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E44 – Silent Arrow
Check out our newsletter, where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense!
In this episode, Mike interviews Chip Yates, founder of
Yates Electrospace Corporation.
With a background in racing, Chip has made a name for
himself by setting numerous world records as a pioneer in electric-powered motorcycles and airplanes. His journey took a strategic turn when he encountered a complex military challenge, leading to the inception of his
company.
Chip pivoted to defense, launching Silent Arrow—disposable
cargo drones deployed from planes like the C-130. These drones must fly dozens—even hundreds—of miles yet be cost-effective enough to be discarded after just a
single use.
Chip shares his decade-long journey in defense tech,
offering insights into affordable, executable innovation in an industry full of giant companies and complex technology.
Links
• Sign up for the newsletter!
• Support us on Patreon!
• Mike Benitez (LinkedIn)
• Silent Arrow
----
Follow us on...
• Instagram
• X
• Facebook
• Website
----
Show Notes
00:50 intro
01:47 Chip's racing background
03:03 company origins
03:41 getting involved in defense tech
04:11 the idea and 1st concept vehicle
06:53 the Smithsonian
08:34 2,000 glider drone
08:48 how Silent Arrow works
10:14 the need for more standoff
12:10 operational evals of prototypes
13:50 crawl walk run
15:03 the Pacific Pivot?
15:52 Airbus partnership
17:26 powered cargo drones
19:29 interesting payloads
20:42 the C-130 of drones
20:59 design and looks
23:10 raising money in defense tech
24:27 more requirement creep
25:37 using a Tesla?!
28:34 timeline for Tesla-launch
29:28 advertising in defense
30:46 2025 expectations
31:26 a super size version
33:50 adaption vs invention
35:36 keeping the cargo intact
38:46 powered version
39:50 advice
40:37 raising money
42:21 outro
For those interested in #military #nationaldefense #warfare
#nationalsecurity #defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #innovation #aviation #airplanes #aerospace #c130 #cargo
#mobility #logistics #supply #resupply #drones #unmanned #drone
View all episodes
By The Merge
5
339339 ratings
Check out our newsletter, where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense!
In this episode, Mike interviews Chip Yates, founder of
Yates Electrospace Corporation.
With a background in racing, Chip has made a name for
himself by setting numerous world records as a pioneer in electric-powered motorcycles and airplanes. His journey took a strategic turn when he encountered a complex military challenge, leading to the inception of his
company.
Chip pivoted to defense, launching Silent Arrow—disposable
cargo drones deployed from planes like the C-130. These drones must fly dozens—even hundreds—of miles yet be cost-effective enough to be discarded after just a
single use.
Chip shares his decade-long journey in defense tech,
offering insights into affordable, executable innovation in an industry full of giant companies and complex technology.
Links
• Sign up for the newsletter!
• Support us on Patreon!
• Mike Benitez (LinkedIn)
• Silent Arrow
----
Follow us on...
• Instagram
• X
• Facebook
• Website
----
Show Notes
00:50 intro
01:47 Chip's racing background
03:03 company origins
03:41 getting involved in defense tech
04:11 the idea and 1st concept vehicle
06:53 the Smithsonian
08:34 2,000 glider drone
08:48 how Silent Arrow works
10:14 the need for more standoff
12:10 operational evals of prototypes
13:50 crawl walk run
15:03 the Pacific Pivot?
15:52 Airbus partnership
17:26 powered cargo drones
19:29 interesting payloads
20:42 the C-130 of drones
20:59 design and looks
23:10 raising money in defense tech
24:27 more requirement creep
25:37 using a Tesla?!
28:34 timeline for Tesla-launch
29:28 advertising in defense
30:46 2025 expectations
31:26 a super size version
33:50 adaption vs invention
35:36 keeping the cargo intact
38:46 powered version
39:50 advice
40:37 raising money
42:21 outro
For those interested in #military #nationaldefense #warfare
#nationalsecurity #defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #innovation #aviation #airplanes #aerospace #c130 #cargo
#mobility #logistics #supply #resupply #drones #unmanned #drone
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