OKLAHOMA CITY, USA | 2 March 2026 – Skydweller Aero CTO Travis Vetter has received the 2026 Distinguished Engineering Achievement Award from the Engineers’ Council. The award recognizes senior engineering leaders whose technical contributions and professional leadership have materially advanced the engineering profession.

Travis was honored for his leadership in advancing extreme-endurance, solar-powered uncrewed aircraft and next-generation flight-control systems enabling multi-day autonomous missions. His career spans pioneering work in aircraft design, aeroelastic control, guidance and navigation, vehicle management systems, and mission-system integration across both industry and government programs.

In 2025, under his leadership, Skydweller completed an operational flight campaign in partnership with the U.S. Navy and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The campaign included a nonstop solar-powered flight of more than 74 hours, and more than 220 hours aloft during a 20-day period, demonstrating reliable autonomous flight powered exclusively by solar energy, including safe operations in restricted airspace and autonomous weather avoidance.

“Travis exemplifies the highest standards of engineering leadership,” said Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “He has been instrumental in transitioning Skydweller from experimental concept to operational aerospace capability.” 

During the past five years, Travis has served as a principal architect of the aircraft’s vehicle management system, aeroelastic control strategies, and autonomous mission-planning toolset. He leads multidisciplinary engineering teams spanning avionics, flight-control software, energy systems, payload integration, and flight-test operations. His work has been central to scaling Skydweller’s ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber airframe into a mission-ready platform capable of carrying significant payloads while supplying substantial onboard power for sensors and communications.

Prior to joining Skydweller, Travis served as Development Chief Engineer – Special Programs at Northrop Grumman, providing technical direction to large multidisciplinary engineering teams across advanced uncrewed aircraft and mission-system programs. His earlier leadership roles included Air Vehicle, Vehicle Management System, and Flight Controls lead for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Tern unmanned aircraft program, as well as Guidance, Navigation & Control IPT Special Projects lead and Aeroelastic Controls lead on advanced control and structural-dynamics programs.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Engineers’ Council, and grateful to my mentors and the Skydweller team that has made this possible,” Travis said. “At Skydweller, we are demonstrating that extreme-endurance aviation with operational payload capability can provide persistent, mission-relevant support to U.S. warfighters.”

About Skydweller Aero Inc. 

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a cutting-edge aerospace company developing and manufacturing a new class of very large solar-powered aircraft designed to achieve persistent, near-perpetual flight with operational payload capacity. The Skydweller Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is engineered to carry up to 800 lbs. of payload while providing approximately 2 kW of continuous onboard power and more than 200 kW of instantaneous peak power for sensors and communications. It has a wingspan greater than a Boeing 747 and a total weight comparable to a Ford F-150 pickup truck. Skydweller combines extreme endurance with substantial payload and power-generation capability. The platform is designed to support a range of missions for the U.S. Department of War and allied partners, complementing existing airborne systems and reducing demand on high-value assets. Primarily backed by venture and private capital, Skydweller Aero Inc. maintains world and U.S. headquarters in Oklahoma City, with European operations headquartered in Spain. For more information about Skydweller, visit www.skydweller.aero

 

OKLAHOMA CITY — 14 January 2026 — Skydweller Aero, in partnership with Nokia Federal Solutions and Tangram Flex, has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract to demonstrate a rapidly deployable airborne private network — essentially a flying 5G cell tower. The technology could provide flexible communication for military and commercial operations.

The initiative, officially titled “Instantaneous Network Infrastructure: Rapid-Deployment of Airborne Private Network on Uncrewed Perpetual Flight Platform,” leverages Skydweller Aero’s Perpetual Flight® solar-powered aircraft. The platform combines high payload capacity with extreme endurance, enabling a reconfigurable airborne communication hub.

“Skydweller’s autonomous aircraft allows us to rethink how airborne networks are deployed,” said Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller Aero. “For our customers, this means faster, more flexible connectivity that links manned and unmanned systems seamlessly — all while reducing operational costs and complexity compared with traditional solutions.”

For the demonstration, Skydweller will host Nokia’s 5G network. Scott Ferguson, Chief Revenue Officer, Nokia Federal Solutions, said, “Nokia’s 5G technology was built for dynamic, high-performance operations. Integrating it with Skydweller’s perpetual aircraft enables an entirely new class of airborne network capability that is continuous, flexible, and ready to connect forces faster than ever.”

