Drone Radio Show

Randy Goers
Drone Radio Show

The Drone Radio Show is a weekly show about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they’re using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they’ve learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    How Drone Swarms Can Bring Value to the Commercial Sector: Kevin Hernandez & Dutch Alessi, VR Rehab

    Kevin Hernandez and Dutch Alessi are from Virtual Reality Rehab, or VRR. Founded in 2009, VRR is a pioneering research and development company with a bold mission: harnessing virtual and augmented reality technologies to push boundaries. With over 20 years of collective experience, their team specializes in creating innovative, multiplatform solutions for unmanned vehicle systems, advanced robotics, and next-level human-machine interfaces. Now, VRR is making waves in drone warfare with a brilliantly simple idea called the HellHive. Picture this: a low-cost, portable shipping box that doesn’t just store and transport attack drones—it launches swarms of them, guided by their smart HoloWarrior software. This isn’t about building drones but supercharging them with tech like ‘BatMode’ for stealthy ambushes or scalable swarm assaults, all while keeping costs down. Imagine a cardboard box transforming how militaries deploy overwhelming force! With small Pentagon contracts already secured, VRR is now positioning it’s products for the commercial sector Leading the charge is Kevin Hernandez, VRR’s Chief Operating Officer. Kevin directs R&D in electrical engineering, overseeing the integration and deployment of unmanned systems. He also spearheads product development, marketing, and sales for VRR’s HoloAccesories and Bee drones. Alongside him is Dutch Alessi, Chief Scientist, who collaborates with engineers and partners to unlock new swarm capabilities, driving innovation at every turn. In this episode, Kevin and Dutch talk about VRR’s journey, the revolutionary HellHive and HoloWarrior systems, and how they’re bridging military prowess with commercial potential.

    49 min
  2. 18 FEB

    Using Drones to Support Regional Economic Development: Kraettli Epperson

    Kraettli Epperso6 is CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, a leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems, enabling safe and scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Their flagship product, FlightHorizon™, is built on two NASA patents and integrates data from multiple sources to provide real-time air traffic awareness and automatic avoidance maneuvers, preventing collisions and ensuring seamless UAS integration into national airspace. In 2023, Vigilant Aerospace was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop a detect-and-avoid system for their long-endurance UAS, reinforcing their position as a key player in aerospace innovation. The company was also recognized as the Aerospace Innovator of the Year by 405 Business Magazine, highlighting its contributions to advancing safety and efficiency in autonomous systems. In addition to FlightHorizon™, Vigilant Aerospace provides integration and consulting services, working with partners like DronePort Network to support regional airspace management and economic development initiatives. Kraettli brings extensive expertise in uncrewed aircraft technology and airspace management. As CEO of Vigilant Aerospace, he oversees the company's contracts with NASA, the FAA, and the U.S. Air Force, and has participated in over 45 uncrewed aircraft flight tests. A recognized industry leader, he serves on the FAA’s BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, is a member of the ASTM F38 Committee on UAS technical standards, and has co-authored multiple AIAA papers on autonomy and collision avoidance systems. He is also the co-inventor of four technology patents, shaping the future of autonomous aviation. In this episode of the drone radio show, Kraettli talks about Vigilant Aerospace, it’s detect-and-avoid system and how organizations are using drones to advance economic development.

    39 min
  3. 21 JAN

    Shaping the Future of the Drone industry Through innovation.

    Bill Irby is the CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. AgEagle is a global technology leader specializing in enhancing situational awareness through advanced robotics solutions. The company focuses on providing autonomous drones designed to tackle mission-critical challenges with high-value solutions. Founded in 2010, AgEagle initially pioneered professional-grade, fixed-wing drones and aerial imagery tailored to the agriculture industry. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach and is now a leading provider of full-stack drone solutions for industries including energy, construction, agriculture, and government sectors worldwide. As CEO, Bill brings a wealth of experience to AgEagle. A United States Naval Academy graduate, Bill has more than 25 years of senior management expertise in uncrewed air and maritime systems, ISR systems, actuation hardware, and communication systems. His career includes serving as Vice President at Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest defense technology providers, generating $30 billion annually. He also served as President of MTI and Steel Partners Holdings.  Additionally, Bill is an active Board member of Ghost Robotics and the Chairman of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Bill discusses AgEagle’s evolution and technology, the company’s expansion into military and public safety markets and the role of AI and innovation in the Drone Industry.

