modular autonomous technology for the aviation industry.
Marc Piette is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member at Xwing. Additionally, he holds the position of Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder at Locu. With a background rooted in software development, operations, and product management, Mr. Piette brings a wealth of experience to his leadership roles. He served as a team lead in Research and Development at Bloomberg and has held positions at prominent tech companies such as VMware, IBM, and Cisco Systems. Mr. Piette holds a BS/MS in Computer Science and Engineering from UCL, Belgium, and furthered his education by earning an MBA from MIT Sloan. Maxime Gariel The Chief Technology Officer at Xwing. Maxime is a pilot whose lifelong dream is to make airplanes fly themselves. Prior to Xwing, Maxime was the Principal GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) Engineer at Rockwell Collins where he designed and built autonomous aircraft systems like DARPA Gremlins and the AgustaWestland SW4 Solo autonomous helicopter. Before becoming Chief Engineer of the SW4 Solo’s flight control system, he was in charge of the system architecture, redundancy, and safety for the project. Prior to Rockwell Collins, he worked on ADS-B based conflict detection as a Postdoctoral Researcher at MIT and on autoland systems for airliners at Thales. Maxime earned his MS and PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and his BS from ISAE-Supaéro (France). Edward Lim Lead Controls Engineer at Xwing Edward initiated their career as a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Berkeley College of Engineering, specializing in steering and speed control systems for autonomous vehicles. Following this, their tenure at Lockheed Martin Space Systems included impactful contributions to projects like the Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle and LETB2 Maneuvering Reentry. Edward's journey continued at Stanford University, where they conducted research as a Graduate Student Researcher, delving into SLAM algorithms optimized for binary feature environments. Returning to Lockheed Martin Space Systems as a Lead Controls Engineer, they played a pivotal role in projects such as the XV-24A Lightning Strike VTOL X- Plane and Orion Long-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft. Subsequently, as a Lead Controls Engineer at Zipline International Inc., Edward focused on advancing controls for unmanned aerial vehicles before joining Uber, where their expertise centered on motion planning and vehicle dynamics modeling and control. Currently positioned as the Lead Controls Engineer at Xwing, Edward spearheads the development of controls for autonomous aircraft. As of April 13th 2023, autonomous aviation pioneer Xwing says it has formally begun the FAA approval process for its “Superpilot” autonomous flight control system, which the company plans to use for pilotless cargo delivery flights in the U.S. As you can see the remotely-piloted Cessna Grand Caravan 208B utility plane (equipped with the startup's AutoFlight software stack) leave the gate, taxi, take-off, land and return to the gate by itself. Xwing’s self-piloting Cessna cargo airplane the first standard-category large uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to receive official project designation from the agency. Since 2019, over 300 rural communities have faced reduced or eliminated air service, impacting access to crucial connections. Cutting-edge technologies aim to address challenges by enhancing accessibility to thousands of general aviation airports across the United States, many of which currently lack service from major carriers. Beyond safety improvements, advanced automation is set to revolutionize the global movement of goods and people. In the realm of aviation, the X-Wing stands as a groundbreaking innovation, reshaping the landscape of airborne mail delivery and related services. This automated airplane represents a leap forward in efficiency, safety, and sustainability, harnessing cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving demands of the modern world. The X-Wing's core functionality centers around its automated systems, enabling precise navigation and control without direct human intervention. This autonomy streamlines the delivery process, reducing the time required for mail transportation and enhancing overall operational efficiency. With its sleek design and advanced avionics, the X-Wing symbolizes the fusion of aeronautical engineering and automation. Automated systems on the X-Wing are meticulously calibrated to ensure the secure and timely delivery of mail. The aircraft's ability to autonomously navigate through complex airspace, adapt to changing weather conditions, and conduct precise landings exemplifies the pinnacle of technological achievement in the aviation industry. These features not only reduce the likelihood of accidents but also significantly contribute to the reliability of mail delivery services The impact of the X-Wing extends beyond its role as a mail carrier, as it has been designed to offer a range of services to meet diverse needs. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems, the X-Wing can facilitate real-time data collection and transmission, providing valuable insights for various industries. From monitoring environmental conditions to aiding in search and rescue operations, the X-Wing's versatility underscores its potential to revolutionize service delivery across sectors. The X-Wing is also a trailblazer in terms of sustainability. With its automated systems optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, it aligns with global efforts to create more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By embracing eco-friendly practices, the X- Wing not only enhances the efficiency of mail delivery but also contributes to the broader goal of mitigating the environmental impact of aviation. Advanced automation systems have the potential to avert over 70 percent of fatal general aviation accidents in the United States, marking a pivotal step towards enhanced safety and saved lives.