Tangram Flex’s interoperability software will ensure compatibility with existing and emerging military systems. Caitlin Dohrman, CEO of Tangram Flex, said, “Our software enables the rapid integration of heterogeneous communication and mission systems, so they work together seamlessly, providing flexibility and scalability for a wide range of operations.”

The combined, modular solution will implement open standards, such as OMS and UCI, to demonstrate a software-defined airborne network capable of supporting high-value manned and unmanned platforms, as well as low-cost, attritable assets — essentially making Skydweller a central airborne hub for modern networked operations, including potential integration with the Air Force’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives.

The Air Force Research Laboratory awarded this Direct to Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, with a performance period from August 2025 to August 2027. Contract value was not disclosed.

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Contact:

Skydweller US
Greg Caires | greg.caires@skydweller.us | 202.870.4658

Nokia Federal
Jacqueline Lampert | media@nokiafederal.com

About Skydweller US

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company with a mission of developing and manufacturing a fleet of very large solar powered aircraft capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy, powerful payloads. Their vision is to build the world’s first commercially viable perpetual flight solar powered aircraft that can carry up to 800lbs of payload, significantly more than any other solar powered aircraft, providing 2kW of power on average, and more than 100kW instantaneous power. The Skydweller Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has the wingspan greater than a Boeing 747 (236 ft) and weighs about the same as a F-150 pickup truck (under 5000lbs). This capability will support a variety of missions for the US DoD and its allies. Skydweller will complement existing systems by reducing the burden on those high demand assets. Skydweller Aero Inc., primarily backed by venture and private capital, has World and US headquarters in Oklahoma City and European offices headquartered in Spain. www.Skydweller.aero

About Nokia Federal

At Nokia Federal Solutions, we build scalable secure networks for mission success. As the U.S. Government’s trusted partner for 5G mission-ready solutions, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Our solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of federal government agencies. Through technology leadership and trusted partnerships, Nokia Federal is helping the U.S. Federal Government modernize its IP and optical networks and build 5G private and tactical wireless networks. www.nokia.com/federal-solutions/

About Tangram Flex

Tangram Flex is a purpose-driven software company. We partner with the nation’s leading defense innovators and find new ways to take on some of the toughest challenges in engineering today. Our team of developers, dreamers, and doers believe there is power in the freedom to create. https://tangramflex.com/

Thomas Nielsen, Ph.D., Vice President of Programs at Skydweller Aero.

Skydweller Aero Names Thomas Nielsen, Ph.D., as Vice President, Programs

Skydweller Aero is proud to announce the appointment of Thomas Nielsen, Ph.D., to the position of Vice President of Programs. He brings over 20 years of experience in aerospace, sensing, autonomy, and mission-critical technologies.

Leading Skydweller’s Global Programs

Thomas will lead Skydweller’s global program execution strategy and oversee the full program portfolio. He will ensure disciplined alignment across development, integration, production, and deployment as the company fields new capabilities for maritime patrol, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and long-endurance autonomous operations.

“Thomas is a highly accomplished technology and program leader with a rare combination of deep technical expertise and proven execution across complex, mission-critical aerospace programs,” said Skydweller Aero CEO and co-founder Dr. Robert Miller. “His extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations, driving strategic programs and delivering advanced sensing, autonomy and ISR technologies for government and commercial customers makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”

A Career in Advanced Technology

Thomas joins Skydweller from Adsys Controls, where he served as vice president of operations, managing precision control systems, advanced optical perception programs, high-energy laser technologies and unmanned systems solutions for defense and commercial markets. His earlier leadership experience includes senior roles at Mercury Systems and Physical Optics Corporation, where he built and led program management organizations and guided development across radio frequency (RF) systems, electronic warfare, sensor systems, and AI-enabled software platforms. This deep technical history in advanced sensing and payload integration is directly applicable to maximizing the mission effectiveness of Skydweller’s persistent solar-powered aircraft.

Earlier in his career, Thomas served as vice president of research and development at WFS Defense, chief technology officer at Quasar Geophysical Technologies, and senior research scientist at Quasar Federal Systems, contributing to breakthroughs in electromagnetic sensing, underwater and underground communications, and advanced instrumentation.

