Hangar X Studios

Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Is Broken - Jason Harris


Listen Later

In this gripping episode of Hangar X Studios, former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead welcomes back decorated combat veteran Jason Harris to unpack the rapidly evolving world of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance). Together, they dive into the game-changing role of drones, UAVs, and VTOLs in modern military and civilian missions. From tactical battlefield insights to post-disaster response, Jason shares compelling real-world use cases and planning considerations.

The conversation also explores what makes ISR platforms truly effective—from connectivity and payload to sound signatures and data dissemination. Jason ties it all together with his framework of “No-Fail Trust,” offering powerful leadership and team-building lessons for entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations looking to thrive in high-stakes environments.

Episode Highlights
  • The definition and breadth of ISR missions across military and civilian domains

  • Tactical vs. strategic ISR: how they differ and integrate

  • Real-world use cases: volcano monitoring, fire assessment, combat ops, and more

  • Strengths and limitations of drones and VTOL aircraft in ISR roles

  • Key planning considerations: sensor type, sound signature, connectivity, and platform agility

  • VTOL aircraft like the TriFan 600 and their disruptive ISR potential

  • The importance of training, culture, and communication in building high-trust organizations

  • Key Points with Timestamps
    • [00:00:00] Introduction and the metaphor of tools: does the user need the tool you're excited about?

    • [00:03:00] What is ISR? Definitions and examples across spectrum (from satellites to handheld drones)

    • [00:04:21] Civilian ISR applications: fire monitoring, agriculture, pattern of life

    • [00:05:33] RC-26 platform use cases: fire response, border security, troop support

    • [00:06:26] Volcanic ash ISR missions and why jet aircraft must avoid ash

    • [00:07:20] Strategic vs Tactical ISR: examples include satellites and UAVs like Global Hawk

    • [00:08:42] Tactical ISR: real-time, actionable intelligence and platform adaptability

    • [00:11:16] Tactical advantages of small drones for field teams and special operations

    • [00:12:02] Limitations of UAVs: sound signature, visibility, and operational impact

    • [00:14:26] ISR planning factors: altitude, environment, power draw, standoff distance

    • [00:18:05] Introduction of VTOL platforms (TriFan 600) into ISR planning

    • [00:20:28] Tactical ISR use case with VTOL: speed, altitude, noise tradeoffs

    • [00:22:58] Downdraft, sensor interference, and landing impact of VTOL platforms

    • [00:25:59] Does the user need the tool? The importance of operational relevance

    • [00:27:02] Disaster response scenario: VTOLs replacing helicopters for aid delivery

    • [00:29:29] ISR’s role in modern warfare: connectivity, real-time data, cyber synergy

    • [00:31:44] “No-Fail Trust”: the training and culture foundation of effective execution

    • [00:34:25] Lessons for startups: culture matters more than initial innovation

    • [00:36:17] Culture is how you operate—not just how well people get along

    • [00:39:34] Final thoughts: focus on real-world needs and multipurpose use cases

    • [00:42:06] Blow up the box: rethink innovation from scratch

    • Guest Bio: Jason Harris

      Lt. Col. Jason Harris (Ret.) is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, combat pilot, airline captain, and trusted leadership consultant. Known for his thought leadership on “No-Fail Trust,” Jason specializes in equipping organizations with frameworks that drive high-performance teamwork, mission execution, and cultural excellence. With deep operational expertise in ISR missions and military planning, Jason brings both battlefield and boardroom experience to the future of aerospace, innovation, and leadership.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonoharris/

      Notable Quotes

      "Great, you have a fantastic Phillips screwdriver. But I need a flathead. Does your user need that tool?"
      — Jason Harris

      "ISR is really just about gathering information. It spans from satellites to someone with a sensor in their pocket."
      — Jason Harris

      "It does us no good to collect data if we can't disseminate it quickly to those who need it."
      — Jason Harris

      "Culture is not just about if we all get along—it's how we do things."
      — Jason Harris

      "Don’t just think outside the box. Blow up the box. Start from scratch."
      — Jason Harris

      "You can’t build a high-trust organization without being intentional about your training, your culture, and your mission."
      — Jason Harris

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead