Concept to Flight,
Redefining Possibilities
Method Aircraft Systems and Technologies (MAST) is transforming bold concepts into cutting-edge unmanned solutions that will redefine commercial unmanned aviation. We specialize in advanced UAS design, expert integration and test, and solving complex aviation problems with mission-ready technology.
ABOUT
The Method Behind the Mission
TEAM
Meet the Team
About Us
MAST is a new venture from the engineering and management team responsible for the design, manufacture, and flight test of the Vanilla Aircraft VA001: a 36-foot wingspan, 600-pound, 10-day endurance, world record holding unmanned aircraft. At the time this team flew the VA001 on a non-stop, unrefueled flight of over 5-days (landing with 3 days of fuel remaining), which was the longest for an unmanned aircraft powered by internal combustion/jet, and was the 3rd longest flight in history of an aircraft heavier-than-air. The VA001 has since surpassed its own record, flying for over 8 days.
The team was nominated for the 2017 National Aeronautic Association Robert J. Collier Trophy, awarded annually “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America…which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.”
Recognized as leaders in UAS engineering, the rapidly growing team at MAST has now contributed to both the design and flight test of dozens of successful manned and unmanned development programs. MAST's work focuses on advanced integration of proven systems and techniques to achieve revolutionary aircraft performance, positioning us at the forefront of applying next-generation UAS technology for commercial solutions.
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Neil Boertlein
Chief Engineer
Neil brings 20 years of direct experience in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design and testing, specializing in systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and propulsion. As a co-founder and Chief Engineer at Vanilla Aircraft, Neil was instrumental in the development and flight of the record-setting UAV. Before Vanilla Aircraft, one significant role was serving as Project Engineer and Propulsion IPT Lead for a pioneering turbine/electric-hybrid UAV program, which successfully achieved its first flight in 2009. Neil’s leadership and technical breadth have been pivotal in advancing unmanned systems and spearheading innovation in the aerospace industry.
Daniel Hatfield
Chief Designer
Daniel is a seasoned aerospace engineer with over 20 years of specialized experience in unmanned vehicles. His distinguished career includes key roles in some of the most groundbreaking aerospace projects of the last two decades. As Senior Aerodynamicist and Project Engineer at Scaled Composites, Daniel led the aerodynamic, performance, and aeroelastic design of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. He also played a crucial role in the configuration selection and performance analysis of SpaceShipOne. At Aurora Flight Sciences, Daniel served as the lead for aerodynamics and structures on the Orion UAS. As a co-founder of Vanilla Aircraft, he was the aerodynamics and structures design lead, contributing to the world-record endurance of the Vanilla VA001. Remarkably excluding solar-powered aircraft, Daniel’s aerodynamic designs have been behind the last three aircraft to achieve over 72 hours of unrefueled flight: the GlobalFlyer, Aurora Orion, and Vanilla VA001.
Jeremy Novara
Chief of Operations & Testing
Jeremy directs business and program operations, aircraft integration, and flight test for Method Aeronautics. He also performed these roles as co-founder of Vanilla Aircraft, which included record breaking flights in both Regulatory and Special Use airspaces. Before Vanilla Aircraft, Jeremy was a key contributor to the integration and flight of several UAS development programs, notably part of a pioneering team that secured one of the first twelve Experimental Airworthiness Certificates from the FAA for commercial UAS operations. His extensive experience and proven track record enable Method Aeronautics to navigate complex regulatory environments and continue to pioneer the safe integration of new unmanned aircraft systems.
Method Aircraft Systems & Technologies, Inc.
22884 Relocation Drive
Sterling, VA 20166-2321
(571) 464-7460
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