#33 - Bobby Healy - Manna: Building a drone delivery network
In this episode we are joined by Bobby Healy, CEO and founder of Irish drone delivery company Manna Air Delivery. Founded in 2018, the company operates a fleet of drones that fly pre-programmed routes beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). In 2021, Manna launched a commercial service delivering groceries, meals, and pharmaceuticals in Oranmore, Ireland. Since then, it has expanded operations in Ireland and further afield. It has also agreed partnerships with giants like Deliveroo, Coca-Cola and DoorDash.The company now delivers thousands of meals per day to customers in Ireland, according to Healy. The conversation touches on the company's vision for drone delivery, progress up to now, dealing with opposition, regulatory challenges, the benefits of being Irish, plus much more besides.
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#32 - Paul Touw and Scott Drennan - Otto Aerospace: The business of laminar flow
In this episode we are joined by Paul Touw and Scott Drennan from Otto Aerospace, the company vying to be the latest entrant to the super midsize segment of business aviation. The firm, which has plans to build a production facility in Jacksonville, Florida, makes use of laminar flow technology to dramatically increase efficiency and sustainability versus competitors. The aircraft which Otto has called the Phantom 3500, is pencilled in for a maiden flight in 2027. The company is targeting certification with the FAA and entry into service in late 2030.The conversation touches on the laminar flow technology and its benefits, company philosophy, previous projects, a windowless cabin with "supernatural vision", vertical integration (or lack thereof) and much more besides.
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#31 - Gavin White and Kieran O'Regan - About:Energy: Batteries, the biggest limiting factor?
In our latest episode we are discussing one of AAM’s most critical ingredients, but also one of its biggest limiting factors. Batteries.Joining us to do so are the co-founders of London-based battery simulation modelling specialist About:Energy, Dr. Gavin White and Dr. Kieran O’Regan. The pair founded the company in response to a need to better understand the digital aspect of batteries. How do you predict battery performance on a computer rather than completing physical tests? The company aims to answer this question through the use of simulation models that reduce the reliance on physical research and, in turn, cut down the development time to get new battery products to market. The conversation touches on About:Energy's growth, battery chemistries, cell selection for various use cases, the wider battery market and impacts of geopolitics. Plus much more.
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#30 - David Smith - Robinson Helicopter Company: 'A conversation is always better'
In this episode we are joined by David Smith, CEO of California-based Robinson Helicopter Company. David took up his post in early 2024 having spent 18 years at Textron, which incorporated 13 years at Bell in various roles. Since joining Robinson he has made innovation a key focus for the company. Key highlights include announcing the all-new R88, the acquisition of Ascent Aerosystems and – revealed since the recording of this podcast – a joint project with MagniX to electrify an R66. An outspoken commentator on the AAM industry, the conversation touches on eVTOLs, the potential of Ascent and the strategy for Robinson, as well as the need to grow the domestic supply chain in the US. Plus much more.
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#29 - Addison Ferrell - Skyports Infrastructure: Building the ecosystem
In this episode we are joined by Addison Ferrell, director of infrastructure at Skyports Infrastructure, to talk all things vertiports.A graduate of Harvard Business School, Addison joined Skyports in 2021 after about five years at McKinsey. Before that he was at GE Aviation in various roles, including as a composite design engineer. We discuss the work Skyports has been doing globally, including the recent completion of its first vertiport in the UK and the ongoing buildout of infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. We also touch on the importance of the surrounding ecosystem to day one operations, as well as future growth and Skyports' place within it. Plus much more.
Welcome to The Revolution.Aero Podcast where we bring together some of our friends and colleagues from across the spectrum of aerospace innovation to shed more light on the emerging technologies promising to change how things and people move.Hosted by Yves Le Marquand and brought to you by the team at Revolution.Aero. Connect with us at www.revolution.aero
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