Thomas holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in physics from the University of California, Davis, and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico.

Driving Persistent, Solar-Powered Aviation

“Skydweller is defining the future of persistent airborne capability using transformative technology,” Thomas said. “I’m eager to drive the execution of programs that will deliver this long-endurance platform and its mission capabilities to our customers worldwide.”

Overall, his leadership strengthens Skydweller Aero’s mission to provide sustainable, persistent aviation solutions across defense, civil, and commercial sectors.

To learn more about Skydweller Aero’s work in autonomy and long-endurance flight, visit our Perpetual Flight page.

OKLAHOMA CITY — October 29, 2025 — Skydweller Aero has been awarded a U.S. Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract in partnership with Nokia Federal Solutions to demonstrate an airborne Beyond 5G communication hub. The contract will showcase secure, resilient connectivity in contested and infrastructure-limited environments.

Advancing the “Beyond 5G” Navy Contract and Airborne Connectivity

The project, titled “Intelligent Radio Access Network for Beyond 5G Resilient Tactical Networks,” will leverage Skydweller Aero’s Perpetual Flight® solar-powered aircraft to host a 5G Network-in-a-Box. This airborne hub provides rapid, deployable infrastructure, ensuring reliable, low-latency communications wherever terrestrial networks are unavailable.

“This program demonstrates how Skydweller’s autonomous aircraft can deliver faster, more flexible connectivity while reducing cost and complexity,” said Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller Aero.

By integrating Nokia Federal’s Banshee Flex Radio, a ruggedized 5G private wireless system, the solution enables persistent, adaptive tactical communications for both manned and unmanned systems.

Supporting the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations

The Skydweller Aero Navy contract supports the U.S. Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept and aligns with the Department of Defense’s CJADC2 initiative. Together, Skydweller Aero and Nokia Federal are redefining how airborne 5G connectivity can extend secure, real-time networks across maritime and joint operational environments.

About Skydweller Aero

Skydweller Aero is a transatlantic aerospace company developing solar-powered, autonomous aircraft capable of perpetual flight with heavy payloads. Headquartered in Oklahoma City with European offices in Spain, Skydweller delivers next-generation endurance platforms for ISR, communications, and defense applications.

Learn more at www.skydwelleraero.com.

About Nokia Federal Solutions

Nokia Federal Solutions builds secure, scalable networks for mission success. Leveraging innovations from Nokia Bell Labs, the company provides advanced 5G private and tactical wireless networks tailored for U.S. government agencies. Through trusted partnerships and technology leadership, Nokia Federal is modernizing federal network infrastructure for the future of connected operations.

OKLAHOMA CITY, USA | 4 September 2025 – Skydweller Aero, the global leader in Perpetual Flight®, in partnership with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), during July 2025 completed multi-day unmanned flights of its revolutionary solar-powered aircraft. This milestone continues our progression to an aviation platform which can remain aloft for extreme durations, powered solely by solar energy collected and stored in flight.

Our achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to redefining aerospace capabilities by providing aircraft with extreme range, endurance, and mission versatility to meet the evolving needs of both the government and commercial sectors.

These multi-day flights are part of a larger flight campaign and was conducted with the assistance of NAWCAD, the technical manager of the Autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA) Operational Energy Prototyping Fund (OEPF) from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD A&S).  This long endurance autonomous flight campaign is the first of two major milestones of that OEPF.  The second will be to conduct a Military Utility Assessment of the AMPA System in a relevant environment within the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, in close coordination with U.S. security partners in the region.

“These flights mark a new era in autonomous aviation,” said Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “They validate our vision of multi-mission perpetual flight, and showcase the dedication and innovation of our team. Skydweller is pushing the boundaries of what unmanned solar-powered aircraft can achieve by pioneering the integration of mission-ready multi-intelligence capabilities with extreme endurance – attributes that were previously incompatible – until Skydweller.”

Travis Vetter, Chief Technology Officer of Skydweller Aero, said: “We have accomplished a major milestone toward achieving operational perpetual flight by combining our proprietary artificial intelligence with advanced, high reliability autonomous systems. To augment these embedded capabilities, Skydweller leverages the massive global investment and innovation in solar energy, battery storage, and ultra-lightweight carbon fiber structures. Skydweller will continue to expand the operational capacity of our platform to respond to the ever-changing, dynamic environments in which our customers operate.”

