John Craig

Background

About John Craig

John is internationally recognized for exceptional problem solving, design innovation, and manufacturing skills in the Unmanned Aircraft and Aerospace R&D realms. Gifted at birth with an innate ability to recognize shortcomings, inefficiencies, problems, and errors, John has perfected his troubleshooting skill and is often called upon to overcome difficult challenges where others have failed. Through his deep understanding of aerodynamics, robotics, structures, and engines, John has invented and commercialized numerous aviation products including very high performance fixed, rotary, and hybrid wing aircraft, propulsion systems, and supporting technologies. Over the past twenty years, his company has manufactured thousands of composite aircraft for a variety of applications and industries. John is experienced at managing complex projects with aggressive deadlines from both a Business Management and Principle Investigator perspective. He has achieved great success with difficult, high risk programs including multiple SBIR Phase 1 & Phase 2 awards from the U.S. Army and DARPA, and excelled in sub-contract performance with DoD Prime Contractors and partnerships with Academia. His broad knowledge of Department of Defense acquisition and contracting process resulted in substantial revenue generation and long term relationships. He has a proven record of accomplishment with a decorated history of achievement and recognition including a magazine feature cover story on WVInc Magazine. He was the first in history to build and fly a scale, turbine-powered F-16 Falcon (featured on RC Report Magazine). John was also the first in history to build and fly a scale, turbine-powered F-22 Raptor (two years before the full-scale Raptor flew). He has senior-level experience in strategic business planning, executive decision-making, policy direction, implementation. John's warm friendly demeanor makes him highly approachable, and when combined with his talent to break complex elements down to simple concepts, his ability to effectively teach and mentor others is outstanding. Notable Skills- Gifted at complex problem solving - Exceptional mechanical/design aptitude - Broad experience in traditional and emerging technologies - Natural ability to teach and mentor - Talented at creating Win/Win results and maintaining long-term relationships