    24 min
  4. 09/12/2024

    Breaking Barriers: How Hover UAV is Simplifying Remote BVLOS Operations and Shaping the Future of Drones: Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV

    Jackie Dujmovic is founder and CEO of Australian based Hover UAV.  Hover UAV is a trailblazer in the drone industry, helping clients advance their operations and navigate the complexities of drone regulations. By understanding each client's unique needs, the team creates customized procedures, documentation, and policies to ensure success in this fast-growing field. Whether it’s a client’s first commercial flight or they’re pursuing specialized approvals for cutting-edge missions, Hover UAV offers a full suite of services. These include building organizational strategies, crafting industry-standard safety cases, and providing policy recommendations to keep clients ahead in the game. One of their standout achievements is the development of SORA-Mate, an online risk assessment tool created with ANRA Technologies as part of the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technologies Partnerships Program. SORA-Mate simplifies the process of securing BVLOS approvals, making advanced drone operations more accessible and streamlining regulatory requirements. Jackie brings nearly a decade of experience in the UAS industry. She’s not only a commercial UAS pilot but also an accomplished Chief Remote Pilot, known for building strong communication frameworks with regulators across local, national, and international levels. Her mission? To integrate drones seamlessly into everyday life, all while maintaining a firm commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence. Beyond her work at Hover UAV, Jackie serves on the boards of Safeskies Australia, the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems, and the Vertical Flight Society, further contributing to the growth and safety of the drone industry. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Jackie shares Hover UAV’s innovative approach to drone operations, key lessons learned from working with global leaders in drone technology, and her insights into the emerging trends shaping the future of the industry.

    31 min
  5. 26/11/2024

    Aerial Lifesavers: The Role of Drones in Water Rescue and Saving Lives: Arcady Shteynberg and Eddie Bennet, Omada Group

    Arcady Shteynberg and Eddie Benett are with the Omada Group.  Omada was formed to take the best, most forward thinking ideas and technology to the public space. A partnership of several  companies, Omada brings UAV, technology, rescue, training, consulting, and other innovations into one centralized business hub. The company’s goal is to find the right-fit solution to address a company’s biggest challenges. Arcady is owner and partner of OMADA Group, where he leads efforts in developing innovative solutions for first responders, particularly in water-based search and rescue operations. His work includes collaborating with agencies to create standards for UAV operators deploying emergency flotation devices. Under his leadership, OMADA Group has also formed strategic partnerships with distributors in the fire, water safety and drone industry, as well as some strategic partnerships with manufacturers like BRINC Drones, to offer comprehensive drone rescue solutions. Eddie is a 30+ year veteran of manned aviation and a former aircrew for Queensland Police in Australia. He is also a leading expert and innovator in the autonomous vehicle industry, who has also served on NASA Working Groups for Air Mobility as a Public Safety Expert. Furthermore, he is the founder and driving force behind Complete AUV. Eddie specializes in creating cutting-edge solutions for manned aviation programs, search and rescue, and commercial applications.  In 2018, Two teenage boys swimming off the coast of Australia, struggling to make their way back to shore, were saved by a drone that had dropped a self-inflating rescue pod into the water.  This was the first-of-its-kind rescue mission of swimmers by an unmanned aircraft.  Advancing the use of emergency flotation devices in drone rescue missions is one of Omada’s core objectives. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show Podcast, Arcady and Eddie talk about Omada Group,  emergency flotation devices and how this technology can help save lives.

    43 min
  6. 17/09/2024

    How Autonomous Drones Will Revolutionize Last-Mile Delivery: Beth Flippo, CEO Drone Express

    Beth Flippo is CEO of Drone Express.  Drone Express is an innovative aviation company disrupting last-mile logistics by embracing autonomous flight. Founded in 2021, the company uses drones to deliver safe, reliable, autonomous, eco-friendly packages nationwide to customers. They have secured strategic nationwide corporate partnerships with The Kroger Company, Papa John’s International, Winsupply, and other retailers. The FAA formally accepted its Part 135 application. Upon completion, Drone Express will be one of only a few companies certified to perform unmanned beyond visual line of sight deliveries in the United States.  On September 13, Drone Express launched their drone delivery service in Winston-Salem. Beth is an accomplished embedded engineer with over 20 years of experience in the finance and technology industries. She has designed and developed advanced mobile communications solutions and is passionate about robotics and unmanned systems.  Before launching Drone Express, Beth was Vice President of Embedded Software Development at TELEGRID Technologies. She began her career in the finance industry in New York City, designing systems for quantitative trading and financial analysis for equity transactions on the New York Stock Exchange. Her experience includes several prestigious investment banks and brokerage firms, including UBS PaineWebber, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Goldman Sachs.  Beth holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Thomas Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of New York at Binghamton. She is a licensed drone pilot with the FAA and has a radio operator license, W2QNB, from the FCC. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Beth talks about Drone Express, the company’s official launch into Winston-Salem and how autonomous drone delivery can provide economic and ecological benefits to communities.

    35 min
4
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Drone Radio Show is a weekly show about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they’re using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they’ve learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.

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