The US Air Force Plays a Major Role in the eVTOL Industry and Drone Development

As technology sees gradual and groundbreaking advancements, the conversation around electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and drones is more pertinent today than ever before. As these new innovations go from science to reality, the US Air Force is playing a pivotal role in their development and potential integration into both military and commercial sectors. A recent study indicated that the global eVTOL market is expected to exceed over $20 billion by 2028, showcasing the significant impact of this technology.

How is the US Air Force facilitating the development and deployment of eVTOLs and drones, and what implications does this have for the future of aviation and defense?

For a new segment of “SkyShift,” host Martin Richardson posed these pressing questions with Dana Jensen, a senior industrial policy analyst at the United States Air Force. The discussion covered the multifaceted efforts of the Air Force in pioneering advanced air mobility technologies, the current state of the AAM industry, the role of small businesses in technological development, and the evolving landscape of drone warfare.

A few key points of their discussion also included:

• The role of AFWERX and Agility Prime in accelerating the commercialization of advanced air mobility.
• The impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the military’s approach to drone usage and electronic warfare.
• The evolving power systems for eVTOLs, including the shift from all-electric to hybrid electric and hydrogen-based solutions.

Dana Jensen is an industrial policy analyst at the United States Air Force, specializing in advanced air mobility and unmanned systems. With a background in systems engineering and technical analysis, Dana plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between innovative aerospace technologies and military applications, working closely with AFWERX and the Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis.

Article by Alexandra Simon.