Issue 4 2022

Acquisition International - Issue 4 2022 25 One Machine, More Freedom network; GoTenna installed their tiny yet powerful mesh networking device to use SkyRunner as an airborne node to enable over-thehorizon communication; and Tough Stump Technologies created augmented reality flight software for use in the US Government’s TAK (Team Awareness Kit) ecosystem that will dramatically reduce pilot workload. SkyRunner is now working with BAE systems, CACI, and Dynojet to add even more capability and performance. And the company continues to watch and cheer the advance of eVTOL technology and is looking forward to the day when some of these unbelievable concepts become reality. Along with this progress, SkyRunner is monitoring pending FAA MOSAIC rule changes that could open special light sport category aircraft for commercial use; this would instantly create vast new markets for the company as commercial operators could then use them for paid flights at tourist destinations, air taxi, island hopping, and other incredible opportunities. While SkyRunner is hugely successful, with celebrity customers including Greg Grunberg and Wayne Brady, it hasn’t always been this way – it has had its challenges. Initially, Stewart had to overcome the perception that it could never even work. Many people have failed trying to build flying cars, but SkyRunner took a different route. Its early customers said they wanted freedom to fly and freedom from roads; they wanted a safe, certified Utility Transport Vehicle (UTV) that could go anywhere. So, Stewart and his team focused on building and certifying the SkyRunner MK 3.2 as an aircraft and gave it impressive off-road take-off and landing capability. Everything on the vehicle is built to Federal Aviation Administration standards, as administered by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Meeting their rigorous standards was a high bar. SkyRunner is proud of its certification and works meticulously to exceed that standard every day. Also a challenge was COVID-19, a wake-up call to the entire manufacturing industry about the fragility of the supply chain. SkyRunner took early, aggressive steps to diversify its supply chain and build inventory to sustain manufacturing throughput. Today, the company has multiple pathways for all critical components and substantial inventory to keep production stable and ramp quickly to meet demand. SkyRunner has now had an avalanche of interest from allies and partner countries looking to maximise their aviation investments. It provides a safe, simple, certified platform that can deliver incredible mobility and airborne services at a fraction of the price of any fixed or rotary wing options. The MK 3.2 was intentionally built with straightforward, rugged components that are easy to maintain and replace with simple hand tools. The ubiquitous Rotax and Polaris engines can be user-serviced or -maintained through a massive global network of dealers and authorised repair services. SkyRunner has been hard at work with several elite teams to develop and prove operational concepts where its technology can move a team using swarm tactics; provide overwatch with an electro optical, infrared or thermal sensor; provide medical evacuation for litter patients or isolated personnel; deliver bespoke electronic payloads; and more. SkyRunner is the perfect platform to begin to test ideas now that will apply to electronic vertical lift platforms as they move closer to reality over the next decade. The company is currently searching for a world-class manufacturing partner to help it meet its goal of 2,000 aircraft a year by 2025. Company: SkyRunner, LLC Contact: Stewart Hamel Email: info@flyskyrunner.com Website: www.flyskyrunner.com

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