Aerospace – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

ePropelled Unleashed the Falcon

ePropelled, a New Hampshire – based propulsion firm, has announced the availability of its USA-assembled Falcon product line. The Falcon series provides compact propulsion systems from 1kW to 20kW to meet the demands of diverse uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) applications.

The company is focused on building magnetic innovations to advance electric motor technology. Their new Falcon products consist of five electric propulsion motors, five intelligent motor controllers (up to 98% efficient), and a powerful and intelligent electronic engine starter motor controller adept for hybrid UAV power requirements.

The industry has seen a growing demand for electric propulsion systems. This has been compounded by China’s regulators recently restricting Chinese manufacturers from exporting UAV propulsion components exceeding 16kW. ePropelled plans to fill this missing market gap, providing non-China supplied UAV component alternatives.

Nick Grewal, CEO of ePropelled, says, “Our Falcon product line exemplifies ePropelled’s commitment to innovation and excellence in propulsion technology. By offering power options from 1kW to 20kW — alongside our ePConnected™ protocol for comprehensive control, instrumentation, and data-sharing services — Falcon delivers unparalleled performance and efficiency. ePropelled delivers cutting-edge drone solutions that not only meet the most stringent technical requirements, but also help our customers stay ahead of compliance challenges with products assembled in the USA.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Alaska Airlines Invests in JetZero

Stratodynamics Shows Pomise in Unmanned Aerial Turbulence Detection

JetZero has secured new investment funding from Alaska Airlines. The aircraft engineering startup is developing a blended-wing aircraft design to reduce carbon emissions and fuel burn by as much as 50%.

The investment came through Alaska Airlines’ venture capital subsidiary Alaska Star Ventures includes options for future aircraft orders. The total value of the investment has not been revealed.

The blended-wing design combines the winds with the fuselage, creating a smoother overall shape which reduces drag and weight. The design also affords extra width in the fuselage which opens up possibilities for cabin layouts.

“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry,” said senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability Diana Birkett Rakow. “We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency.”

Long Beach-based JetZero was founded in 2021 by Mark Page, who led the first NASA-funded blended-wing design initiative, and by Tom O’Leary, former COO of electric air taxi startup Beta Technologies. JetZero is targeting a 2030 launch for its aircraft.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Rotor Technologies is Bringing the Two Largest Commercial Drones to Market

Rotor Technologies, Inc. has announced the launch of the world’s two largest commercial drones. The startup, which is based in New Hampshire, was founded by a team of MIT aerospace engineers to develop and manufacture the most capable commercial UAVs possible.

The new drones, named Airtruck and Sparyhawk, have been based on the Robinson R44 helicopter airframe – which is a four-seat light helicopter commercialized in 1992. The drone design, however, has adapted the R44 frame to support lifting cargo and spraying crops, all while remotely operated.

Airtruck is a general utility drone able to move up to 1,000 lb (453 kg) of cargo, while Sprayhawk has been conceived as an agricultural UAV, carrying a 110-gallon tank for crop dusting.

Rotor Technologies, which is collaborating with helicopter manufacturer Robinson to develop the two drones, plans to build some 25 units per year of the two models (15 Sprayhawks and 10 Airtrucks) at its New Hampshire plant.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Flying High: Bridger Aerospace’s Soaring Investments in Cutting-Edge Research and Development

In the ever-evolving landscape of aerial firefighting and disaster response, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. has emerged as a key player, making headlines with its strategic investments that support their firefighting regimes. Recently, the company has announced that it has entered into a joint venture partnership to complete the purchase of four Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft recently awarded in a public tender process from the Government of Spain for €40.3 million.

The company has grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack and the largest Super Scooper fleet in the U.S. in less than eight years.

“Bridger’s mission is to support communities affected by wildfires wherever they occur. There is global demand for specialty aircraft like the CL-215T, and with the addition of these airframes we are positioned to operate the largest privately owned scooper fleet in the world. Our access to these aircraft represents a strategic and transformative step for Bridger and positions us to expand our customer base and create substantial revenue and cash flow growth for the next several years,” commented Tim Sheehy, Bridger’s Chief Executive Officer.

Bridger Aerospace’s investments extend beyond firefighting, encompassing disaster response and recovery as well. The company is exploring ways to leverage aerial technologies in the aftermath of natural disasters, facilitating rapid assessment and response to minimize human suffering and property damage.

The partnership will allow Bridger access to Scoopers for use in contract operations as soon as the summer of 2024. Bridger will manage the return to service upgrades of the planes while they are owned and funded by the partnership.

