Hangar X Studios

In this episode of HangarX Studios, host Jon Ramstead sits down with Eric Bartsch, CEO and co-founder of VerdeGo Aero, to explore the realities and future of electric propulsion in aviation. Eric shares how VerdeGo pivoted from designing its own aircraft to focusing on hybrid-electric powerplants, discusses the limitations of battery-only systems, and explains why hybrid architectures are poised to be a permanent fixture in both civilian and military aerospace. From technical deep dives into series vs. parallel hybrids to real-world lessons in EMI and thermal management, this conversation uncovers what it takes to certify, build, and operate the next generation of electrified aircraft. Episode Highlights Why batteries alone won’t cut it: Understanding energy density challenges and reserve requirements for aviation. The hybrid advantage: How VerdeGo’s VH4T powerplant delivers 400 kW (≈550 hp) in a 550 lb package, unlocking hundreds of miles of range. Series vs. parallel hybrids: Key architectural choices and their applications in VTOL, fixed-wing, and rotorcraft. Regulatory pathways: Collaborating with the FAA to meet both certification and operational energy-reserve standards. Real-world engineering hurdles: Tackling EMI, thermal management, and control integration. Looking ahead: The enduring role of hybrids in civilian and military aviation and emerging use cases. Key Points with Time Stamps 00:00 – 00:30: Importance of predictable battery performance over a pack’s lifetime. 01:41 – 02:29: VerdeGo’s founding in 2017 and the industry “aha” that electric motors—not batteries—are the transformative core. 02:29 – 03:32: The shift from one- or two-engine designs to multi-point electric propulsion for enhanced control and safety. 06:26 – 07:44: Simplicity of electric power distribution vs. mechanical drivetrains like the V-22’s. 09:46 – 11:00: Choosing turbine and jet-fuel diesel engines optimized for hybridization. 15:39 – 17:17: Market segments ideal for VerdeGo’s 400 kW powerplant: urban air mobility, cargo drones, regional fixed-wing. 18:16 – 19:06: Weight trade-offs: 2,000 lb of batteries yields 30–50 m...

Join host John Ramstead at Hangar X Studios, broadcasting from Grand Forks, North Dakota, as he speaks with Colonel Tim Monroe, commanding officer of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. Col Monroe provides an in-depth look at the strategic significance of the 319th Wing, highlighting its global missions, including high-altitude surveillance with the RQ4 Global Hawk, advanced battlefield communications with the E11 BACN, and the resurgence of the High-Frequency Global Communication System (HFGCS). The conversation dives into innovative military and civilian partnerships, the critical role of the Grand Forks community, and the evolving challenges and opportunities within unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Episode Highlights: Understanding the diverse missions and global reach of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. Exploring advanced aerospace technologies and strategic assets like the Global Hawk and E11 BACN. The strategic revival of high-frequency communications in national defense. Insights into Grand Sky's unique role as a civilian-military partnership on a military installation. The critical threat of small drones and collaborative defense solutions. The exceptional partnership between Grand Forks Air Force Base and the local community. Key Points with Timestamps: (00:01:44) Introduction to the complex, global mission of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. (00:02:39) Col Monroe details the capabilities of the RQ4 Global Hawk drone. (00:03:37) The record-setting unrefueled flight achievement by the RQ4. (00:04:45) Overview of the E11 BACN aircraft, inspired by lessons from "Lone Survivor." (00:06:30) Revival and strategic importance of high-frequency global communications. (00:08:39) Discussion about Customs and Border Protection's drone operations at Grand Forks. (00:09:43) Insight into General Atomics' MQ9B Sky Guardian capabilities for international partners. (00:12:04) Unique civilian-military partnerships fostered by Grand Sky. (00:22:15) Col Monroe addresses the domestic threat posed by small drone systems. (00:24:36) Importance of collaborative stakeholder involvement to enhance security and innovation. (00:27:36) Col Monroe's reflections on leadership, military service, and community support. Guest Bio Colonel Tim Monroe currently commands the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base. A distinguished Air Force officer and former F-15 pilot, Col Monroe has extensive experience in aviation leadership, strategic reconnaissance, and unmanned systems. Under his leadership, the 319th Wing plays a pivotal role in global intelligence, surveillance, and...

