Key Contributions
1. Corporate Identity & Branding
Developing a strong, modern brand identity was crucial to positioning eXalt Aircraft as a leader in affordable, high-performance aviation. The identity reflects innovation, accessibility, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, ensuring a recognizable presence in the industry.
2. Styling & Visual Design
The design of the SOLO is inspired by WWII warbirds, single-seat race cars, and modern roadsters, creating a bold and aerodynamic silhouette. The focus was on:
- Crafting clean, high-performance body lines that enhance aerodynamics while maintaining a distinctive look.
- Developing masterlines (Class A surfaces) to refine the final form while ensuring manufacturability.
- Integrating lightweight carbon fiber elements for both aesthetics and performance.
3. Conceptual Design & Ergonomics
A seamless user experience was a priority, shaping both the aircraft’s structure and cockpit environment:
- Ergonomic cockpit layout inspired by Grand Tourer cars, ensuring an intuitive and comfortable flying experience.
- Strategic control placement for easy access and improved flight dynamics.
- Lightweight modular structure, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
4. Product Engineering & Structural Development
The SOLO was engineered with efficiency and ease of assembly in mind. Key engineering contributions include:
- Wing & wing box design: Aluminum frame with carbon fiber skins, balancing strength and weight reduction.
- Carry-through & spar: Optimized to provide high rigidity with minimal weight, combining composites and aluminum.
- Tail section (vertical & horizontal stabilizers): Designed for enhanced stability and maneuverability.
- Chromoly steel spaceframe: Ensuring a robust yet lightweight chassis, ideal for kit assembly.
- Modular construction: A bolt-together system enabling full assembly in just 40 hours, without specialized tools.
- Removable composite panels: Allowing for easy maintenance and part replacements.
5. Simplified Assembly & Maintenance:
A key challenge for the SOLO was enabling fast assembly and easy maintenance, making it accessible to aviation enthusiasts:
- Quick Assembly: Modular design allowing for full assembly in just 40 hours, with no specialized tools required. The step-by-step instructions were designed for interactive guidance via mobile and tablet apps.
- Easy Maintenance: The use of removable composite panels makes replacing damaged parts simple, eliminating the need for professional repairs. Every component is bolted or screwed together, facilitating inspections and part replacements.
6. Digital Renders & Animations
High-fidelity renders and animations were created to showcase the aircraft's design and functionality:
- Photorealistic 3D renders highlighting the exterior styling, material choices, and aerodynamic form.
- Technical animations illustrating:
- The assembly process, making the kit accessible to first-time builders.
- Aerodynamic principles, demonstrating the efficiency of the design.
- Pilot experience, focusing on cockpit ergonomics and control accessibility.
7. Corporate Funding & Strategic Development
Bringing a groundbreaking aviation concept to market requires more than just engineering—it demands strong strategic planning and investor engagement.
- Investor Presentations: Successfully pitched the eXalt SOLO to investors, securing critical funding.
- Credibility Building: Strengthened the business case by demonstrating market viability and innovation.
- Recognition & Awards: Helped win contests, grants, and industry awards, solidifying market positioning.
- Strategic Development: Produced a 100+ page strategic plan, outlining growth, commercialization, and expansion strategies.
- Government Funding: Secured $1.5M in government funding, accelerating product development and go-to-market efforts.
This strategic backing not only ensured financial stability but also positioned eXalt SOLO as a disruptive force in light sport aviation.
