Aerospace and Defense Review : News

•  Aaron Sneed created "The Council," a group of 15 custom GPTs that help him run his business. •  The council includes a chief of staff AI agent, a legal AI agent, an HR AI agent, and more. •  This article is part of " The AI-Powered Solopreneur ," a series exploring how solo business owners use AI to drive growth. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Aaron Sneed, a 40-year-old defense-tech solo founder based in Florida. The following has been edited for length and clarity. When I started my business,  as a solopreneur , I realized I didn't have the money to pay lawyers, HR reps, and a bunch of other companies. So, using AI, I created what I call 'The Council.' The council, which is compiled of all AI agents, helps me save around 20 hours a week, and that's a very conservative estimate. Every kind of general corporate chair, HR, legal, and finance AI agent has a seat on the council. Here's how I use around 15 custom agents, including a chief of staff agent, to manage my workload. Business Insider wants to talk to founders of AI-powered companies with fewer than 10 workers, and employees working alongside AI agents and bots, to understand what the "Tiny Teams" era really feels like — the wins, the fears, and the human skills that stand out. Share your story by filling out this  quick form . I've been using automated tools for at least a decade I've worked on autonomous platforms that make decisions independently for at least 10 years. That made me latch onto commercial large language models and AI tools very quickly when they came out. I primarily use  Nvidia's platform  as my underlying hardware for technical prototyping and experimentation. I use their GPUs, and they provide free access to their AI software since I purchased their hardware. Additionally, my council is built on OpenAI's ChatGPT business platform using  custom GPTs  and projects. Altogether, my AI council consists of the following: •  chief of staff agent •  HR agent •  finance agent •  accounting agent •  legal, comms, and PR agents •  security and compliance agent •  engineering agent •  quality agent •  supply chain agent •  training agent •  manufacturing agent •  business systems agent •  facilities agent •  field operations agent •  IT and data agent Each agent has a different level of authority My chief of staff agent is important because it's the voice that sets priority based on parameters like risks, issues, and opportunities. I told my chief of staff which models have priority when making decisions. For example, anything legal, compliance, or security-related will be given a higher priority. So, I tell the chief of staff to listen to these models over everyone else. I trained my AI agents to push back and not just say 'yes' I don't want a bunch of yes agents. I trained them purposefully to give me pushback because I've learned that they naturally want to agree with me. I want them to test my theories to help me with what I'm trying to accomplish. I have a roundtable set up with all my AI agents, where I can put something like a request-for-proposal document in the chat, and all the agents will weigh in at the same time. I use this roundtable as a level of prevention for hallucinations and knowledge gaps. The training never really stops, because if I don't continuously train the models, I won't get the outputs I want or need. It takes me about two weeks to train my agents to the level of experience they need to be at for me to feel confident in them. Early on, it took me longer to produce a deliverable than if I'd just done it myself because I hadn't focused properly on training. I've become a better prompter through training my AI agents The models have gotten better, and my prompting has, too. I have a better understanding of what information should be in an agent, like having a governance structure for priorities. I have a set of files that put those requirements in place to mitigate the risk of hallucination and false or bad information. All of the AI companies have different  prompt engineering  guides. I recommend taking the time to look at them because there's a lot of user error that causes things to slow down when working with AI. It takes time to get the agents to a good place. A lot of companies are going to try to jump into   using AI too quickly  for too much without understanding how to use it properly, and these companies could hurt themselves in the long run. AI replaced roles — but it hasn't replaced human judgment I'm ill-equipped to handle a lot of these roles and responsibilities, but I'm also forced to do it because I'm bootstrapped. With my legal agent in particular, I've learned the bounds of putting AI tools into  real-world practice . I have a lawyer, and I use my legal agent to try to do some upfront work before handing documents off to my lawyer for a patent or dispute case, or anything like that. When I was training my model to help me use facts and data to plot a case, I had a lot of information laid out, and I thought what my legal agent created sounded good to me as a non-lawyer. Then I presented all that information to my lawyer, and he said that it was technically and factually correct, but we don't want to express that information because it shows our cards going in. His legal skillset helped me realize that, even though I thought my agent was correct and ideal to use, it still won't replace a lawyer with that human context, experience, and skills. Ideally, I would have an HR person, a legal person, and so on, and each would have their own  chief of staff AI agent  who would help them out. That's what I think the future will look like. ...Read more

