologies for this honor and reaffirm our commitment to delivering excellence in all aspects of our business." Qarbon Aerospace's unwavering dedication to operational excellence has significantly contributed to the success of its customers worldwide. This prestigious award underscores Qarbon Aerospace's ability to consistently deliver exceptional results with assured quality. It further solidifies Qarbon Aerospace as an industry leader and preferred supplier for leading aerospace companies globally. About Qarbon Aerospace: Qarbon Aerospace, headquartered in Red Oak, Texas, is a leading provider of large, complex composite and metallic structural components and assemblies such as fuselages, wings, flight control surfaces, and engine nacelles and components. Qarbon Aerospace operates nearly two million square feet of factory space across three facilities located in Red Oak, Texas, Milledgeville, Georgia, and Rayong, Thailand. Qarbon Aerospace has vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities from component fabrication through large-scale assembly as well as world-leading proprietary thermoplastics technologies. Qarbon Aerospace has longstanding relationships with blue-chip OEM customers and a diversified product portfolio across a variety of successful commercial, defense, and business jet platforms. Qarbon Aerospace has the capabilities and resources to solve the market’s toughest challenges with Quality Assured.

Read More

DEFENSE AND SPACE

Archer Aviation Forms Government Services Advisory Board to Support Planned Expansion of its Existing Relationship With the U.S. Department of Defense

Businessiwire | May 11, 2023

Archer Aviation Inc. today announced the formation of a Government Services Advisory Board to support Archer’s planned expansion of its existing relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”). Over the last few years, Archer has completed several projects with the DoD and has several still underway. As Archer’s Midnight aircraft progresses toward commercialization, it is garnering significant interest from the Department of Defense as a result of its performance specifications, including Midnight’s payload of ~1,000 lbs. This advisory board will further build on Archer’s expertise and perspective of government programs and procurement strategies to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore additional opportunities to commercialize eVTOL aircraft. In addition, the board members will assist and facilitate Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of eVTOL aircraft technologies. The initial appointees to the board are 6 highly decorated and distinguished military leaders: Retired 3-star General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, Retired General Steve Townsend, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant. Archer’s Head of Government Relations, Dr. Michael Romanowski, a former 14-year veteran at the Federal Aviation Administration with over 20 years of executive leadership-experience in aerospace who joined Archer last August, will serve as chairperson of the board. “We understand the importance of fostering strong and purposeful relationships across the whole-of-government to enable and support the safe integration of eVTOL aircraft in the U.S.,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The development and commercialization of AAM technologies must remain a strategic national priority and having such decorated and informed military veterans advising us will help us ensure that is the case.” Here are the biographies of the six initial appointees: • Retired Lieutenant General David Krumm is a trusted executive leader and widely known as a strategic planner with demonstrated success spanning over 32 years of military service. He recently completed a diverse military career with his concluding assignment as the Commander of Alaska North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region, Alaska Command, and the 11th Air Force. A career fighter pilot, he has over 3,000 hours in a variety of aircraft including the F-22 and F-15 C. Retired Lieutenant General Krumm possesses relevant and practical experience in a wide range of government, national security, and defense-related areas to include acquisition, requirements and budget programming. He is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a bachelor’s and master's degree from the institution. Retired Lieutenant General Krumm also attended Harvard University in the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Program and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar 21 program. • Retired Vice Admiral Ron Boxall is a lifelong leader and expert in Navy and joint military capabilities and requirements. He has commanded some of our nation’s most advanced deployed maritime forces–the USS John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier Strike Group as well as two other Aegis warships. In the Pentagon, he served in seven different Navy and joint assignments. Admiral Boxall was the Director for Surface Warfare at Navy Headquarters, where he prepared a nearly $20 billion annual portfolio and the requirements for surface ships, weapons, maintenance, training, and operations. Additionally, he has served three tours for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, most recently as the senior military officer overseeing the nearly $800 billion military investment in the defense budget for the Joint Chiefs. Working closely with the Secretary of Defense staff, Combatant Commanders and all Military Services, he was the military officer who released the nearly $800 billion DoD investment in all domains–air, maritime, land, space and cyber–and released the DoD budgets for 2021, 2022 and 2023 to the international media outlets, Congress and the public. Admiral Boxall currently serves as an advisor, consultant and board member for several corporations in and out of the defense industry. • Retired Major General Hutmacher is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He retired in 2018 from the United States Army having served more than 40 years. As an Army Special Operations Aviator, he commanded at every level during his three tours with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he served as the MH060 Direct Action Penetrator platoon leader, company operations officer, executive officer and commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. His last active-duty assignment was the Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida and before that deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Retired General Hutmacher holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval Command and Staff College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. • Retired General Bill Gayler currently serves as the Senior Strategic Advisor to PeopleTec Inc, Advisor to Warrior Performance Framework, Independent Consultant, Co-Chair of the Screaming Eagle Aviation Association, and volunteers his time with the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation. He is a decorated Master Army Aviator and Standardization Instructor Pilot in the AH-64A Apache and the AH-64D Longbow and has commanded at every level up to two-star General. He has over 4,000 flight hours in scout reconnaissance and attack aircraft with numerous operational and combat deployments around the world. His last command assignment was as the Commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Branch Chief for Army Aviation. After 33 years of military service, he retired in 2021 as the Chief of Staff, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Retired General Gayler holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from North Georgia College, a master’s degree of Military Art and Science from the US Army Command and Staff College, and a Masters of Science in National Policy and Strategic Studies from the U.S. National War College, National Defense University. • Retired General Steve Townsend is self-employed as a consultant, advisor and public speaker. He volunteers his time with the American Battle Monuments Foundation and supports various wounded warrior events. He retired in 2022 having served over 40 years in uniform. As an Army infantry officer, General Townsend served in Airborne, Light, Ranger, Stryker and Air Assault formations, in both peace and war, leading and commanding war-fighting units at every level from a 40-soldier rifle platoon to a 92,000-soldier Army Corps and two combined/joint task forces during operations overseas. As a 4-star general, he commanded the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command responsible for all recruitment, professional military training and education, and the development of concepts and doctrine to prepare the Army for the challenges of the future. His last assignment was Commander of U.S. Africa Command where he was responsible for all U.S. military forces, operations and activities throughout the continent of Africa. General Townsend holds a bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College, and master’s degrees from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. • Retired Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) Michael J. Durant is currently the Board Chair of Pinnacle Solutions, Incorporated, an engineering and services company that he founded. He retired in 2001 after completing 22 years of active-duty service. Michael’s assignments include the 470th Military Intelligence Group, Fort Clayton, Panama, Flight Training and UH60 Blackhawk Qualification Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, the 377th Medical Evacuation Company, Seoul Korea and the 101st Aviation Bn, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He joined the 160th Special Operations Group in 1988 where he performed duties as Flight Lead and Standardization Instructor Pilot. He participated in combat operations Prime Chance, Just Cause (Panama invasion), Desert Storm (Liberation of Kuwait), and Restore Hope (Somalia). Michael is a 2008 Army Aviation Association of American Hall of Fame Inductee and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association 2013 Vetrepreneur of the year. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. About Archer Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

Starburst Announces Expansion Into Washington, DC With New Office

PRnewswire | March 30, 2023

Starburst, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, today announced its expansion into Washington, DC. With a new office and the addition of Rob Ganim, who has joined Starburst's DC office as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development, Starburst is developing deeper relationships within this significant region. These new routes of engagement with the US government and the greater entrepreneurial community strongly positions Starburst to continue leading innovation efforts throughout the industry. The US Aerospace and Defense industry's wide-ranging activities, which include commercial aviation, national security, and space exploration, are critical to the economic health and strength of our nation. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, the industry's workforce generated $892 billion in combined sales in the past few years and is continuing to grow. The US government invests heavily across aviation, space, defense, and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but there are many challenges today that threaten existing systems. "To continue to meet the demands of today and rise to the future, it is imperative that we build new channels for the government to adopt cutting edge technologies from non-traditional sources, specifically startups," says Starburst's US Managing Director, Elizabeth Reynolds. Given the fast rate in which the market is moving, sincere collaborations between startups and the government must keep pace in order to stay competitive and maintain a high level standard of readiness in defense. Government support of innovative A&D companies that capitalize on new emerging technologies will ensure economic growth and prosperity in addition to national security. Starburst bridges the critical gap of emerging technologies through their continuous and consistent efforts of tackling different components within the innovation life cycles using their accelerator programs and investments. Starburst helps entrepreneurs who are building novel technologies have success within commercial industries and in government contracts. Starburst plans to continue to develop government relationships with the new hire of Rob Ganim, based in Washington, DC. "Bridging the gap between startups and the US government brings forth the best technology and ultimately propels the flywheel of innovation in aerospace and defense on a macro scale for both the economic health and national security position for the entire nation," Reynolds adds. Robert Ganim is a national security policy and business professional, bringing to Starburst over 13 years of experience rooted at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics. Throughout his career, Rob has worked on an array of topics within the national security policy portfolio in the US Senate, at the US Department of Defense, and as a government relations consultant and startup executive. Rob is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds certificates from the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. "In an era of great power competition, the United States' robust innovation ecosystem is a key competitive advantage. Starburst's accelerator programs put it in a prime position to leverage this advantage to help DoD deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter and address broader national security needs. I am excited to work with the Starburst team to develop and grow its partnerships with government and industry leaders," says Ganim. About Starburst Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 15,000+ startups in our network. Starburst's flagship accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts.

Read More

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