Chapter 1: Introduction to Supersonic Aviation

In this edition of Deep Tech Dive, I had the privilege of interviewing Norris Tie, Co-Founder and CEO of Exosonic, Inc. The company is pioneering a new era in aviation with its innovative low-boom supersonic jet, designed to cruise at Mach 1.8 over land while comfortably accommodating up to 70 passengers. Established in 2019, Exosonic was accepted into the Y Combinator class of 2020.

Key Insights:

• Deep tech firms should aim to launch products within 5 to 10 years, considering a multi-product strategy to fulfill their overarching vision.

• Recruitment strategies must acknowledge that opportunities are not equally available to everyone, focusing instead on candidates’ self-sufficiency and capacity for independent learning.

• The primary challenge to commercializing supersonic flights is the disruptive sonic boom.

  "The task of creating an aircraft that meets regulatory standards is already complex, but it is equally crucial to demonstrate to airlines that the business model is viable."

Norris, could you share your journey into the realm of supersonic flight?

My interest in aviation began in high school when I realized that commercial flights were stagnating while technology was evolving. I was frustrated by the lengthy flights to Asia and wanted to explore solutions for faster travel. At UCLA, I studied aerospace engineering, investigating various propulsion methods to exceed the speed of sound. Although I believed supersonic technology was well-understood, the significant hurdle was mitigating the sonic boom.

Section 1.1: The Birth of Exosonic

When did the idea for Exosonic come about?

I worked on Lockheed Martin's X-59 project, a NASA-funded low-boom supersonic demonstrator aimed at lifting the overland flight ban and establishing a noise limit. The vision was to create a supersonic airliner that minimizes the boom, enabling regulatory changes that would permit supersonic travel anywhere in the world.

Subsection 1.1.1: Overcoming the Sonic Boom Challenge

What makes the sonic boom a barrier to widespread adoption?

The sonic boom is incredibly loud—akin to a bomb going off. When flying supersonic over land, the sonic boom resonates as a continuous explosion, shaking buildings below. This phenomenon was evident during the Oklahoma City Flyovers in the 1960s, causing widespread fear and discomfort among residents.

Chapter 2: Building a Deep Tech Company

How did you establish your company?

The initial step was finding a co-founder. During my time in business school, I connected with Tim MacDonald from Stanford's aerospace engineering department, who shared my vision for advancing commercial aviation. We have collaborated since 2017.

The video titled "Who is Deep Tech Dive? - Our Story, and why we do what we do." provides insights into our mission and future aspirations in the realm of deep technology.

What does it feel like to lead a deep tech venture?

We aim to alter the perception that deep tech companies take over a decade to launch a product. Investors seek tangible results, so we are adopting a multi-product strategy. Much like SpaceX's incremental approach, we are developing a small supersonic UAV as our first marketable product, which has garnered interest from both commercial and government sectors.

Any significant achievements with this multi-product strategy?

Our notable success thus far has been with the Air Force, developing a supersonic executive transport version of our jet for expedited travel of high-ranking officials. This project has not only enhanced our team but also funded upcoming tests.

What is your perspective on attracting top talent?

I completely agree that intelligence is multi-faceted. While experience is invaluable, younger engineers often bring awareness of modern tools and techniques that can greatly benefit our work.

What external factors might propel your progress?

Our multi-product strategy allows us to leverage synergies with government regulators. Engaging with aviation regulatory bodies provides insights into future regulations, including noise and emissions standards, crucial for our supersonic transport initiatives.

For those without a college degree, how can they enter your field?

We have diverse roles beyond engineering, including business development and customer outreach. For engineering positions, self-taught candidates who demonstrate their understanding through projects or research are highly valued. Self-motivation and practical application of knowledge can set candidates apart.

What changes do you believe are necessary in recruiting practices?

It is essential to recognize that not all candidates have equal access to opportunities. My college experience was shaped by financial aid, which allowed me to participate in extracurricular activities and networking. As recruiters, we must assess candidates holistically, focusing on self-sufficiency and diligence, regardless of their background.

Stay tuned for more interviews in my Deep Tech Dive series, featuring leaders in innovative fields such as hyperlogistics, nanotechnology, quantum tech, and more.

Thank you for reading! I'm Andrew, a young entrepreneur passionate about deep tech. As innovation accelerates, I strive to make frontier technologies accessible to everyone and inspire entrepreneurial engagement in shaping the future.