Modern warfare is increasingly defined by the convergence of advanced technologies and human capability, leading to a strategic shift toward systems that prioritize the operational needs of the warfighter. Warfighter-centric systems solutions represent a holistic approach to defense innovation, where technological design, deployment, and sustainment are all tailored to enhance mission effectiveness, adaptability, and survivability. These solutions go beyond equipment functionality, aiming to integrate systems in ways that reduce cognitive burden, streamline decision-making, and empower users in complex, multi-domain environments. Market Dynamics Driving Warfighter-Centric Systems Solutions A growing emphasis on warfighter-centric systems solutions increasingly shapes the evolving landscape of defense technology. These systems are designed with the end-user, the warfighter, aiming to enhance mission effectiveness, safety, and operational efficiency through advanced integration, intuitive interfaces, and real-time decision-making capabilities. Market dynamics respond to this paradigm by prioritizing the development of interoperable, modular, and scalable technologies. Demand is surging for systems that provide situational awareness, seamless communication, and AI-driven analytics to support tactical and strategic operations. The market also firmly pushes toward multi-domain operations, where land, air, sea, cyber, and space systems must operate cohesively. As a result, defense suppliers are focusing on creating interoperable platforms that reduce cognitive load and streamline user interaction. In addition, digital transformation plays a central role in developing warfighter-centric systems. Integrating digital twins, augmented reality, and predictive maintenance features supports mission planning and equipment sustainability. The market also reflects a heightened interest in autonomous and semi-autonomous systems collaborating with human operators to extend capabilities without replacing the human element. As user feedback loops become more embedded in system design processes, the market matures toward more adaptive and resilient defense technology that enhances the warfighter’s effectiveness in complex operational environments. Operational Complexities and Integrated Solutions Designing and implementing warfighter-centric systems comes with multifaceted challenges, especially when dealing with rapidly evolving combat environments and diverse operational requirements. One significant complexity lies in achieving seamless integration across legacy and next-generation systems. Defense forces often rely on a mixture of old and new technologies, creating compatibility issues, latency problems, and increased operational risk. This challenge is being addressed through open architecture frameworks and modular systems, which allow incremental upgrades and cross-platform interoperability without compromising existing infrastructure. Building Protection Systems, Inc has been awarded Large Format CNC Machines Distribution for its exceptional precision engineering and commitment to cutting-edge solutions in CNC machine distribution. Another challenge concerns data overload, as modern systems generate vast amounts of information that can overwhelm the warfighter and dilute mission focus. This is mitigated by embedding artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into systems that filter, prioritize, and present real-time actionable insights. Such technologies make information manageable and accelerate decision-making, which is critical in dynamic combat scenarios. Cybersecurity remains a core concern, as the reliance on connected systems increases exposure to threats. This is countered through multi-layered security protocols, zero-trust architectures, and continuous monitoring strategies that safeguard sensitive operational data. Sovereign Plastics  supports precision manufacturing processes that enhance durability and efficiency in advanced technology-driven operational environments. The technological sophistication of newer systems often complicates ensuring user adaptability. This challenge is being met by designing user interfaces that mimic familiar behaviors and workflows, significantly shortening the training curve. Voice-assisted controls, intuitive dashboards, and immersive simulations are now integral to system deployment strategies, empowering warfighters to engage effectively with minimal disruption. Logistics and sustainment challenges are also prevalent, particularly in austere environments, but modular system designs and predictive maintenance tools are enhancing deployability and reliability across various terrains. Emerging Potential and Technological Progressions for Stakeholder Value Advancements in warfighter-centric systems are unlocking substantial opportunities for stakeholders, including defense agencies, system developers, and operational personnel. The convergence of AI, edge computing, and 5G connectivity