P
PILOTS AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERS
DESIGNING THE FUTURE URBAN AIRCRAFT
We are pragmatically revolutionizing the future of city air mobility.
Our car-sized aircraft provide safe, clean, quiet and rapid solutions that seamlessly integrate with city infrastructures.
OUR PARTNERS
The urban air mobility vision is in its “becoming” stage. To make the urban mass air mobility solution a forthcoming reality, we partner with world-leading field experts. This supportive ecosystem helps make our vision come to life faster.
BOEING
We’ve partnered with Boeing to address potential US DOD programs. We are strategically collaborating on marketing development endeavors and future production.
CERT CANADA
Cert Canada is the world expert in the aircraft certification process and works closely with Nasa. Together with Cert Canada, we will work on achieving a smooth certification plan with minimal development risk.
SAFRAN
Safran offers the widest range of onboard energy systems and is an expert in electrical distribution systems. By utilizing Safran’s powertrain system and leveraging Safran’s knowledge, we can quickly advance from prototype to mass production stage.
HATZOLAH
The largest volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS) preordered four units of our CityHawk’s EMS variant to operate in NYC.
SKYPORTS
Skyports designs, builds and operates safe passenger and cargo vertiports within urban environments. Together with Skyports, we have been working on infrastructure design considerations for the CityHawk’s vertiports, and we will jointly introduce the services and requirements for the first use cases in potential markets.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
We partnered with Universal Avionics to implement and integrate advanced certified pilot displays and avionics on the CityHawk.
ASCENT
Thanks to our partnership with Ascent, an operating Singapore-based helicopter charter booking service, we are able to enrich our aircraft design and commercialization approach based on direct market insights. We partnered with Ascent for a conjoint service launch in our potential urban markets.
HYPOINT
Together with Hypoint, we’ve been exploring the development of an advanced version of the Cityhawk powered by HyPoint’s hydrogen fuel cell stack technology that is planned to be produced by 2028.
Nimrod Golan, Lt. Col (res.)
CEO
Ofer Shifris
VP PROGRAM AND CTO
Haran Ben-Eliahou
VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Inbar Vitlem
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Shahar Avneri
CHIEF ENGINEER, STRUCTURAL & MECHANICAL DESIGN
David Harari, PhD
AERODYNAMIC GROUP LEADER
OUR LEADERSHIP
Unparalleled experience and expertise in the aerospace field
We have accumulated over 400 years of combined aviation industry experience from world-leading aerospace companies such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing Commercial Aircraft and Israel Aerospace Industries.
Our leadership is made up of engineers, IAF veterans, UAV operators, helicopter pilots and program managers. Some of their remarkable achievements include designing fighter jets (Israel’s ”Lavi”) and corporate jets (Westwind); converting passenger 747s to cargo configurations; and designing the first operational surveillance drone, a pioneer in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Our leaders were also among the first groups to transform a manned helicopter into an unmanned one.
Our board of directors is composed of some of the best talents in the aerospace industry, namely David Ivry, Maj Gen (ret.), President of Boeing Israel and VP of Boeing international, and Eran Ron, Lt. Col (res.), Founder and Chairman of Rinsberg Holding Ltd. and an entrepreneur responsible for impact projects in developing countries.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Nimrod Golan, Lt. Col (res.), CEO
Nimrod is a 25-year veteran of the Israeli Air Force with extensive piloting experience. As Head of the Helicopters Branch, he led numerous helicopter and avionic system acquisitions and development programs. He is also the former VP of Delivery for Amdocs Ltd., a world-leading, Israel-based software company. Nimrod holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering fromTechnion Institute of Technology and an International Executive MBA from North-Western Chicago and Tel Aviv University.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Ofer Shifris, VP Program and CTO
Ofer Shifris has over 40 years of global multidisciplinary aerospace experience. Throughout his remarkable career, he served as Senior Engineer and Preliminary and Structural Design Supervisor at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on such projects as the Lavi Fighter. He served as General Manager of the MATA Helicopter Division; the 428 Jet Aircraft program; the New Aircraft Programs; and the 787 IAI program. As Executive VP of Engineering and Aircraft Program at Talon Aircraft (Germany), he managed the development of an innovative second-generation business jet. As Engineering Director, VIP programs at GCT Engineering Group, Ofer developed a business line to turn large commercial aircraft into VVIP configurations and certification capabilities.
Ofer holds a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Technion Institute of Technology and an MBA from Technion and The Hebrew University.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Haran Ben-Eliahou, VP Business Development
Haran is a reserve IAF Helicopter instructor pilot. During his time at Elbit System Aerospace, he led multimillion-dollar Aerospace programs and corporate business development for the North American market, introducing new technology and generating new opportunities with US-based contractors across the entire portfolio of the Elbit Systems Group.