Summary In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Dean Donovan, Co‑Founder and Managing Partner at Diamond Stream Partners, to explore the transformative forces reshaping aerospace today. From revolutionary blended wing body designs and hybrid‑electric propulsion to autonomy, advanced air mobility (AAM), eVTOL developments, and the rise of cargo drones, Dean unpacks the technologies, business models, certification challenges, and market dynamics driving aviation’s next frontier. Whether you’re curious about how cost‑per‑seat‑mile economics enable air‑car substitutions or the promise of beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight drone operations, this deep dive offers expert insights and real‑world examples that reveal where aerospace is headed in 2025 and beyond. Episode Highlights Blended Wing Body Aircraft: Why a 30–50% fuel efficiency gain is a game changer for commercial aviation. Hybrid‑Electric Propulsion: How retrofits and new airframes like the TriFan leverage electric boost to cut costs, emissions, and maintenance. Autonomy Under 500 Miles: The untapped value of right‑sized, unmanned aircraft for missions today flown by over‑sized planes. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Technical capabilities, payload‑range trade‑offs, and the critical role of carrier networks for eVTOL success. Cost‑Per‑Seat‑Mile Economics: Hitting the 65¢ mark to outcompete cars and stimulate regional aviation demand. Mid‑Mile Cargo Drones: How containerized UAVs like Elroy Air and Swiss Drones tackle high‑value, time‑sensitive freight. Disrupting a Trillion‑Dollar Industry: Jet Zero’s potential to upend traditional aircraft markets with blended wing body designs. 2025 Outlook: Certification milestones, hybrid aircraft launches, and a surge in BVLOS drone operations. Key Points with Timestamps 00:02:48 – Blended Wing Body Benefits: Lift‑to‑drag improvements, payload range, and passenger experience enhancements. 00:05:32 – Hybrid‑Electric Propulsion: Retrofitting existing fleets and powering new designs to slash cost per seat‑mile. 00:06:50 – Autonomous Missions: Replacing nine‑seat Cessna Caravans for pipeline inspections with 200‑lb unmanned systems.

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead welcomes two distinguished aviation experts, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Matthew Dorram and Brigadier General (Ret.) John E. Novalis, from Bell Helicopters. They dive deep into the future of helicopter pilot training, specifically discussing the innovative "Flight School Next" initiative and the role of the Bell 505 helicopter. The guests passionately discuss returning to fundamental flying skills, enhancing pilot safety, and reshaping training practices to equip Army aviators for modern and future combat environments. Discover how intentional "failure training" and cutting-edge aircraft design promise to revolutionize pilot readiness and mission effectiveness. Episode Highlights: Revolutionizing Army aviation training with Flight School Next. Importance of intentional failure and emergency procedures training. Advantages of the Bell 505 helicopter for foundational skills development. Challenges facing current Army pilot training programs. The future mission landscape for Army aviation. Key Points with Time Stamps: [00:01:46] Introduction to guests Matthew Dorram and John E. Novalis [00:04:35] Discussion on intentional failure training in helicopter pilot instruction [00:07:28] Importance of foundational piloting skills over reliance on automation [00:09:05] Current Army training challenges and safety issues [00:13:47] Overview of Flight School Next and contractor-based training solutions [00:17:44] Benefits of contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) training model [00:21:56] Bell's unique position and experience in pilot training [00:30:22] Why the Bell 505 is optimal for modern pilot training [00:41:26] Adapting training for future mission environments (Pacific theater) [00:45:28] Passion for revitalizing Army aviation through improved training Guest Bios: Matthew Dorram Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Matthew Dorram is the lead for the Bell flight school initiative, with over 29 years of Army Aviation experience and 7,000 flight hours. He specializes in high-altitude training, developed the HATS program, and is rated in six Army airframes. A former 747 pilot and instructor, Dorram brings extensive expertise in pilot training and organizational performance. John E. Novalis Brigadier General (Ret.) John E. Novalis serves as the strategic director at Bell for flight school initiatives. With 500 combat flight hours as an Apache pilot and significant strategic experience in joint NATO operations, Novalis is deeply committed to improving pilot proficiency, readiness, and safety. His military bac...

(TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ In this episode of Hangar X, Brandon Bochenski, Mayor of Grand Forks, North Dakota, shares how he’s turning this Midwest city into one of America’s most promising hubs for UAS innovation, advanced manufacturing, and defense-tech growth.From attracting major defense contractors to scaling local startups, Brandon reveals the strategy behind Grand Forks’ transformation—and why it’s now a low-risk, high-upside destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and aerospace pioneers. BRANDON BOCHENSKI LINKS: / brandon-bochenski-442297283 / bochenskibrandon FOLLOW HANGAR X STUDIOS:Instagram: / hangarxstudios Facebook: / hangarxstudios LinkedIN: / hangarxstudios X: https://x.com/hangarxstudios LISTEN TO HANGAR X PODCAST:Apple Podcasts▶https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify▶https://open.spotify.com/show/3rOII1W... TIMESTAMPS00:00 – "We’ve de-risked the story for you — bring your dollars here."01:44 – Brandon’s journey: From NHL pro to mayor with a mission04:12 – How he unseated a 20-year incumbent with vision and energy05:46 – Grand Forks’ dual strategy: agriculture + tech innovation06:22 – 600–800 new high-paying jobs coming via Grand Sky in 5 years08:20 – Why Grand Forks is perfectly positioned for UAS innovation09:32 – Building a full aerospace ecosystem—from prototyping to mentorship10:20 – Small companies now winning defense contracts—how the game has changed11:12 – Access to venture capital and manufacturing support in Grand Forks15:59 – “We’ve got all the pieces—your investment will only grow here.

(TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ FAA SMS compliance is now mandatory for Part 135 operators—are you ready? With risk-based decision making, cross-platform data integration, and insurance incentives, safety just got smarter (and more urgent). Zahara Oubre, Director of Aviation Safety Programs at mba Aviation, joins us live at Verticon 2025 to unpack what the new FAA SMS mandate really means—and how Jumpseat SMS is helping operators of all sizes not just comply, but lead. From real-time risk dashboards to how you might save 5% on premiums, this episode dives deep into what next-gen aviation safety looks like. *ZAHARA OUBRE'S LINKS:*https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahara-oubre-5ba9a433/ *mba AVIATION’s LINKS:*https://www.linkedin.com/company/mba-aviation/ https://x.com/mba_aviation *FOLLOW HANGAR X STUDIOS:*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hangarxstudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangarxstudios LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hangarxstudios X: https://x.com/hangarxstudios *LISTEN TO HANGAR X PODCAST:*Apple Podcasts▶https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hangarx-studios/id1790136775 Spotify▶https://open.spotify.com/show/3rOII1WFicQEgcsLvt1p0Q?si=4bafbae966364f26 IF YOU MISSED WATCHING THESE… YOU’RE ALREADY BEHIND ON WHAT’S NEXT IN AEROSPACEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deb-xzvzxpw&t=13s https://youtu.be/O1tIF0wodVc?si=hVJpJFOrJa2nYHJ8https://youtu.be/O_2sWqkci78?si=1--2xAtiIOEjT36mhttps://youtu.be/Wpm4Wx2pOUI?si=YxKEI1mlB8h-DEnFhttps://youtu.be/Cf597pyBeZc?si=YUHRot2yu5Cts_lehttps://youtu.be/zy7u-_RAC6Y?si=1daP7Om-byOMrWbz TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why real-time safety data matters01:40 – Meet Zahara Oubre & MBA Aero02:30 – What is Jumpseat SMS & why it was built03:50 – FAA SMS mandate for 135 operators (2027 deadline)05:00 – Risk dashboards, data insights & performance indicators06:20 – How to spot safety trends and prevent mishaps07:50 – Scalable across 91, 121 & 135 + ICAO maturity levels08:45 – Can SMS help lower insurance premiums?09:30 – Integrations, API access & real-time reporting10:45 – Final thoughts: safety as culture, not just compliance *CREDITS:*Host: John RamsteadFollow the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnramstead/

(TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ In this episode of HangarX, we sit down with Kenny Morrow, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Aviation, live from Verticon 2025. Kenny shares how Metro combines scale, innovation, and a family-run ethos to deliver lifesaving aviation every day. From partnerships with Beta, AW09, and Airbus to Metro University and employee-first healthcare, this conversation reveals the business, culture, and leadership behind the scenes of America’s largest air medical operator. *KENNY MORROW'S LINKS*Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-morrow-58116443/ *METRO AVIATION'S LINKS*Metro Aviation: https://www.metroaviation.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metroaviation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroAviation/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-aviation-inc./ X: https://x.com/MetroAviation *FOLLOW HANGAR X STUDIOS:*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hangarxstudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangarxstudios LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hangarxstudios X: https://x.com/hangarxstudios *LISTEN TO HANGAR X PODCAST:*Apple Podcasts▶https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hangarx-studios/id1790136775 Spotify▶https://open.spotify.com/show/3rOII1WFicQEgcsLvt1p0Q?si=4bafbae966364f26 IF YOU MISSED WATCHING THESE… YOU’RE ALREADY BEHIND ON WHAT’S NEXT IN AEROSPACEhttps://youtu.be/qX1xr6toNxs https://youtu.be/O1tIF0wodVc?si=hVJpJFOrJa2nYHJ8https://youtu.be/O_2sWqkci78?si=1--2xAtiIOEjT36mhttps://youtu.be/Wpm4Wx2pOUI?si=YxKEI1mlB8h-DEnFhttps://youtu.be/Cf597pyBeZc?si=YUHRot2yu5Cts_lehttps://youtu.be/zy7u-_RAC6Y?si=1daP7Om-byOMrWbz TIMESTAMPS00:00 – A life saved by Metro Aviation01:20 – Metro’s mission & structure explained02:30 – Aircraft completions & green airframes04:00 – 175 aircraft, 42 programs: how they manage scale05:30 – Site managers, regional structure, and team culture06:20 – What is Metro University? Growing leaders from within07:50 – Healthcare, finance, and employee-first values09:00 – The future of air ambulance: Beta, AW09, and H14511:00 – Investing in the next generation of pilots12:10 – Final thoughts: flying forward with purpose Host: John RamsteadFollow the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnramstead/

In this fascinating episode of Hangar X, John Ramstead sits down with Rex Alexander, a leading expert in aviation infrastructure, to discuss the future of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and vertiports. Rex shares insights from his extensive aviation background, highlighting crucial considerations in vertiport design, regulatory challenges, safety protocols, and infrastructure needs. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a professional in aerospace, this episode is a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities and exciting developments shaping advanced air mobility.

