North Dakota’s 125lb Drone Flies All Day | John Ibele
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with John Ibele, co-founder of Meadowlark Aircraft Manufacturing, to explore the future of American-made drones. With decades of experience in high-volume manufacturing at Seagate, Ibele shares how lessons from producing millions of disk drive components in Asia can be applied to building drones right here in the U.S. The conversation spans topics like design for manufacturing (DFM), the advantages of domestic production, the challenges of scaling drone manufacturing, and the ambitious vision behind Meadowlark’s flagship fixed-wing VTOL drone, the FH125 “Strix.”
This episode is a fascinating look at how North Dakota is emerging as a hub for aerospace innovation, and how entrepreneurs like Ibele are determined to strengthen America’s manufacturing resilience in the drone industry.
Episode Highlights
Why much of America’s high-volume manufacturing shifted overseas—and how to bring it back.
Meadowlark Aircraft Manufacturing’s origin story and bold vision.
Insights into design for manufacturing (DFM) and how it drives product and process decisions.
The FH125 “Strix”: a fixed-wing VTOL designed for precision agriculture, wildlife management, fire and rescue, and perimeter security.
Managing massive data collection from drones with edge computing and transmission strategies.
Why North Dakota is the right place to launch a drone manufacturing company.
Key Points with Timestamps
[00:00:00] John Ibele on U.S. manufacturing: too often high-volume production defaults overseas, but domestic advantages are being rediscovered.
[00:00:58] Host John Ramstead introduces the sponsor (XTI Aerospace) and welcomes listeners to the live recording at The Hive, Grand Forks.
[00:02:42] Ibele shares how his partnership with Ned Tabet and background at Seagate led to founding Meadowlark.
[00:03:50] Introduction of the FH125 “Strix”—a fixed-wing VTOL drone with a 16-foot wingspan designed for all-day endurance.
--------
14:31
--------
14:31
The Future of Helicopters in India | Air Mshl Butola
India may be the world’s seventh-largest country with the largest population, but when it comes to helicopters, the numbers tell a surprising story—just 270 helicopters serve over 1.4 billion people. In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Air Marshal (Retd.) Anil Butola, President of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) and former Indian Air Force test pilot, to unpack the state of India’s helicopter and vertical lift industry.
From his 42-year career in the Indian Air Force to leading efforts to reform civil aviation regulations, Air Marshal Butola shares unique insights into India’s helicopter challenges, opportunities, and the emerging role of EVTOLs and advanced air mobility. This episode dives into the regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps, and the bold vision for India’s vertical flight future.
Whether you’re an aviation professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the next frontier in aerospace, this conversation delivers insider perspectives on the future of vertical lift in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
✈️ Episode Highlights
India’s surprisingly small civilian helicopter fleet compared to its size and population.
The critical role of RWSI in shaping policy and industry growth.
Current helicopter applications: offshore oil & gas, pilgrimage routes, charters.
Challenges in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and air ambulance use.
How fiscal and regulatory hurdles limit industry growth.
The promise—and roadblocks—of EVTOL adoption in India.
Why RWSI is pushing for a dedicated Helicopter Directorate under DGCA.
Air Marshal Butola’s personal journey from fighter pilot and test pilot to industry advocate.
⏱️ Key Points with Timestamps
[00:00:03] India’s helicopter gap: only 270 helicopters for the world’s largest population.
[00:01:55] Transitioning from 42 years in uniform to civilian life.
[00:02:56] Joining the Rotary Wing Society of India and becoming its President.
[00:04:03] RWSI’s role in policy influence and working with regulators.
--------
16:56
--------
16:56
The Hard Truth About Patents No One Tells | Tom Kading
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Tom Kading, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Fargo Patent Law, to discuss how aerospace innovators can protect and leverage their intellectual property. From patents and trade secrets to brand strategy and investor readiness, Tom shares practical advice for startups and established companies navigating the rapidly growing UAS and aerospace markets. Whether you’re building drones, VTOLs, or next-gen software, this conversation will help you rethink IP not just as paperwork, but as a core business asset.
Episode Highlights
Why intellectual property is more than just patents
The difference between utility and design patents
Trade secrets vs. patents: when to choose each
Common mistakes aerospace companies make with IP strategy
How a strong IP portfolio builds business value and attracts investors
Practical advice for protecting software, hardware, and processes
Key Points with Timestamps
[00:00:00] – Introduction & mission: Supporting innovative businesses in their growth.
