Lost in the Clouds: America’s Struggle to Maintain Aerospace Dominance

Anne MO Roush

It’s 2057.

The centre of global commerce resides in Dubai, the world’s first and most ambitious smart city.

The face of the entire globe has transformed from a chiefly decentralized, analogue system to a comprehensive digital network of governance, commerce, communication, and transportation.

In this interconnected world, every aspect of life is powered by artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Cars and airplanes are rarely used anymore, with some exceptions. Most jobs are automated in some way.

All activities are monitored by data collection systems located somewhere in Shenzhen Province, China. Privacy doesn’t exist anymore. The third generation of the iMind neural linking OS just made its debut, promising to help “organize” those pesky thoughts of yours.

If you think this scenario seems far-fetched, you need to open your eyes and look around.

The CCP has a monopoly on drone-related technology, which will be the backbone of global commerce in the near future. Currently, their projects in Dubai are intended to create the next great empire.

This is the status quo.

Gone are the glory days of American aviation, an industry that revolutionized the face of the world. It was born of American ingenuity in 1903 when the Wright Brothers took their first flight. It was the brazen audacity of William Mitchell of the U.S. Army who gave us the U.S. Air Force. We owe man’s ability to fly to the American pioneering spirit.

Now we find ourselves amidst an epic drama wherein America faces a massive manned pilot shortage, drone pilots are not qualified for available jobs, and technology is subpar at best. As such, the future of aviation falls into the eager hands of the People’s Republic of China, whose controlling interests reside in supplanting America as the next supreme global power.

The impact of being the top player in drone technology means you will control nearly every sector of the global economy.
But here’s some examples of current use cases:
● Cinema
● Real Estate
● Law Enforcement
● Disaster Relief
● Agriculture
● Military
● Inspections
● Transportation
● Logistics
● Medicine

Projections throttle the global drone market towards $200 B by 2030. (Fortune Business Insights, 2023)

The future is here whether we like it or not.

It’s a grim outlook.

The Chinese have the economic advantage.

China owns over 70% of the global market share in drone technology.

If that isn’t surprising enough, in 2014 Chinese company EHang signed a contract with UAE Dubai to create the first smart city by 2030 with a 3D transportation system with fully functional drone taxis. (MOEC.gov)

The backbone of smart city development is the implementation of a 3D Transportation system using unmanned vehicle technology programmed to run on AI, machine learning, and blockchain, all within the IoT network.

As you read this, someone in Dubai is riding in a drone taxi.

Given these statistics, it’s only natural to conclude that right now, China aims to make itself the premier “utility” of drone tech, monopolizing its development and implementation.
They will also have the military advantage.

As the most versatile data collection tool ever created, drones are a natural conclusion when searching for the right technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance … or worse.

The efficiency of these machines is what makes them such a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands.

Given that history tends to repeat itself, it isn’t a secret that the PRC is utilizing data capture technologies to optimize its intelligence while gaining military superiority. (Asia Times) (SCMP)

By comparison, we’re totally screwed.

US drone industry veterans watch in horror as this era of the industry builds itself on the backs of its field operators. The whole thing is putrid with the greed and hubris of Silicon Valley elites, tucked away in their ivory towers. Far removed from the needs of these operators, the venture capitalist machine wants only the highest return for its money rather than caring about the world it feeds on.

Coupled with the inherent lack of awareness in the general public, the regulators, and even drone pilots, these factors demonstrate a need within the market for a much stronger foundation to grow in a healthy, sustainable way.

In case you’re not aware, we CAN and WILL lose our technological superiority if we don’t create structure around the most important elements of a competitive drone industry.

How did this happen?

Back in 2014 3D Robotics was America’s most promising drone company. The commercial drone industry was so new, right on the precipice of rapid expansion within the US.The cost of manufacturing in America far outweighed using the cheaper materials available in China.

Knowing this, these Silicon Valley elites outsourced their hardware production to China in lieu of utilizing our greatest asset, American ingenuity. (Forbes, 2016)

Now, with a majority of electronic and computer components for the world’s most efficient data capture technology being manufactured under the watchful eye of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), American security has never been more threatened.

There is a solution.

So as the shock wears off, just know that not all hope is lost. Better late than never, but we have a lot of catching up to do.

In order to create organic sustainable growth that encourages innovation, integrity, autonomy, and higher quality control systems within the American drone industry, we must evolve within the following criterion:

1. Education
2. Research
3. Services
4. Manufacturing
6. Regulation
   We call these the five pillars of the drone industry, or the “drone industry flywheel.” Large companies like Amazon use flywheels to illustrate and process complex subject matter, distilling many concepts into one digestible format.

Example: Amazon’s first flywheel

1. Education equips individuals for the drone landscape through standardized training
   programs and educational initiatives.
2. Research and development drive innovation and competitiveness in the market.
3. Tailored services stimulate demand and innovation within the industry.
4. Manufacturing with American-made components enhances security and resilience.
5. Regulation must balance innovation with safety, decentralizing authority while maintaining rigorous standards.

So, in summary…

Currently, we’re witnessing a significant convergence of transportation and communication technologies.

This synergy presents a fertile ground for transformative markets and underscores the importance of long-term investment over short-sighted gains.

Much like the internet revolutionized commerce, the emergence of 3D transportation promises to redefine crucial sectors like supply chain management, logistics, and military operations.

Securing control over American aerospace and aviation technology is vital for national security, offering protection against cyber threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Despite the potential for growth, the American drone industry lacks essential components.

The development of the drone industry flywheel aims to establish a standard for fostering positive change and promoting innovation within the industry.

As America stands at the crossroads of technological advancement, the revitalization of its drone industry stands as both a necessity and an opportunity. By embracing education, research, tailored services domestic manufacturing, and balanced regulation, we pave the way for a future where American ingenuity can lead.

It’s our job to seize the opportunity to chart a course towards innovation, security, leadership, and community in the global drone market. Let’s embrace this opportunity to lead on the world stage. The time to make a move is now.

At Aerie Collective, we are reaching out to various experts such as Patrick Egan at sUAS News to help us gain perspective on the current state of the drone industry.

Please join us every Tuesday at 8:30 PM EST in our mastermind group, “Meeting of the Minds,” if you would like to find out more about the latest trends, innovations, and current events in the drone industry.

You can RSVP here.

Author’s Bio

My name is Anne Roush, and I am the Chief Creative Officer of Aerie Collective. Through strategic vision and collaboration with cross-functional teams, I oversee the development of revolutionary solutions that exceed industry standards. In my role as CCO, I am dedicated to leveraging the power of creativity and innovation to propel our company—and the American drone industry—as a whole—towards a future defined by excellence, standardization, and stability.