Ep 8 – A Modular Approach to Defense Aircraft with Tristan Crawford Part 2
The Industry Forward podcast is back with the second part of our episode with Tristan Crawford, CEO and Founder of AERALIS. In part one, Dale and Tristan talked about the importance of breaking the cost curve in modern aircraft development as the cost to produce next generation planes continues to climb, and how this inspires Tristan to approach defense aircraft from a different angle. Dale and Tristan also launched into a discussion about the advantages of a modular platform and open architecture for a defense aircraft program as the first episode came to a close.
Now, as we dive into part two, the pair interrogate the modular defense aircraft concept more thoroughly before shifting the conversation towards digitalization and its role in enabling modular aircraft development, delivery, and support. Please enjoy!
Tristan Crawford – CEO and Founder of AERALIS
Tristan has a wealth of experience in the UK, French and US aerospace industries having worked for Airbus, QinetiQ and Alcan Global Aerospace & Transportation. He has held leading roles in aerospace engineering, product development, marketing, technical sales and government relations. Tristan has an MA from Cambridge University, an MSc from Cranfield College of Aeronautics in Aerospace Vehicle Design, and an MSc from the University of Chicago.
Dale Tutt – Vice President of Industry Strategy, Siemens Digital Industries Software
Dale Tutt is Vice President of Industry Strategy at Siemens Digital Industries Software. Dale leads a team of experts to develop and execute industry-specific product and marketing strategies in collaboration with the global product, sales, and business development teams. With over 5 years of experience in this role combined with extensive experience in the aerospace and defense industry, Dale has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing companies as they embark on their digital transformation journeys.
The Industry Forward Podcast
Join industry experts to explore the key trends, transformative technologies and real-world innovations that are reshaping fields from aerospace, industrial machinery and semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and beyond. Each episode delivers an in-depth discussion on the dynamic challenges industries are facing and how digitalization driven by AI, software and the comprehensive digital twin is meeting those challenges today and redefining the global industry of tomorrow.