[00:00:48] – John introduces platinum sponsor XTI Aerospace and today’s live recording from The Hive in Grand Forks.
[00:01:35] – Tom shares his entrepreneurial background and why he founded Fargo Patent Law with a focus on aerospace.
[00:02:34] – Common IP mistakes: treating patents as “just a piece of paper” instead of part of a strategy.
[00:04:29] – Utility vs. design patents explained, including length of protection and scope.
[00:05:46] – Trade secrets: when keeping something secret might be smarter than filing a patent.
[00:06:32] – Using IP as a strategic asset: capital raising, acquisitions, and market positioning.
[00:07:30] – What makes a strong IP portfolio (patents, trade secrets,...
--------
9:54
--------
9:54
Aviation Needs More Women | Cynthia Glenn
In this inspiring episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation advocate Cynthia Glenn live at VertiCon. Together, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how to bring more women into aviation. Cynthia shares her personal journey into flying, the hurdles she faced, and the mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dream. She also highlights the power of community, mentorship, and personal invitation in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of women pilots.
Listeners will discover how organizations like the 99s and Women in Aviation International are shaping opportunities for women, why relational outreach matters, and how individual action can make a massive difference in creating diversity and inclusion in the cockpit.
Episode Highlights
Cynthia’s first encounter with aviation and how COVID gave her the opportunity to pursue her passion.
The importance of mentorship and why women often excel as pilots.
How the 99s and Women in Aviation International empower women in aviation.
Cynthia’s new aviation cooperative and how it opens opportunities for aspiring pilots.
Practical steps listeners can take to inspire young people, especially women, to fly.
Key Points with Timestamps
[00:00:38] John introduces Hangar X Studios and frames the importance of innovation and diversity in aviation.
[00:01:49] The need for more women in aviation and John’s Young Eagles volunteer work.
[00:03:09] Cynthia shares her first aviation experience at age 17 and how societal limitations made her pause her dream.
[00:03:57] How COVID opened the door for Cynthia to study aviation seriously.
[00:05:09] The legacy of the 99s, founded by Amelia Earhart, and its continued mission of advocacy.
[00:05:53] Cynthia’s experience at the Women in Aviation International conference with 4,500 inspiring women.
[00:06:40] The reality of pilot demographics: less than 1% of the popula...
--------
12:13
--------
12:13
Drones Are Becoming the Most Lethal Weapon in War | Michael Brabner
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Michael “Brabs” Brabner for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of military drone technology. With over 25 years in the U.S. Army and extensive experience in combat, defense acquisitions, and unmanned systems, Brabner shares his insights on how drones are permanently transforming warfare. From lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan to real-time observations from Ukraine, he explains the strategic, tactical, and operational advantages of small UAS, the Army’s shift toward purpose-built attritable systems, and the importance of rapid adaptation. This conversation explores cutting-edge developments like EOIR sensors, communication relay payloads, and kinetic FPV drones, while stressing the urgency of innovation, regulatory reform, and industry collaboration to maintain U.S. drone dominance.
Episode Highlights
Why drones are now among the most lethal assets on the battlefield
Lessons from Ukraine and how they’re shaping U.S. Army doctrine
The four modular mission payload priorities for small UAS
The “Audible” program: innovating safe, low-cost drone lethality
Overcoming regulatory barriers and accelerating adoption
How industry and the DoD can work together for rapid iteration and adaptation
Key Points with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Brabner on the growing realization across the DoD that failure to adapt to drone technology could result in catastrophic consequences in future conflicts. [00:04:09] Lessons from Ukraine: how free battlefield lessons inform U.S. joint requirements and innovation. [00:06:39] Shift from snipers to drone operators as the most lethal battlefield role; drones destroying thousands of armored vehicles. [00:10:45] Addressing past capability gaps: shortening the sensor-to-shooter timeline and empowering tactical units with organic UAS assets. [00:13:55] The hunter-killer paradigm: pairing reconnaissance drones with kinetic FPV systems for maximum effect. [00:18:13] Importance of communication extension payloads for operational advantage in denied environments. [00:20:45] Electronic warfare payloads and survivability in GPS-denied environments. [00:22:29] Overcoming regulatory hurdles: decentralizing risk acceptance to speed deployment....
Hangar X Studios is all about innovation in the aerospace industry. The show is a joint venture between Innovation4Alpha and XTI Aerospace. Episodes will feature pilots, aviation leaders, business aviation experts, engineers and more.
Ireland