From 2017 to 2020, Haran was the Product VP with Travel e-commerce Startup Cancelon.
Haran joined Urban Aeronautics in July 2020 to lead our growing business partnerships, opportunities generation and marketing efforts.
Haran holds a BA in Economics from The Tel Aviv-Jaffa College and an MBA fromTel Aviv University.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Inbar Vitlem, Director of Operations
Inbar Vitlem began her career as a Division Economist and Analyst at Nice Systems. Prior to joining Urban Aeronautics, she was the Budgeting Manager for the Cellular Services division of Comverse Technology.
Inbar holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Economics from The Hebrew University and an MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship and organizational behavior from the same institution.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Shahar Avneri, Chief Engineer, Structural & Mechanical Design
A leading Engineer at Urban Aeronautics since its very start. A former Aerostructure Engineer for IAI’s Bedek division. Shahar started as a young aircraft maintenance engineer for civil aviation helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Yitzchak Traegera Aerodynamic Group Leader
Yitzchak has over 50 years f Engineering and leadership roles in the Aerospace industry. A former Aerodynamic group leader for Northrop Grumman and a leading BD VP for IAI’s Mata helicopter factory.
THE FIRST AIRCRAFT TO BE TAUGHT HOW TO FLY BY TEST PILOTS
We “teach” our aircrafts’ flight computers the safest, most efficient flight patterns through test flights performed by experienced pilots in our in-house simulator.
FAST PROTOTYPING CAPABILITIES
Our in-house workshop is equipped with the know-how and machinery to produce fast prototypes using composites and other complex materials. Our team’s hands-on experience with the production process ensures a thorough understanding of production readiness and helps us shorten the time from sketch to mass production.
UNMANNED VTOL SUBSIDIARY
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Tactical Robotics (link) has been partnering with Boeing to answer the growing demand from the US Department of Defense to automate tactical combat logistics and casualty evacuation. Tactical Robotics has been leading the development of the Cormorant, a fully operational and patented autonomous combat cargo and medical evacuation VTOL licensed from UA. The CityHawk’s development process highly benefits from our subsidiary’s experience with the Cormorant’s operations.
MULTI-FACETED, DIVERSE AND EXTRAORDINARY TALENT
Our leadership’s remarkable level of expertise is passed down and supported by teams of some of the most talented young engineers in Israel.
Our founder and board member, Dr. Rafael (Rafi) Yoeli, constructed our first flying vehicle from a living room of a tiny apartment in Tel Aviv. The vehicle had to be removed through the windows as it did not fit through the doors when Rafi wanted to take it out for its first flight.
Yoeli created this first manned ducted fan VTOL with a vision to develop without the severe limitations of exposed rotors while preserving the performance of a helicopter.
He can’t forget that first flight in 2003 when his dream took off for the first time. “It felt great, but the vehicle was difficult to control because it had no auto stabilization - so I mainly remember the workload and the focus on the testing. The vehicle was meant to prove my first patent (the vane control system), and it already accomplished that on the first liftoff. I was extremely pleased to see that it worked perfectly”.
Although rur aircraft have come a long way since that first flight, our vision of making dreams come to life remains.
THE STORY OF A MAN WITH AN UNCONVENTIONAL VISION
Nimrod Golan, Lt. Col. (res.)
CEO
Nimrod is a 30-year veteran of the Israeli Air Force with extensive piloting experience. As Head of the Helicopters Branch, he led numerous helicopter and avionic system acquisitions and development programs. He is also the former VP of Delivery for Amdocs Ltd., a world-leading, Israel-based software company. Nimrod holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from theTechnion Institute of Technology and an International Executive MBA from North-Western Kellogg Chicago and Tel Aviv University.
Ofer Shifris
VP PROGRAM AND CTO
Ofer Shifris has over 40 years of global multidisciplinary aerospace experience. Throughout his remarkable career, he served as Senior Engineer and Preliminary and Structural Design Supervisor at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on such projects as the Lavi Fighter. He served as General Manager of the MATA Helicopter Division; the 428 Jet Aircraft program; the New Aircraft Programs; and the 787 IAI program. As Executive VP of Engineering and Aircraft Program at Talon Aircraft (Germany), he managed the development of an innovative second-generation business jet. As Engineering Director, VIP programs at GCT Engineering Group, Ofer developed a business line to turn large commercial aircraft into VVIP configurations and certification capabilities.
