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Episode 108 - Decarbonizing Aviation from Takeoff to Touch Down

Can the aviation industry meet its goal to decarbonize by 2050? Safran Landing Systems engineer and innovator R. Kyle Schmidt thinks so, and he’s playing a critical role in getting there.

Safran, the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, equips the commercial, business, and military fleets for more than 20 aircraft manufacturers. The France-based company’s expertise spans design, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair. Today, Schmidt’s team is focused on developing lighter weight landing gear that can boost fuel efficiency and sustainable mobility.

From his perspective as VP, New Product Development and Research & Technology Engineering, Schmidt explores the challenges and opportunities manufacturers face, flexing his natural story telling abilities as showcased in his book The Design of Aircraft Landing Gear, which was recently published by SAE International.

Meet Our Guest

R. KYLE SCHMIDT
VP New Product Development and R&T Engineering, Safran Landing Systems

Passionate about aircraft and landing system engineering, R. Kyle Schmidt has more than 25 years of aircraft landing gear engineering experience garnered in Canada, France, and England. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Safety and Aircraft Accident Investigation from Cranfield University. An accomplished inventor and author, Kyle is the global VP of Engineering for New Product Development, Research, and Technology at Safran Landing Systems. This role encompasses the concept design of landing systems for new aircraft, the research and development of new landing system technologies, advancing the state of the art for landing system mechanical architecture, and eco-design: orienting new designs to ensure the optimum environmental life cycle impact.

Our Host


 

GRAYSON BRULTE
Innovation Strategist & Co-Founder, Brulte & Company
 

Grayson Brulte is an autonomous mobility advisor and consultant who provides strategic counsel and political insights to help clients navigate what’s next.

As an SAE strategic partner since 2017, Grayson brings his in-depth industry knowledge to host SAE Tomorrow Today. His unique perspective factors in economics, politics and technology into one-of-kind weekly conversations with innovators changing mobility and its impact on society.

Grayson is a thought-leader who regularly provides insights to publications including Bloomberg, Reuters, The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter and Forbes. His written opinions and insights have been featured by organizations including the Consumer Technology Association in presentations to the Federal Trade Commission.

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