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- Living People
Ben Diachun | |
|---|---|
 Diachun in 2019 | |
| Born | October 11, 1975 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Education | Purdue University (BS) Stanford University (MS) |
| Occupations |
|
| Known for | Leadership and contributions to high-profile aerospace projects including: Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer SpaceShipOne,SpaceShipTwo T-X program,Northrop Grumman Firebird and Scaled Composites Stratolaunch Development of Pivotal BlackFly, an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle Founding Diachun Aero |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Diachun (m. 2003) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards |
|
| Website | diachun |
Ben Diachun (born October 11, 1975) is an American aerospace engineer and business executive noted for his involvement in some of the "most noteworthy designs of the past 25 years," according to the Experimental Aircraft Association[1]. Burt Rutan, an aerospace engineer recognized as a Living Legend of Aviation, praised Diachun as a "spark of genius" whose contributions "enhance any company he joins." As Rutan noted, "Ben played a key role in the creation of 14 revolutionary experimental aircraft, and as the President of Scaled Composites, he developed a talented team, explored new innovations, and ensured our growth"[2].
Early Life and Education
editBen Diachun was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 11, 1975. His early interest in aviation was evident, as he soloed an airplane at age 16 and later earned multiple pilot certifications, including an instrument pilot rating, a sea-plane pilot rating and a commercial pilot certificate [3]. He is also an Advanced Ground Instructor and FAA-certified Remote Pilot for Unmanned Aircraft.
Diachun holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (1999) and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University (2003).
Business Career
editDiachun began his career at Scaled Composites in 2003, starting as an Aerospace Design Engineer, serving as Vice President of Engineering for seven years, before becoming President in 2015. During his tenure, he was involved in the design and development of numerous aerospace vehicles, including Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer and SpaceShipTwo.
After his 16 year tenure at Scaled Composites, Diachun joined Pivotal in 2019 as President and later CEO, where he oversaw the development of the Pivotal BlackFly, an all-electric personal air vehicle[4]. In 2021, he became the Chief Technology Officer[5]at Supernal, a part of Hyundai Motor Group, working on advanced air mobility solutions[6].
Diachun is a member of the Board of Directors at the Experimental Aircraft Association[7], Crewchief Systems and Radius Capital. He is also a member of the Industrial Advisory Council at Purdue University[8]. In 2024, he founded Diachun Aero providing strategic leadership and operational support for aerospace, aviation and hard tech companies.
Notable Projects
editDiachun's contributions include work on these high-profile aerospace projects:
| Aircraft | First flown | Role | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpaceShipOne, Scaled Composites Model 316 | December, 2003 (first powered flight) | Design Engineer, Scaled Composites |  |
| GlobalFlyer, Scaled Composites Model 311 (later became Virgin_Atlantic_GlobalFlyer) | March, 2004 | Design Engineer, Scaled Composites |  |
| White Knight Two, Scaled Composites Model 348 | December, 2008 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites |  |
| Firebird Prototype[9], Scaled Composites Model 355 (predecessor to [Northrop Grumman Firebird]) | February, 2010 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites | .jpg) |
| BiPod Hybrid flying car, Scaled Composites Model 367 | March, 2011 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites | -- |
| SpaceShipTwo, Scaled Composites Number 339 | April, 2013 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites |  |
References
edit- ^ "EAA, Ben Diachun". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ "Larry Page-backed 'flying car' startup hires aviation star as president". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "How I Made It: An interest in model airplanes paved the way for Ben Diachun of Scaled Composites". www.latimes.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "eVTOL News In-depth Interview: Opener BlackFly - Marcus Leng & Ben Diachun". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Supernal: We know the future because we make it". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "The Making of the S-A2 : CES 2024 : Supernal". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "EAA Board of Directors". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Purdue University Industrial Advisory Council". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Scaled Composites, Firebird - Model 355 - demo video from 2011". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.