According to our panel of experts, Arizona is the place to learn hypersonics. With the state legislature focused on new economy initiatives, innovative schools and universities a stone’s throw away and a growing pool of aerospace and defense companies, Arizona is poised to play a pivotal role in protecting the country’s national security.
In the Arizona Technology Council’s August 2021 episode of AZTechCast, distinguished business leaders from Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the University of Arizona College of Engineering and the U.S. Air Force Academy joined Council president and CEO, Steve Zylstra, to discuss the importance of hypersonics research in Arizona.
These leaders included Roy Donelson, the executive director of strategic missile defense at Raytheon; David Hahn, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona; and Dr. Russell Cummings, director of the DoD Hypersonic Vehicle Simulation Institute at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Throughout this hour-long episode moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, the seasoned panel of experts stressed the importance of collaboration between government, academia and industry to invest in hypersonics technology. These investments are pivotal in building modern testing facilities, conducting applied research and training aspiring engineers to solve complex societal problems.
“By allocating additional resources towards hypersonics, Arizona is receiving a return on investment in the form of new technology jobs, increased wages within companies and ripple effects across the whole supply chain,” said Hahn, whose team was deliberate in working with state legislators to secure funding for the University of Arizona’s research efforts.
“It’s critically important for government, academia and industry to see each other as collaborators, not competitors, in the development of hypersonic infrastructure and programs,” stated Dr. Cummings. “Inserting hypersonics into the military better prepares the federal government to respond to national security threats.”
In closing, Donelson predicted that “by the middle of the decade, manufacturing of both offensive and defensive systems will be taking place at a much larger scale. These systems will then be delivered to our war fighters, who will feel more confident handling and outpacing threats.”
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About AZTechCast
The official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, AZTechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Through the art of the connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s hosts and guests share success stories, tech news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to learn more or to listen to recent episodes.
About Phoenix Business RadioX
Karen Nowicki is the owner and president of Phoenix Business RadioX. Amplifying the voice of business, Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession and community. A successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™, Nowicki is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. In addition, Nowicki has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room and Mid-Day Arizona. Recognized for her leadership and business acumen, she has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