McAndrew Rudisill, Bridger’s Chief Investment Officer, commented, “We are excited to partner with Marathon and Avenue to co-invest in the transformative Spanish Scooper acquisition and appreciate their exhaustive efforts to close this transaction. This private capital solution eliminates the immediate need for any large near-term equity financing and helps strategically position Bridger to further diversify internationally, create exposure to the European fire season, and creates a multi-year growth trajectory for the company.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Empowering the Future: Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions’ Pioneering Research and Development

Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions has announced the launch of their Series A investment campaign. Their intention is to make waves and revolutionize the electric mobility ecosystem.

Volatus is one of the world’s leading firms in vehicle-agnostic eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aviation landing infrastructure. They’re the architects of vertiports, the vital hubs for the electric aviation revolution. Imagine a network of these vertiports enabling air mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and revolutionizing urban transportation.

The funding round offers investors an exclusive opportunity to become an essential part of VI&E Solutions’ story and the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry.

Their commitment to vehicle-agnostic infrastructure ensures that various eVTOL aircraft can seamlessly integrate, promoting inclusivity and expanding the horizons of electric aviation. Research and development in this space are crucial for fostering innovation and accelerating the adoption of electric air mobility.

They’re also a universal, multi-modal electric charging and off-grid energy generation provider. Their research and development endeavors span across the entire electric mobility ecosystem. From designing efficient charging stations for electric vehicles to pioneering off-grid energy solutions, Volatus is driving change.

As they launch their investment campaign, it’s a testament to their dedication to research and development. These investments will fuel their mission to transform transportation and energy, ultimately shaping a more sustainable and interconnected world.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

REGENT Unveils Full-Scale Model of All-Electric Seaglider Prototype

REGENT, a company that is developing a revolutionary all-electric seaglider, recently unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its prototype. The company also announced plans to expand its global headquarters, which will include new manufacturing and test facilities. The expansion has the potential to fulfill $8 billion in commercial orders by 2025 at the headquarters in Rhode Island.

According to REGENT, its seaglider is the first vehicle to take off from a controlled hydrofoil to wingborne flight. The seaglider is designed with multiple redundancies in its all-electric distributed power system and automated flight software and sensor systems to provide operators with full situational awareness for navigation, object detection, and flight conditions.

The $50 million in funding has significantly accelerated the development of the seaglider prototype, including building and flying the first quarter-scale seaglider prototype to prove out the float-foil-fly mission. The cumulative learnings from more than a year of flight testing were used to inform the design of the full-scale seaglider. REGENT aims to deliver its product to market by the mid-decade, tailoring its vehicles to meet the diverse needs of its customers, including commercial transport, supply chain and logistics, and military defense applications.

REGENT’s seagliders are designed to revolutionize sustainable, maritime transportation in coastal communities, offering a fast, efficient, and emission-free solution. With 40% of the world’s population living in coastal communities, there is a dire need for a fundamentally new method of transportation to efficiently move people and cargo through coastal routes.

The seagliders will serve as a complementary addition, rather than a replacement, to traditional modes of maritime and airline transportation, which can be seamlessly integrated into customers’ existing fleets. Based on publicly validated data, REGENT’s studies show that its seagliders serve an $11 billion market that could swell to as much as $25 billion as battery technology advances.

REGENT envisions its vehicles to act as a bridge between coastal city centers, facilitating multi-modal transportation through coastal airports. The company has established a loyal customer base of major airlines and ferry operators, such as FRS in Germany, Ocean Flyer in New Zealand, and Southern Airways/Mokulele Airlines, who plan to deliver their first commercial passenger seagliders to once they hit the market. The seagliders will comprise the best features of both maritime and aviation transport, combining the speed and comfort of an airplane with the cost efficiency of a boat.

The new facility expansion in Rhode Island will support initial low-rate production and at-rate production to fulfill the $8 billion commercial backlog. With the electrification of ferries, aircraft, rail, and other modes of transportation, REGENT’s all-electric seagliders are an integral part of the future of sustainable, multi-modal mobility.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Red Way: A New Hope for Lincoln’s Struggling Airport – Exploring the Prospects of a New Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier

Lincoln, Nebraska, a city known for its history and recreational facilities, has become a battleground for a new startup called Red Way, which has stepped up to fill the void left by legacy carriers withdrawing from the city. Red Way is an ultra-low-cost carrier that is aiming to operate twice-weekly flights to major cities across the United States.

Red Way’s modus operandi is unique, as it functions as a “virtual airline” by handling sales and bookings via a Red Way-branded website, while Florida-based charter operator Global Crossing Airlines will supply and operate the aircraft. The airline has already received revenue guarantees in the form of COVID-19 relief funds from the city and county, totaling $3 million.

Red Way’s business model is centered around leisure markets, which can be tricky given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry. However, Red Way CEO Nickolas Wangler is confident that the company will succeed. The airline plans to fly to destinations such as Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Nashville, and Orlando, and it aims to respond directly to consumer demand, meaning it will cancel routes that don’t resonate with passengers. In addition, Red Way plans to add more flights to warmer destinations in the US during the winter months.

Although the concept of Red Way seems promising, industry experts and bloggers have expressed concerns about its long-term viability. Some analysts have criticized the airline’s limited flight schedule and its pricing structure, which requires passengers to pay extra for additional services such as carry-ons and checked bags. Moreover, recent Department of Transportation data reveals that few people have been flying the new routes added by Red Way.

Despite the challenges, the airline is optimistic about its future. The company has a strong community backing, and it is hoping to cater to a demand for low-cost leisure travel to destinations that are currently not served by other carriers. Red Way’s first flight from Lincoln Airport is scheduled to depart for Orlando on June 16.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Venus Aerospace Unveils Stargazer – their first conceptual hypersonic vehicle designed for one-hour global travel

South Dakota Patent of the Month - August 2021

Venus Aerospace, an aerospace startup, has made an exciting announcement at the UP.Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company introduced their first conceptual vehicle design, the “Stargazer”, which will fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo in just an hour.

The Mach 9 hypersonic aircraft has been under development since the company’s founding in 2020. The aircraft’s design is meant to allow it to fly at hypersonic speeds at the edge of the atmosphere.

This kind of design is no joke and requires some serious funding. Venus has been backed by leading venture capitalists and has received $1 million in government funding. The company has stated they have raised over $33 million to build a Mach 9 hypersonic drone and Mach 9 spaceplane – each of which will be capable of one-hour global travel.

Venus has made significant progress since their founding, scaling rapidly in their bid to design and build a demonstration engine. This engine has since been tested in hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities across the U.S.. Next tests include their plans to start subsonic and supersonic flight testing of a scaled drone.

With a team of experts including aerospace, military, and R&D veterans, the company is focused on three main technologies: a zero-emission next-generation rocket engine, innovative aircraft shape, and leading-edge cooling.

This combination of technology could be the key to making one-hour global transport a cost-effective possibility.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Deuce Drone Partners with Greer’s Markets for Autonomous Drone Delivery

Drones and Smart Irrigation Systems Boost Farming Production in Colorado

Deuce Drone, LLC has focused their efforts on solving the last mile delivery problem for brick and mortar retailers. Through their drone technology, they enable drone shipment from existing stores to nearby locations.

Recently, Deuce Drone has entered into a technology development partnership with a supermarket chain, Greer’s Markets. The company will provide drone delivery for this fifth-generation family-owned supermarket chain, with 29 supermarkets across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.

This Mobile-based startup began flights in November, travelling between Greer’s St. Louis Street market and the Innovation Portal. These test runs are finalizing the autonomous flight and package handling systems. At present, their drones can carry a payload of up to 10 pounds.

Bill Haub, senior director of Deuce Drone said the deal with Greer’s Markets puts the Deuce Drone team near a retailer that they can further develop their technology with as well as the ability to have flights back and forth on a regular basis. The hope is to move from a development stage and into a greater revenue service. Haub also said the deal will hopefully enable more hiring, offer greater exposure for the company and promote fundraising opportunities for Deuce Drone.

Deuce Drone isn’t interested in manufacturing drones themselves, but they have been steadily developing and testing both software and hardware since 2020. This iterative development strives for a drone which can successfully – and reliably – carry products off the shelves.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Parallax Advanced Research Receives Next Disbursement of $9.6M in Funding

Washington Patent of the Month - August 2021

Parallax Advanced Research has received $9.6 million in federal funding to help expand their Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX). This expansion will bring APEX out to West Virginia and the Appalachian region, from the southern tier of New York State to Georgia. This funding was approved in an effort to bring talent in these regions to the Department of the Air Force as they work to advance national defense.

This $9.6 million represents the second major disbursement from the original $49 million APEX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), which Parallax was selected to lead in 2019. APEX is trying to connect universities, businesses, and the government in these R&D efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

Parallax’s expansion effort into the State of West Virginia will be led by U.S. Air Force Retired Colonel Sean Frisbee. Frisbee is president & CEO of the West Virginia University Alumni Association and will transition out of this role to take on the expansion effort in summer 2021. In addition to this expansion, APEX helps small businesses focused on relevant R&D through the SBIR and STTR application programs. They offer resources including national engagement, collaborative challenges, blue-sky events, webinars, education and training, process navigation consulting, team matchmaking, technology transition facilitation, and expanding the U.S. wide network of traditional and non-traditional defense contractors to develop and commercialize new dual-use products and services focusing particularly on small business.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.