Draft:Ben Diachun
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- Living People
Ben Diachun | |
|---|---|
 Diachun in 2019 | |
| Born | October 11, 1975 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Education | Purdue University (BS) Stanford University (MS) |
| Occupations |
|
| Known for | Leadership and contributions to high-profile aerospace projects including: Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer SpaceShipOne,SpaceShipTwo T-X program,Northrop Grumman Firebird and Scaled Composites Stratolaunch Development of Pivotal BlackFly, an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle Founding Diachun Aero |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Diachun (m. 2003) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards |
|
| Website | diachun |
Ben Diachun (born October 11, 1975) is an American aerospace engineer and business executive noted for his involvement in some of the "most noteworthy designs of the past 25 years," according to the Experimental Aircraft Association[1]. Burt Rutan, an aerospace engineer recognized as a Living Legend of Aviation and founder of Scaled Composites, praised Diachun as a "spark of genius" whose contributions "enhance any company he joins." Rutan noted "Ben played a key role in the creation of 14 revolutionary experimental aircraft, and as the President of Scaled Composites, he developed a talented team, explored new innovations, and ensured our growth"[2].
Early Life and Education
[edit]Ben Diachun was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 11, 1975. His early interest in aviation was evident, as he soloed an airplane at age 16 and later earned multiple pilot certifications, including an instrument pilot rating, a sea-plane pilot rating and a commercial pilot certificate [3]. He is also an Advanced Ground Instructor and FAA-certified Remote Pilot for Unmanned Aircraft.
Diachun holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (1999) and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University (2003).
Business Career
[edit]Diachun began his career at Scaled Composites in 2003, starting as an Aerospace Design Engineer, serving as Vice President of Engineering for seven years, before becoming President in 2015. During his tenure, he was involved in the design and development of numerous aerospace vehicles, including SpaceShipOne and Stratolaunch.
After his 16 year tenure at Scaled Composites, Diachun joined Pivotal in 2019 as President and later CEO, where he oversaw the development of the Pivotal BlackFly, an all-electric personal air vehicle[4]. In 2021, he became the Chief Technology Officer[5]at Supernal, a part of Hyundai Motor Group, working on advanced air mobility solutions[6].
Diachun is a member of the Board of Directors at the Experimental Aircraft Association[7] and serves on the Industrial Advisory Council at Purdue University[8]. In 2024, he founded Diachun Aero providing strategic leadership and operational support for aerospace, aviation and hard tech companies.
Notable Projects
[edit]Diachun's contributions include work on these high-profile aerospace projects[9]:
| Aircraft | First flown | Role | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpaceShipOne, Scaled Composites Model 316 | December, 2003 (first powered flight) | Design Engineer, Scaled Composites |  |
| GlobalFlyer, Scaled Composites Model 311 (later became Virgin_Atlantic_GlobalFlyer, on display at the National Air and Space Museum | March, 2004 | Design Engineer, Scaled Composites |  |
| White Knight Two, Scaled Composites Model 348 | December, 2008 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites |  |
| Firebird Prototype[10], Scaled Composites Model 355 (predecessor to Northrop Grumman Firebird) | February, 2010 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites | .jpg) |
| BiPod Hybrid flying car, Scaled Composites Model 367 | March, 2011 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites | -- |
| SpaceShipTwo, Scaled Composites Number 339 | April, 2013 | Vice President of Engineering, Scaled Composites | 
|
| Swift, Scaled Composites Number 400 | August, 2016 | President, Scaled Composites | --
|
| Sierra, Scaled Composites Number 401 | October, 2017 | President, Scaled Composites | 
|
| Stratolaunch, Scaled Composites Number 400 (largest plane by wingspan ever flown) | April, 2019 | President, Scaled Composites | 
|
| Opener BlackFly (found in the EAA Aviation Museum[11]), prototype of Pivotal Helix | 2020 (1st transition flight) | CEO, Opener | 
|
Leadership Approach
[edit]In Winning with Style by Dr. John Hanes, Diachun is recognized for his emphasis on developing talent and fostering an environment of growth and opportunity. The book describes Diachun as a "humble, self-effacing, authentic leader," and notes his commitment to mentoring and reciprocating the support he received throughout his career. “He is constantly on the lookout for special talents and qualities that his people have that they might not yet see in themselves. Then reciprocating what was given to him, he helps them further develop their skills and provides ongoing guidance. He gets a thrill when his people one day realize the special gift they had all along”[12].
Awards and Recognition
[edit]- Robert J. Collier Trophy (2004)[13]: Part of the team recognized for contributions to SpaceShipOne, awarded by the National Aeronautic Association for significant achievements in aviation and aerospace.
- Aviation Week's 40 Under Forty (2014)[14]: Honored as an emerging leader in the aerospace industry.
- Los Angeles Times Profile, “How I Made It” (2018)[15]
- Silicon Valley Business Journal Profile, “Larry Page-backed ‘flying car’ startup hires aviation star as president” (2019)[16]
- Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award, Purdue University (2019)[17]: Recognized for professional accomplishments in aerospace.
- Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, Purdue University (2023)[18]: Honored for exceptional achievements and contributions to engineering.
Personal Life and Interests
[edit]Diachun holds a commercial pilot's license with instrument, multi-engine, and seaplane ratings. He has logged time in 39 different types of aircraft and is certified as an Advanced Ground Instructor and FAA Remote Pilot for unmanned aircraft systems.
Diachun is a member of the Board of Directors for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)[19], where he supports youth STEM initiatives and workforce development in aviation.
References
[edit]- ^ "EAA, Ben Diachun". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ "Larry Page-backed 'flying car' startup hires aviation star as president". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "How I Made It: An interest in model airplanes paved the way for Ben Diachun of Scaled Composites". www.latimes.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "eVTOL News In-depth Interview: Opener BlackFly - Marcus Leng & Ben Diachun". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Supernal: We know the future because we make it". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "The Making of the S-A2 : CES 2024 : Supernal". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "EAA Board of Directors". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Purdue University Industrial Advisory Council". www.eaa.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Rutan, Burt (November 26, 2024). "Scaled and Rutan Aircraft Factory Manned Research Aircraft Projects And Other Un-manned Projects" (PDF). Burt Rutan Auto Bio. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "Scaled Composites, Firebird - Model 355 - demo video from 2011". www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "Opener Donates BlackFly eVTOL to EAA Aviation Museum". EAA. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ Hanes, John (February 15, 2017). Winning with Style: Six Proven Strategies to Forge Powerful Relationships. Gold River, California: Authority Publishing. pp. 29–30. ISBN 978-1935953821.
- ^ "Collier 2004 Recipients: Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, Doug Shane, Mike Melville, Brian Binnie, and the entire Spaceship One Team". National Aeronautic Association.
- ^ "40 Under Forty – Ben Diachun". AviationWeek.com. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "How I Made It: An interest in model airplanes paved the way for Ben Diachun of Scaled Composites". Los Angeles Times. June 8, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
- ^ "Larry Page-backed 'flying car' startup hires aviation star as president". Bizjournals.com. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Awards". Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "2023 Distinguished Engineering Alumni/Alumnae". Purdue University College of Engineering. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "EAA Board of Directors". EAA. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.