Ofer holds a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Technion Institute of Technology and an MBA from Technion and The Hebrew University.
Haran Ben-Eliahou
VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Haran is a reserve IAF Helicopter instructor pilot. During his time at Elbit System Aerospace, he led multimillion-dollar Aerospace programs and corporate business development for the North American market, introducing new technology and generating new opportunities with US-based contractors across the entire portfolio of the Elbit Systems Group.
From 2017 to 2020, Haran was the Product VP with Travel e-commerce Startup Cancelon.
Haran joined Urban Aeronautics in July 2020 to lead our growing business partnerships, opportunities generation and marketing efforts.
Haran holds a BA in Economics from Tel Aviv-Jaffa College and an MBA fromTel Aviv University.
MR. CARL CHEN
Bachelor of Science（Software Engineering）from University of Toronto, MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Doctor of Theology from Oval Bible College. Specialized in Strategic Planning, Financial Analysis, Quantitative Data Analysis, and especially excel in the field of Price Chart Psycho Analysis for Convertible Bonds, Stocks, Futures, and Foreign Currency exchanges. 16 years of Business Administration experience & 20+ years of Investment and Trading experience.
MR. DAVID HARAI, Tactical Robotics' Chairman
From 1970 to 2009, David Harari held many positions at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Israel.
For 16 years he developed the Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems (UAV) activities at IAI and after this period, he was the IAI Deputy Vice President for R.& D. and the President of Israel Aerospace Industries in Europe.
He is the Chairman of the Board of Tactical Robotics Ltd.
For his personal involvement in the UAV development in Israel, he received the Ministry of Defense award, the Israeli Marketing award and the Israel State award for Engineering. He also received the USA Pioneer award.
He is Knight of the French National Order of Merit and Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor.
David Harari has been educated in France and held a Ph.D. in Physics and Computer Systems Engineering from Paris University and an Engineering degree in Electricity and Mechanics.
MR. DAVID IVRI, Observer
David Ivry was born in 1934. He is married to Ofra and a father to 3 sons.
David Ivry served as President of Boeing Israel in 2003-2021. Before, he served in many roles, including Ambassador of Israel to the USA, head of the National Security Council, director-general of the Ministry of Defense, Chairman of Israel Aircraft Industries, IDF deputy chief of staff and commander of the Israel Air Force and several major roles in the Minister of Defense (MOD).
In 1986-1999, he was Chief Israeli Representative to the Israel–US Strategic Dialogue (JPMG).
During the years he served as a Board Member of many institutions and companies such as El-Al Israeli Airlines, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Technion University.
David Ivry has a B.Sc. in Aeronautical Engineering, Technion University, Haifa, and is a graduate of the IDF Command & Staff College.
MR. ERAN RON
Mr. Ron was a fighter pilot in the IAF as well as a flight instructor.
He served as a diplomat at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
An economist and Historian by his academic background.
Today Mr. Ron is a businessman, the Founder and Chairman of Rinsberg Holding Ltd. and Co-owner of E.R.D.S. Group Ltd. Who initiate, build and operate projects in developing countries in the fields of agriculture, aviation, medical projects and more.
MR. GAD COHEN
Gad Cohen is an accomplished Aerospace & Defense Executive with more than 40 years of experience in leading the design, certification qualification and manufacture of state-of-the-art systems and products in the global arena.
Mr. Cohen held numerous Executive positions in IAI’s Commercial Aircraft group to include General Manager of IAI's Commercial Aircraft Group (CAG)and Executive Corporate VP for commercial aviation. On his last position Mr. Cohen was responsible for corporate business development of IAI for the US market.
Cohen holds BSc in Aeronautical Engineering with honors (1978) from the Technion – Israel’s Institute of Technology in Haifa. He also completed a certification program for Directors at Tel Aviv University in 2020.
MR. PETER JOFFE, Urban Aeronautics' Chairman
Peter brings over 35 years of experience in corporate management, international business development, and consulting services primarily in the healthcare sector. In addition to building and managing technology and service companies, peter also served as the CEO of Israel’s leading private hospital.
Peter has a long-standing involvement in innovative start-up companies and supports large scale impact-driven solutions by introducing state-of-the-art conventional and digital services to developing countries.
Peter is an investor in Urban Aeronautics since its early days and holds a B.A. in economics and philosophy from the Hebrew University as well as an M.B.A. from the Tel-Aviv University.
MR. YAIR RAMATI
Mr. Yair Ramati hasconsiderable knowledge & experience in Engineering, Technology & managerial skills of special projects. His former positions include, four years as Director of the Government agency in charge of development, production, and delivery of missile defense systems to the Israel Armed Forces. Prior to this, Mr. Ramati served as Corporate Marketing Vice President at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), after having served as General Manager of IAI’s MLM Division.