Highlights of the Flight: 

• Multi-Day Autonomous Operation: Utilizing Skydweller’s advanced autonomous mission planning toolset, the Skydweller unmanned aircraft flew 74 Hours and 3 minutes as part of its July flight test campaign and flew a total of 222 hours 46 minutes over a 20 day period, demonstrating its ability to sustain extreme endurance missions within restricted airspace while avoiding hazardous  weather conditions, including precipitation, turbulence, and thunderstorm activity.
• Solar-Powered Flight: Powered exclusively by solar energy, the aircraft delivers zero carbon emissions with a minimal acoustic footprint.
• Autonomous Systems: The flight demonstrated the reliability of Skydweller’s autonomous systems, full Behind Line Of Sight (BLOS) take-off & landing, real-time decision-making and fault tolerance.
• Network Connectivity and Data Distribution: Skydweller utilized multiple, high data rate beyond-line-of-sight and line-of-sight communications links to provide command and control and distribute data to multiple locations. Skydweller also demonstrated communications relay capability with Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) configured and delivered radios.

Skydweller will make it possible to change the paradigm for surveillance missions, by offering a unique solution to current sovereignty challenges, greater security to NATO, the EU, and allies of western democracies.

This work is in support of the Monitoring, Analysis, Reconnaissance, Logistics, Intelligence, and Network Services (MARLINS) Task Order primed by SMX in support of the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).

About Skydweller Aero Inc.

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company with a mission of developing and manufacturing a fleet of very large solar powered aircraft capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy, powerful payloads. Their vision is to build the world’s first commercially viable perpetual flight solar powered aircraft that are capable of carrying up to 800lbs of payload, significantly more than any other solar powered aircraft, providing 2kW of power on average, and more than 100kW instantaneous power. The Skydweller Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has the wingspan greater than a Boeing 747 (236 ft) and weighs about the same as a F-150 pickup truck (under 5000lbs).   This capability will support a variety of missions for the US DoD and its allies.  Skydweller will complement existing systems by reducing the burden on those high demand assets. Skydweller Aero Inc., primarily backed by venture and private capital, has World and US headquarters in Oklahoma City and European offices headquartered in Spain. For more information about Skydweller, visit http://www.skydweller.aero

Patuxent River, Md. — Skydweller Aero, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), has achieved a major milestone in the evolution of long-endurance, solar-powered unmanned flight.

During a nonstop 73-hour mission from Stennis International Airport in Mississippi, Skydweller demonstrated the ability to sustain flight entirely on solar power for multiple days, validating its potential as a transformative platform for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

“This demonstration is a prime example of how NAWCAD partners with industry to deliver what the fleet needs,” said Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander. “It also reflects the technical depth of our workforce and our ability to translate ideas into capability.”

The flight showcased:

• Positive energy balance—powering the aircraft entirely from solar energy over multiple days

• Reliable autonomous operations in real-world conditions

• Seamless communications for mission-critical data transfer

• Resilience in turbulent weather

Bill Macchione, NAWCAD’s Special Purpose UAS lead, emphasized the strategic value: “Integrating Skydweller into the Navy’s ISR architecture creates a layered and resilient network that maximizes the capabilities of all our assets.”

A Persistent Eye in the Sky

Skydweller’s unmatched endurance enables persistent, wide-area surveillance over vast ocean and coastal regions. This capability frees other platforms to focus on specialized missions, such as rapid response and advanced sensor deployment.

The Navy began testing Skydweller’s solar-powered UAS in 2020 to address U.S. Southern Command operational challenges, including maritime security, counter-narcotics, and border protection. Further testing is planned for later this summer in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.

With a 236-foot wingspan, 17,000 solar cells, and the ability to remain airborne for months at a time, Skydweller Aero is redefining what’s possible in clean, autonomous, and persistent flight.

📖 Read the full Navy press release here

 

OKLAHOMA CITY | 16 December 2024 – Skydweller Aero Inc., a global leader in Perpetual Flight® uncrewed solar aircraft (USA), continues its Autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA) flight tests of the Skydweller unmanned aerial system (UAS) with operational military payloads integrated onboard.