What happens when a life flight helicopter saves your life—and years later, you meet the man behind the mission? This episode of the Hangar X Podcast hits home. Live from Verticon 2025, host John Ramstead sits down with John Vance, Director of Operations at Metro Aviation—the very company responsible for the emergency helicopter that airlifted John to safety after a near-fatal accident over a decade ago. Together, they dive into the real impact of medical aviation, the future of safety tech, and the innovation Metro is bringing to pilot training, real-time weather intelligence, and AI-powered landing zone assessments. This is more than a conversation. It’s a story about gratitude, mission, and the people who save lives—one flight at a time. In This Episode, You'll Learn:✔️ How Metro Aviation saved John Ramstead’s life—and thousands more ✔️ What “no magic in the front, magic in the back” means in medical transport ✔️ The life-saving tech Metro is adding to its fleet: AI, 3D modeling & smart weather sensing ✔️ Why training standardization matters across 175 aircraft & 42 partners ✔️ How Metro is investing in the next generation of pilots ✔️ The surprising ripple effect of every life saved ✔️ Real-world tips on avoiding IMC and prioritizing mission readiness 00:00 – John’s life flight rescue story01:10 – Meet John Vance from Metro Aviation02:20 – The mission mindset behind air medical04:00 – How Metro trains for the unpredictable05:45 – Full-motion sims & scenario-based pilot prep07:00 – Real-time weather sensing & AI predictions09:00 – How Metro avoids inadvertent IMC10:25 – What’s next: safety, sensors & pilot development11:30 – Why we must invest in future aviators12:10 – The true impact of saving a single life Stay Connected with Hangar X Studios:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hangarxstudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangarxstudios LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hangarxstudios Twitter/X: https://x.com/hangarxstudios Learn More:Connect with Metro Aviation: https://www.metroaviation.com/ Connect with John Vance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-vance-a3285799/ #HangarXPodcast #MetroAviation #AirAmbulance #MedicalFlight #HelicopterRescue #JohnRamstead #JohnVance #Verticon #AviationInnovation #FlightSafety #AirRescue #PilotTraining #AerospaceLeadership

Inside Sikorsky’s VTOL Future: The Rotor Blown Wing, Autonomy & Electrification with Igor Cherepinsky We sat down with Igor Cherepinsky, Director of Innovations at Sikorsky, live at Verticon 2025. If you’ve been watching the buzz around the Rotor Blown Wing—this is the guy behind it. In this episode, Igor shares what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s next in VTOL innovation. From distributed electric propulsion to autonomous Black Hawks, Igor pulls back the curtain on the technology Sikorsky is building today—and what it means for tomorrow’s rotorcraft and mission-critical systems. In This Episode, You'll Learn:✔️ What the Rotor Blown Wing actually is—and why it’s a game-changer✔️ Why autonomy isn’t just “remote piloting”—and how Matrix works in the real world✔️ How hybrid-electric design unlocks new aircraft performance and flexibility✔️ Why 3D-printed gears and housings are reshaping aviation manufacturing✔️ The real problem with scalability in eVTOLs—and what most startups are missing✔️ How Sikorsky is designing a family of VTOLs with both military and civil use cases in mind✔️ The tech stack that’s making autonomy boring (on purpose) 00:00 – What is the Rotor Blown Wing?01:09 – Meet Igor: from flight controls to innovation lab lead03:08 – Sikorsky’s Matrix autonomy system explained06:16 – VTOL vision: vertical flight beyond helicopters07:13 – Why flight control laws matter in transition10:11 – Why autonomy matters more than propulsion12:09 – Design freedom through electrification13:14 – Building reliable, redundant motors in-house14:24 – Manufacturing shift: 3D-printed gearboxes15:28 – What’s next: building a 9,000 lb aircraft16:27 – Igor’s 10-year vision: certified VTOLs across defense & civil17:22 – Final thoughts and open invite to innovators Stay Connected with Hangar X Studios:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hangarxstudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangarxstudios LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hangarxstudios Twitter/X: https://x.com/hangarxstudios Learn More:Sikorsky Innovations: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/sikorsky.html Connect with Igor Cherepinsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igor-cherepinsky-441182107 #igorcherepinsky #sikorskyinnovations #hangarxpodcast #verticon #rotorblownwing #vtol #aerospace #electricaviation #helicopter #sikorskyair