Power4Flight
Power4Flight was formed to address powertrain reliability, durability and affordability issues, which continue to plague our industry and keep small Unmanned Aircraft Systems from realizing their full potential.
The Power4Flight team is focused on providing complete UAS powertrain solutions, including core engines, integrated starter/generators, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and power conditioning electronics.
Ross Hoag
Co-founder
Ross co-founded Cloud Cap Technology with Bill Vaglienti with the idea of developing a highly integrated and end user programmable autopilot/flight management system for small UAS integrators. Ross brings twenty years of UAS experience to the Power4Flight team. He is responsible for day-to-day operations, business development and electronic design.
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Bill Vaglienti
Co-founder
Bill brings seventeen years of UAS autopilot, payload and flight test expertise to the Power4Flight team. Bill is responsible for propulsion, propeller and vehicle modeling, software development, integration and analysis. Bill is the technical visionary and developmental taskmaster at Power4Flight!
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Jim Newton
Propulsion Engineer
Jim brings nearly 25 years of varied propulsion experience to the Power4Flight team. Jim is the lead propulsion engineer and the primary customer technical point of contact. He also works closely with our key development partners, Currawong Engineering and Cobra-Aero, on the design, development and testing of purpose built fuel injected two and four stroke propulsion systems.
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Chuck Simmons
Propulsion Engineer
Chuck has more than 25 years of mechanical, electronic and embedded systems design experience with 10 years of UAS engine development experience. He developed the fuel injection systems for Insitu’s heavy-fuel powered Integrator, RQ-21A Blackjack and ScanEagle. He also designed the engine for Aerovel’s Flexrotor. At Power4Flight Chuck is responsible for engine hardware development and integration, working closely with our partner Cobra Aero on the A33 and A99 engines.
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Tyler Foster
Mechanical/ Propulsion Engineer
Tyler’s 14 years of work experience gives him a comprehensive approach to UAS mechanical systems including payload, airframe, and propulsion. He started his career as a machinist and graduate assistant during college. In the summers he fought wildfires for the WA state DNR as an engine crewmember, helicopter crewmember and helicopter manger. After graduating, he worked for Insitu on the RQ-21A Blackjack’s airframe team focusing on structural V&V testing for the STUAS program.
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Shaun Cochran
Engineer
Working at a small company like Power4Flight, Shaun’s broad background has allowed him to help in many areas throughout the business. Shaun works as the lead on all engine related electrical and electronics, including production and engineering support, process implementation, troubleshooting, rework and repair, prototyping and testing. Additionally, Shaun has been assisting with both customer support and business development.
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Key Business and Development Partners
Currawong Engineering
Currawong Engineering is a specialist manufacturer of propulsion systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Currawong manufactures small engines, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems and components for EFI systems. Currawong EFI systems are being used in nearly 1,000 UAVs worldwide. Individual Currawong products include the ECU that is the central element of EFI, high pressure fuel pumps, fuel injectors and sensors of various types.
Gavin Brett
Chief Executive Officer and Director – Currawong Engineering
Gavin is the founder, Chief Executive Officer and the principal development engineer for Currawong Engineering. Gavin’s particular skill is his ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines, an area of expertise that is extremely relevant to the mechatronic products that are designed and manufactured at Currawong Engineering. Read full Bio
Cobra Aero
Cobra Aero was established in 2012 for the purpose of creating a safer, more connected world through the precise application of advanced engine technology. With our unique combination of deep engine design expertise, world class development facilities, and top-notch manufacturing capabilities, Cobra Aero is your one-stop partner for all of your power and propulsion needs.
Sean Hilbert
President – Cobra Aero
Sean is responsible for all P&L at Cobra Group as well as future product strategy. Sean managed powertrain integration for hybrid systems at Ford Motor Company, was the Ford liason to Yamaha for all direct injection engine platforms and winner of NFS ‘Award for Creativity in Engineering’ for advancing the state of the art on in-cylinder flow measurements of two-stroke engines. Read full Bio