Previous to this he was the director of the Division’s Arrow Weapon System Project and the Advanced Programs Directorate. Mr. Ramati received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Science in Aeronautical Engineering at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. Mr. Ramati,
OUR BOARD
MR. CARL CHEN
Bachelor of Science（Software Engineering）from University of Toronto, MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Doctor of Theology from Oval Bible College. Specialized in Strategic Planning, Financial Analysis, Quantitative Data Analysis, and especially excel in the field of Price Chart Psycho Analysis for Convertible Bonds, Stocks, Futures, and Foreign Currency exchanges. 16 years of Business Administration experience & 20+ years of Investment and Trading experience.
MR. DAVID HARAI, Tactical Robotics' Chairman
From 1970 to 2009, David Harari held many positions at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Israel.
For 16 years he developed the Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems (UAV) activities at IAI and after this period, he was the IAI Deputy Vice President for R.& D. and the President of Israel Aerospace Industries in Europe.
He is the Chairman of the Board of Tactical Robotics Ltd.
For his personal involvement in the UAV development in Israel, he received the Ministry of Defense award, the Israeli Marketing award and the Israel State award for Engineering. He also received the USA Pioneer award.
He is Knight of the French National Order of Merit and Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor.
David Harari has been educated in France and held a Ph.D. in Physics and Computer Systems Engineering from Paris University and an Engineering degree in Electricity and Mechanics.
MR. DAVID IVRI, Observer
David Ivry was born in 1934. He is married to Ofra and a father to 3 sons.
David Ivry served as President of Boeing Israel in 2003-2021. Before, he served in many roles, including Ambassador of Israel to the USA, head of the National Security Council, director-general of the Ministry of Defense, Chairman of Israel Aircraft Industries, IDF deputy chief of staff and commander of the Israel Air Force and several major roles in the Minister of Defense (MOD).
In 1986-1999, he was Chief Israeli Representative to the Israel–US Strategic Dialogue (JPMG).
During the years he served as a Board Member of many institutions and companies such as El-Al Israeli Airlines, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Technion University.
David Ivry has a B.Sc. in Aeronautical Engineering, Technion University, Haifa, and is a graduate of the IDF Command & Staff College.
MR. ERAN RON
Mr. Ron was a fighter pilot in the IAF as well as a flight instructor.
He served as a diplomat at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
An economist and Historian by his academic background.
Today Mr. Ron is a businessman, the Founder and Chairman of Rinsberg Holding Ltd. and Co-owner of E.R.D.S. Group Ltd. Who initiate, build and operate projects in developing countries in the fields of agriculture, aviation, medical projects and more.
MR. GAD COHEN
Gad Cohen is an accomplished Aerospace & Defense Executive with more than 40 years of experience in leading the design, certification qualification and manufacture of state-of-the-art systems and products in the global arena.
Mr. Cohen held numerous Executive positions in IAI’s Commercial Aircraft group to include General Manager of IAI's Commercial Aircraft Group (CAG)and Executive Corporate VP for commercial aviation. On his last position Mr. Cohen was responsible for corporate business development of IAI for the US market.
Cohen holds BSc in Aeronautical Engineering with honors (1978) from the Technion – Israel’s Institute of Technology in Haifa. He also completed a certification program for Directors at Tel Aviv University in 2020.
MR. PETER JOFFE, Urban Aeronautics' Chairman
Peter brings over 35 years of experience in corporate management, international business development, and consulting services primarily in the healthcare sector. In addition to building and managing technology and service companies, peter also served as the CEO of Israel’s leading private hospital.
Peter has a long-standing involvement in innovative start-up companies and supports large scale impact-driven solutions by introducing state-of-the-art conventional and digital services to developing countries.
Peter is an investor in Urban Aeronautics since its early days and holds a B.A. in economics and philosophy from the Hebrew University as well as an M.B.A. from the Tel-Aviv University.
MR. YAIR RAMATI
Mr. Yair Ramati hasconsiderable knowledge & experience in Engineering, Technology & managerial skills of special projects. His former positions include, four years as Director of the Government agency in charge of development, production, and delivery of missile defense systems to the Israel Armed Forces. Prior to this, Mr. Ramati served as Corporate Marketing Vice President at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), after having served as General Manager of IAI’s MLM Division.
Previous to this he was the director of the Division’s Arrow Weapon System Project and the Advanced Programs Directorate. Mr. Ramati received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Science in Aeronautical Engineering at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. Mr. Ramati,