“Skydweller is equipped with a variety of sensor systems and is conducting flight tests out of Stennis International Airport in preparation for operations during 2025,” said Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and Co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “The resilience and robust design of our aircraft allow us to operate a multi-INT sensor suite of payloads throughout the winter, and we expect to conduct multi-day demonstrations in early 2025 over operationally relevant areas.”

These flights build upon Skydweller Aero’s successful autonomous flight trials conducted in late summer and fall 2024. Despite the challenging Gulf Coast weather—including two hurricanes—the company completed six flights between August 22 and September 22, four of which were fully autonomous. The longest missions lasted 16 and 22.5 hours respectively, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational effectiveness over land and offshore environments, as well as at altitudes of up to 33,000 feet.

“The aircraft maintained an impressive operational tempo, flying on average one mission every five days,” Dr. Miller added. “This performance showcases the reliability and ease of maintenance of our platform.”

Operating amid peak Atlantic hurricane season, Skydweller’s Flight Operations, Weather Scientists, and Ground Support teams worked together to fine-tune the aircraft’s autonomous capabilities, ensuring a rapid response to shifting weather conditions.

“Flying in close proximity to Mississippi thunderstorms allowed us to test and enhance our weather-avoidance systems. Skydweller’s ability to navigate these conditions highlights its operational value, especially in tropical regions during hurricane and typhoon seasons.” explained Dr. Miller. “This ability to navigate around dynamic weather patterns is vital for missions that require flight in challenging environments; avoiding sudden thunderstorms is similar to evading air defenses.”

“And unlike many other uncrewed aircraft, we are not limited to clear-sky operations in controlled environments, like the Arizona or New Mexico deserts, but will operate in operationally relevant theaters,” he added.

The Skydweller is distinguished by its durable design, exceptional payload capacity and substantial power output for mission-critical systems, offering kilowatts of continuous power for payloads. This unique combination enables Skydweller to undertake extreme duration missions across diverse and challenging environmental conditions.

“Skydweller’s capabilities have been consistently validated through rigorous flight testing, achieving significant milestones without any safety incidents,” said Barry Matsumori, President & COO of Skydweller Aero. “By leveraging our team’s deep expertise in aeroelastics, flight control systems, mission systems, and autonomy, we are developing what we believe to be the world’s first operationally viable perpetual flight platform—designed to serve the needs of both government and commercial markets.”

About Skydweller Aero Inc.

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company developing a fleet of the world’s largest solar powered uncrewed aircraft capable of performing extreme endurance flights with heavy, powerful payloads. Skydweller autonomous all carbon fiber aircraft have a wingspan greater than a 747 and weigh about the same as a Ford F-150. Skydweller’s uncrewed aircraft will be used for ultra-long duration missions such as providing exclusive economic zone (EEZ) enforcement, monitoring naval activity, and detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea. Skydwellers accomplish these missions with zero carbon footprint. Skydweller Aero Inc., backed by venture and private capital, has World and US headquarters in Oklahoma City and European offices headquartered in Spain. http://www.skydweller.aero

OKLAHOMA CITY | 1 October 2024 – Skydweller Aero has successfully completed the uncrewed autonomous flight test campaign of its Skydweller Unmanned Aerial System. A series of uncrewed flight tests – with the two longest being 16 hours and 22 ½ hours – were launched from the company’s facility at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi.

This campaign is one more step towards bringing extreme flight endurance to the world, demonstrates the feasibility of remaining airborne for weeks to months using solar energy and batteries, and is another significant milestone in the development of the Skydweller aircraft and its high reliability autonomous vehicle management system.

This campaign was initiated under a Joint Concept Technology Demonstration (JCTD) by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD R&E) and sustained by a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) to evaluate Autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA).

Dr. Robert Miller, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Skydweller Aero, said: “This flight test campaign is an important achievement and validates our business vision, marking a new era in autonomous aviation. Skydweller Aero is redefining what is possible in the aerospace industry, and the data gathered that validates our models for multi-day fights is a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what uncrewed solar-powered aircraft can achieve and will continue on with our mission to bring perpetual flight to the world.”

Barry Matsumori, President & Chief Operating Officer of Skydweller Aero, said: “We have accomplished a major milestone toward demonstrating the feasibility of perpetual flight by leveraging the trillions of dollars in global research and development investment in solar energy, battery storage, and the handing and manufacturing of extremely strong, ultra lightweight carbon fiber assemblies. As these subsystems improve, we will continue to leverage them for the benefit of our customers.”

