ABOUT URBAN AERONAUTICS
Our Mission:
Design and deliver a series of city-scale, eco-friendly aircraft that integrate with existing infrastructure to save time and lives.
AN AIRCRAFT BORN IN THE CITY,
FOR CITY-DWELLERS
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Realize the goal of safe urban air travel faster by partnering with leading companies
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, planned to be produced by 2028.
Cert Center 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 risks.
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.
The largest volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS) preordered four units of our CityHawk’s EMS variant to operate in NYC.
HYPOINT
SAFRAN
CERT CENTER CANADA
HATZOLAH
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.
We partnered with Universal Avionics to implement and integrate advanced certified pilot displays and avionics in the CityHawk.
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.
SKYPORTS
ASCENT
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
MR. Eran Ron
CEO
Ofer Shifris
VP PROGRAM AND CTO
Haran Ben-Eliahou
VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Inbar Vitlem
VP OPERATIONS
Shahar Avneri
CHIEF ENGINEER, STRUCTURAL & MECHANICAL DESIGN
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Ofer Shifris, VP Programs and CTO
Ofer Shifris has over 40 years of global aerospace experience. Among his notable positions is 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 BS in aeronautical engineering from Technion Institute of Technology and an MBA from Technion and The Hebrew University.
Inbar Vitlem, VP 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. She also has an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship and organizational behavior, also from the Hebrew University.
Shahar Avneri, Chief Engineer, Structural & Mechanical Design
Shahar, a former aerostructure engineer for the Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek division, has been a leading engineer with Urban Aeronautics since its start. He got his start as an aircraft maintenance engineer for civil aviation helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts.
Haran Ben-Eliahou, VP Business Development
Haran is a reserve IAF helicopter pilot instructor with over twelve years of experience in aerospace development programs.
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 VP of product for travel ecommerce 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. Eran Ron CEO
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.
Our innovative team has over 400 years of combined aviation industry experience from the world’s leading aerospace companies: Northrup Grumman, Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries.
We bring diversity of thought into our designs, with tech entrepreneurs, aerospace engineers, Israeli Air Force veterans and pilots, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operators. Some of our team members’ achievements include designing fighter jets (Israel’s ”Lavi”) and corporate jets (IAI “Westwind”); Widebody aircraft conversions; and designing the first operational surveillance drone, a breakthrough in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
SAFE AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND SIMPLIFIED PILOTING
We’ve integrated our in-house simulator with the latest A.I. algorithms to maximize aircraft safety and simplify piloting.
AGILE AND READY FOR CHANGE
Our hands-on approach shortens the time between sketch and production thanks to the team’s unique field experience.
DIVERSE TEAM. EXTRAORDINARY TALENT.
The team’s strength comes from collaboration between experienced engineers and younger engineers on the rise.
LEADER OF UNMANNED VTOLS
Tactical Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary that leads the Cormorant project, an autonomous combat cargo and medical evacuation VTOL that has great commonality with the CityHawk.
AN INNOVATOR WITH A VISION
AN AIRCRAFT BORN IN THE CITY, FOR CITY-DWELLERS
Constructing the CityHawk in the living room of his apartment in Tel Aviv (which had to be taken out through the window rather than the front door), our founder and board member Dr. Rafael “Rafi” Yoeli foresaw the need of city- scale aircraft that was safe, eco-friendly, and accessible for all.
Knowing of the dangers of exposed rotors, Dr. Yoeli created the first manned vehicle with ducted-fan technology to make inter-city air travel safe and efficient.
Speaking about his first flight in 2003, “...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 takeoff. I was extremely pleased to see that it worked perfectly...”
Our commitment to safe urban air mobility remains as his prototype has been perfected from that first flight.
UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
Our innovative team has over 400 years of combined aviation industry experience from the world’s leading aerospace companies: Northrup Grumman, Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries.
We bring diversity of thought into our designs, with tech entrepreneurs, aerospace engineers, Israeli Air Force veterans and pilots, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operators. Some of our team members’ achievements include designing fighter jets (Israel’s ”Lavi”) and corporate jets (IAI “Westwind”); Wide body aircraft conversions; and designing the first operational surveillance drone, a breakthrough in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Mr. Eran Ron
INTERIM CEO
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.
Ofer Shifris
VP PROGRAMS AND CTO
Ofer Shifris has over 40 years of global aerospace experience. Among his notable positions is 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 BS 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 pilot instructor with over twelve years of experience in aerospace development programs.
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 VP of product for travel ecommerce 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.
Inbar Vitlem
VP 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. She also has an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship and organizational behavior, also from the Hebrew University.
Eran Schindler
CFO
Eran has over 25 years of extensive experience, providing financial and interim management services to high-tech companies and startups.
He supported Initial Public Offerings, private placements and M&A transactions. Previously worked as a CFO and a founding member of the Israel leading site WALLA!, a CFO at Commtouch Software (NASDAQ: CTCH/CYRN), and in other senior positions in leading companies.
Eran holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Shahar Avneri
CHIEF ENGINEER, STRUCTURAL & MECHANICAL DESIGN
Shahar, a former aerostructure engineer for the Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek division, has been a leading engineer with Urban Aeronautics since its start. He got his start as an aircraft maintenance engineer for civil aviation helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts.
LEADERS
SAFE AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND SIMPLIFIED PILOTING
We’ve integrated our in-house simulator with the latest A.I. algorithms to maximize aircraft safety and simplify piloting.
AGILE AND READY FOR CHANGE
Our hands-on approach shortens the time between sketch and production thanks to the team’s unique field experience.
DIVERSE TEAM. EXTRAORDINARY TALENT.
The team’s strength comes from collaboration between experienced engineers and younger engineers on the rise.
LEADER OF UNMANNED VTOLS
Tactical Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary that leads the Cormorant project, an autonomous combat cargo and medical evacuation VTOL that has great commonality with the CityHawk.
Constructing the CityHawk in the living room of his apartment in Tel Aviv (which had to be taken out through the window rather than the front door), our founder and board member Dr. Rafael “Rafi” Yoeli foresaw the need of city- scale aircraft that was safe, eco-friendly, and accessible for all.
Knowing of the dangers of exposed rotors, Dr. Yoeli created the first manned vehicle with ducted-fan technology to make inter-city air travel safe and efficient.
Speaking about his first flight in 2003, “...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 takeoff. I was extremely pleased to see that it worked perfectly...”
Our commitment to safe urban air mobility remains as his prototype has been perfected from that first flight.
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Realize the goal of safe urban air travel faster by partnering with leading companies
CERT CENTER CANADA
Cert Center 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 risks.
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.
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.
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.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
We partnered with Universal Avionics to implement and integrate advanced certified pilot displays and avionics in the CityHawk.
HYPOINT
We partnered with Universal Avionics to implement and integrate advanced certified pilot displays and avionics in the CityHawk.
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. 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. 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. 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,
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.
OUR BOARD
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. PETER JOFFE, Urban Aeronautics' Chairman
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. CARL CHEN
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 HARAI, Tactical Robotics' Chairman
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. ERAN RON
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. GAD COHEN
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,
MR. YAIR RAMATI
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. DAVID IVRI, Observer
OUR BOARD
