In this episode of the James Spearman Show, retired Air Force fighter pilot but still mechanic consultant for the Air Force, Ben Bosma his remarkable journey in aviation, from his early inspirations to his extensive career in military aviation and aerospace innovation. Today’s episode is a shorter one that’ll be of serious enjoyment to all pilots and aviators interested in the mechanics and innovations from someone who's patented and invented. He discusses his experiences as an inventor, his patents in autonomous systems, and his vision for the future of hybrid aviation. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the aviation industry, the importance of modernizing manufacturing processes, and the potential of electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

Takeaways

• Ben's journey into aviation began with a congressional representative's encouragement.

• He has over 7,000 flight hours and has owned nine airplanes.

• Ben's first patent was obtained in 1993, showcasing his innovative spirit.

• He played a key role in developing autonomous aircraft for the Air Force.

• Ben emphasizes the need for modernization in aviation manufacturing.

• He holds patents on hybrid engines and distributed electric propulsion.

• Ben believes that hybrid aviation will be the future of flight.

• He advocates for reducing the cost of entry into aviation for new pilots.

• Ben's work includes innovations in air refueling for unmanned systems.

• He is passionate about developing technologies that benefit the warfighter. 

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Aviation Stories

00:52 – Meet Ben Bosma: Fighter Pilot, Engineer, Inventor

01:28 – From Ohio to the Air Force Academy

02:03 – Gliders, Sullenberger & the Soaring Spark

03:02 – Flight Instructing, Inventions, and Guard Duty

04:20 – Aerospace Innovation and First Patents

05:07 – Low Observable Projects and Return to Duty

06:07 – Autonomous Aircraft with Spragg Clutch Tech

07:20 – Hybrid Propulsion Concepts and Electric Motor Limitations

09:04 – Rethinking EVTOLs and Battery-Powered Aircraft

10:09 – Serial vs. Parallel Hybrids in Aviation

11:13 – Ben’s Plan for Turboprop Hybrids

12:04 – Inventing Autonomous Air Refueling

14:03 – Building a Dream Team for Innovation

15:15 – Challenges in Military Procurement

17:00 – Reducing Cost of Entry into Aviation

18:19 – Closing Thoughts on Innovation & Accessibility

As always, a heartfelt thank you to our guest, Ben Bosma, for joining us and offering such a rich and inventive perspective on the future of aviation—from autonomous systems to hybrid propulsion and beyond.

Be sure to connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aerovation/

If you’re curious to explore more of Ben’s groundbreaking work, stay tuned—his innovations in air refueling, hybrid propulsion, and aviation manufacturing are just getting started.

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