Highlights of the Flight:

• Uncrewed Autonomous Operation: At high operation tempo, the Skydweller aircraft conducted a series of long endurance flight tests demonstrating potential to perform extreme endurance missions.
• Solar-Powered Flight: Powered by solar energy, the aircraft delivers zero carbon emissions with ultra-quiet operations.
• High Reliability Autonomous Systems: The flight demonstrated uncrewed operation of Skydweller’s fully redundant autonomous systems and beyond-line-of-sight operations & communication.

About Skydweller Aero Inc.

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company developing a fleet of the world’s largest solar powered uncrewed aircraft capable of performing extreme endurance flights with heavy, powerful payloads. Skydweller autonomous all carbon fiber aircraft have a wingspan greater than a 747 and weigh about the same as a Ford F-150. Skydweller’s uncrewed aircraft will be used for ultra-long duration missions such as providing exclusive economic zone enforcement, monitoring naval activity, and detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea. Skydwellers accomplish these missions with zero carbon footprint. Skydweller Aero Inc., backed by venture and private capital, has World and US headquarters in Oklahoma City and European offices headquartered in Spain. http://www.skydweller.aero

NOTE – A Digital Media Room with additional information, hi-res photos & videos is available here: Media Room

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Vetter Formerly Served as the Company’s Chief Engineer

20 August 2024 – Skydweller Aero, Inc. is excited to announce Travis Vetter, its Chief Engineer, has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new position, Travis will spearhead Skydweller’s strategic utilization of innovative technologies to maintain competitiveness and achieve the company’s objectives.

“Travis brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to technology that perfectly aligns with our mission to innovate and lead the autonomous solar aircraft industry. His leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our technological roadmap, improving our product offerings, and ensuring our position as a frontrunner in industry advancements,” said Dr. Robert Miller, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “I am confident that under his guidance, our technology team will continue to push boundaries, deliver exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

Travis, a longstanding member of Skydweller’s leadership team, previously served as a Chief Engineer for Special Programs at Northrop Grumman. In this role, he provided technical guidance to hundreds of engineers and oversaw millions of dollars in annual revenue. Before that, Travis held key technical positions at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he led various programs including the Tern program as the Air Vehicle, VMS, and Flight Controls lead, as well as serving as the Guidance Navigation & Control IPT Special Projects lead and Aeroelastic Controls lead for undisclosed projects.

Travis brings extensive expertise in aircraft design, UAV flight control, aeroelastic systems control, vehicle management systems, and mission systems integration. He holds two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of California.

 

 

Farnborough Air Show 2024: “Skydweller Aircraft in Flight”

When –          Wednesday 24 July 2024 @ 1100-1130

Where –        The FORUM, Booth #3050 (Hall 3, USA Pavilion), FIA 2024

What –           A presentation: Skydweller Aero’s journey; the aircraft’s capabilities; services we can provide; what we are doing today for customers; an update on aircraft flight operations.

Who –            Skydweller President & COO Barry Matusmori: a demonstrated innovator, Barry is cited in more than 25 patents focused on telecommunications and space technologies. His background includes executive leadership roles at SpaceX and Virgin Orbit, and prior to joining Skydweller he was the COO of Impulse Space.

About Skydweller Aero
Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company developing and manufacturing a fleet of very large solar powered aircraft capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy, powerful payloads. Skydwellers are autonomous aircraft manufactured from carbon-fiber, with a wingspan greater than a 747, and will be used for long duration missions such as providing continuous coverage above war zones, surveilling naval activity in contested waters, and detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea. Because Skydwellers are solar powered, they are inexpensive to operate and maintain and feature zero carbon footprint.

With a flexible payload system, supporting the most advanced surveillance packages, 4G/5G terrestrial communications networks, communications relay capabilities, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communication, and more, Skydwellers will enhance connectivity ad data collection for its commercial and government customers. Supporting geospatial data collection, meteorological and emergency operation efforts around the world, allowing customers to operate persistently in more challenging areas for longer durations, while reducing environmental impact.

Contact
Greg Caires, Communications Director
+1 (202) 870 4658 (Whatsapp)
greg.caires@skydweller.aero