DEDICATED TO ADVANCING AVIATION
HopFlyt was founded to solve a very specific problem: Today’s vertical lift aircraft are inefficient, not optimized for small payloads, and too costly for routine missions.
Founder Rob Winston saw this first hand in during his career in military aviation and strategic planning. He knew that we needed better, more efficient vertical flight, especially in maritime and austere environments where logistics are the most challenging. Rob made it his mission to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable hybrid electric vertical lift for real world logistics – especially where traditional aircraft fall short.
At HopFlyt, we are building this solution from the ground up. Our aircraft are designed to devlier critical parts and supplies autonomously – at a fraction of the cost of a helicopter, and with no need for special infrastructure. The result is the Cyclone – a hybrid electric VTOL aircraft purpose built for high impact, real world logistics. It’s not just a cool tech demonstration – it’s a focused, lean, and practical solution for industries where operational cost, safety, and endurance matter most.
THE TEAM MAKING IT HAPPEN
HopFlyt is powered by a core team of engineers, operators, and business leaders with over 100 years of combined experience across aerospace, defense, and advanced technology. With experience ranging from NASA and the world’s most advanced flight test programs, to multi-billion dollar program management, our team brings deep expertise in aircraft design, systems engineering, and strategic growth—backed by a network of technical advisors across aviation, autonomy, and logistics. We’re not just imagining the future of vertical lift, we’re building it.
Rob Winston
CEO/Founder
Rob is a seasoned aircraft designer, serial entrepreneur, former NASA engineer, and veteran of a 22-year career as a United States Marine Corps (USMC) officer and aviator. In the USMC, Rob served as an Operational Test Director, Test Pilot, Presidential Nuclear Strike Advisor, and Deputy Program Manager for multi-billion-dollar aerospace programs. Rob led dozens of science and technology programs and developed strategic plans for US Naval aviation programs and was named the USMC Tester of the Year. Rob has designed numerous civilian aircraft, including one of the world’s fastest amphibious aircraft, and holds several aviation patents. Rob has flown over 3200 hours of flight time in 34 types of aircraft and has built over 10 aircraft, including the world’s fastest single engine amphibious aircraft – the first flying aircraft to be 100% designed with digital tools. Rob holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University.
Lucille Winston
President
Lucille is an aerospace engineer with a career in space systems, aircraft propulsion, avionics, with NASA, the US Navy, Stanford Research Institute, and Air Combat Effectiveness group.
Neil Winston
Chief Engineer
Neil is an experienced flight test engineer with a career in F-35B/C shipboard flight testing. Neil was awarded the 2022 US Navy Top Engineer and Scientist award.
Clark Fuller
Design Lead
Clark’s experience with digital modeling and simulation tools brings HopFlyt’s design to life and allows the teams to rapidly innovate.
HOW WE GOT HERE
2016
HopFlyt Founded
HopFlyt was officially formed on December 6, 2016, in Lusby, Maryland, to challenge traditional aviation with a groundbreaking VTOL configuration.
2017
HopFlyt Begins Prototyping
Throughout 2017, HopFlyt brought together a team of visionary engineers and pilots from Southern Maryland, home to the country’s densest population of aerospace engineers.
2018
First Subscale Flight Test
After many evenings and weekends prototyping in a small private hangar, on January 20, 2018, HopFlyt’s first subscale model completed hover testing.
2019
Rapid Prototyping Breakthrough
In February 2019, HopFlyt developed new processes to leverage cost effective 3D printers to create molds for rapid and adaptable carbon fiber and composite prototyping.
2020
First Patent Issued
Aircraft Having Independently Incidence Channel Wings With Independently Incidence Channel Canards Patent Issued June 2020.
2022
Squall UAS Begins Development
In November 2022, HopFlyt begins development of the 10ft wingspan Squall UAS.
2023
First Fixed Wing Flights & Second Patent Issued
In June 2023, HopFlyt test team achieved first fixed wing transition of the Squall UAS; Retractable Duct Channel Wing Patent Issued November 2023.
2024
First Fully Autonomous Flight & Patent Pending
The Squall UAS completed its first fully autonomous flight, from vertical takeoff through fixed wing flight, with the push of a button in June 2024; VTOL Aircraft with Independent Tilting Channel Wing Propulsors Filed May 2024
2025 - I
Strategic Partnerships Formed
Throughout the first quarter of 2025, HopFlyt established strategic partnerships with world class companies in hybrid systems, advanced manufacturing, navigation, and control systems.
2025 - II
HopFlyt Begins Series A Raise
Building on years of stealthy R&D, HopFlyt began their Series A raise to fund the development of the revolutionary hybrid-electric aircraft, the Cyclone.
2025 - III
Cyclone UAS Announced
In May 2025, HopFlyt’s Cyclone UAS was unveiled in Aviation Week for its maritime logistics innovation and the bringing together of multiple aerospace partners.
TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
Hybrid-Electric Powertrain
Long-range endurance with low-cost operations. Optimized for payload, efficiency, and mission reach—without the fuel overhead of helicopters.
Scalable Fleet, Patent-Backed
From core IP to a multi-aircraft roadmap, HopFlyt’s platform is protected and designed to scale; fleet-first, not one-off.
Naval-Optimized VTOL
Built for maritime and offshore use. Corrosion-resistant, deck-safe, and ideal for ISR, medevac, and resupply in austere environments.
100% U.S. Built, Production-Ready
Manufactured in the U.S., aligned with defense procurement standards, and targeting launch in 2027—not 2030.
Dual-Use Design
Cyclone bridges commercial and defense applications, purpose-built to serve both government and industry for any use case.
FOR INVESTORS, PARTNERS, TALENT & MEDIA
Interested in partnering, investing, covering, or building the future of air mobility?