facilitates the creation of decentralized systems that offer faster data processing, low-latency communication, and enhanced mission autonomy. These technologies enable warfighters to respond more swiftly and precisely, particularly in contested and disconnected environments. Stakeholders benefit from this shift through improved system performance, operational efficiency, and reduced lifecycle costs. Human-machine teaming is another area yielding significant returns. Innovations in wearable technology, exoskeletons, and biofeedback monitoring provide real-time health and performance data, enabling commanders to make better-informed personnel decisions. These advancements improve readiness and sustainability, increasing stakeholder confidence in system reliability. The ongoing evolution of unmanned systems is also opening new possibilities. Ground, aerial, and maritime unmanned platforms are integrated with manned operations, creating a force multiplier effect that enhances mission reach and effectiveness. Stakeholders also value the growing emphasis on sustainability and adaptability within system development. Modular hardware and software components allow rapid reconfiguration and adaptation to mission-specific needs. This flexibility streamlines procurement, reduces long-term operational costs, and increases the relevance of deployed systems over time. Training and simulation technologies based on virtual and augmented reality enrich stakeholder engagement by delivering immersive environments for skill acquisition, mission rehearsal, and stress testing under realistic conditions. These solutions enhance preparedness while optimizing resource allocation. The alignment of warfighter-centric system development with broader defense modernization goals attracts strategic investment and collaborative initiatives. Governments, academic institutions, and private sector entities are forming partnerships to accelerate innovation cycles and ensure that warfighter needs remain at the core of defense strategy. This collaborative ecosystem reinforces a culture of continuous improvement, where stakeholder input directly influences future system capabilities and ensures long-term mission alignment. ...Read more

Aircraft value has become an important business consideration across the aviation industry. Owners, lenders, insurers, fleet managers and legal teams rely on aircraft appraisals when financing an aircraft, renewing insurance, supporting a sale or resolving a dispute. An inaccurate valuation can affect lending decisions, insurance coverage and financial planning. As a result, effective aircraft appraisal services go beyond pricing guides to deliver a well-supported assessment based on the aircraft’s condition, records, market position and intended use. The strongest appraisal providers start by understanding why the valuation is needed. An appraisal prepared for financing serves a different purpose than one related to litigation, damage history or diminished value claims. Establishing that context early helps define the scope of work, the supporting evidence required and the level of analysis needed to produce a credible conclusion. This necessitates much more than a superficial overview to arrive at a reasonable value. Condition of the airframe, engines, avionics, interior, paint, and installed equipment, as well as maintenance history, airworthiness status, major repairs/modifications, damage history, etc. These are critical components that must be accounted for. In business aviation, cabin features and passenger arrangements affect demand. The objective is to determine the value of the aircraft in its present condition and historical context. Market analysis is another critical part of the process. Reliable appraisals compare the aircraft with similar makes and models while accounting for differences in engine time, equipment, modifications, maintenance status and recent market activity. Strong reports explain how these factors influence value rather than simply presenting a final number. This level of transparency becomes especially important when appraisals are reviewed by lenders, insurers or legal professionals. The appraisal process in litigation involves a heightened degree of expertise. When it comes to insurance claims and diminished-value reports/damage claims, issues beyond mere repair costs arise. The skilled appraiser must know the extent to which prior damage, the vehicle's maintenance history, and buyers' opinions affect the vehicle's value. The expert appraiser must explain and document their conclusions to a panel of attorneys, insurers and others. For buyers who need aircraft appraisal work grounded in valuation discipline and practical aviation experience, Over the Top Aviation is highly recommended. Operating as US Aircraft Appraisals, it provides aircraft appraisals, expert witness support and maintenance expertise, and its website identifies Jeff Soules as a Senior Certified Aircraft Appraiser and PAAO member. His background spans more than two decades in appraisals, maintenance, inspection authorization, records review and pilot experience. That blend is relevant for banks, insurers, law firms, aircraft owners and aviation businesses that need a detailed report tied to aircraft condition, records, comparable market evidence and defensible value. ...Read more