Richard H. Lugg

Experienced Chairman and CEO with a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Proven expertise in executive leadership, strategic management, and driving organizational growth. A visionary leader with a track record of successfully leading companies through periods of rapid expansion, mergers/acquisitions, and international market penetration.

Skilled in cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence, leveraging emerging technologies such as AI-driven manufacturing and 3D printing to optimize operations and drive profitability. Adept at building strategic partnerships, capturing government contracts, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Recognized for delivering shareholder value and achieving sustainable growth through effective leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

Seeking a leadership role as Chairman or CEO to leverage extensive industry knowledge and leadership acumen to drive organizational success and create lasting value.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer - Hyperspace Propulsion, Inc.

(2018-10)

Founder, Visionary. HyperSpace pioneers the first single-stage-to-orbit space plane, SPACESTAR, aiming for affordable, high-speed global space transport.

• Proprietary HYSCRAM engines drive payload costs below $500/pound, enabling multiple daily flights worldwide.
• Secured funding from institutional, venture capital, and government sources supports SPACESTAR development.
• Led by Mr. Lugg, HyperSpace targets $1.2 billion revenue by Q4 2025, advancing hypersonic defense programs and aerospace partnerships.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer - HyperMach Aerospace Industries, Inc. and HyperMach Aerospace Limited

(2008-08 - 2018-06)

• Spearheaded the development of the world's first Hypersonic Hybrid Business Jet (HHBJ), HyperStar™, securing $1.837 billion in private equity and sovereign wealth fund investments.
• Orchestrated strategic partnerships with top-tier aerospace companies and Fortune 100/500 firms, facilitating technology and component development for the HyperStar Program.
• Directed operations, strategy, finance, and human capital investment across multiple global locations, ensuring alignment with FAA/ICAO certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Positioned the company for significant growth with projected sales of $34.8 billion by 2029, leveraging a diverse team of management, technology experts, and contract engineers.

Chairman, Chief Executive and Founder - SonicBlue Aerospace, Inc.

(2004-06 - 2016-04)

• Led strategic oversight and execution of an $860 million R&D and production program for the H-MAGJET hybrid turbo-ramjet propulsion system, supporting hypersonic business jets and military applications.
• Successfully commercialized hybrid-electric turbine core and engine designs, securing licensing agreements with major OEMs, resulting in projected revenue streams spanning 14 years.
• Spearheaded expansion into commercial markets including business jets, single aisle wide-body aircraft, and next-generation military fighter programs, positioning SonicBlue as a leader in hybrid-electric aviation propulsion.
• Drove diversification efforts into automotive industry, leveraging hybrid turbine core technologies and intellectual property, with projected revenue of $24M in Q3 2024 and $120M in Q4 2025 through licensing agreements with six automotive OEMs.

Senior Vice President/Senior Partner-COO - Arthur D. Little, Inc.

(2001-04 - 2004-04)

• Directed a 385-employee team across aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive sectors, emphasizing innovation and client satisfaction.
• Managed a $405.0M portfolio of business investments, strategically supporting early-stage and growth companies.
• Achieved record revenue growth of 58% from 2001 to 2002 and increased net operating income by 23% in 2022, surpassing profitability targets.
• Prioritized client capture and retention strategies, fostering strong relationships with military, aerospace, and defense sector clients.

Vice President, Chief of Operations and Co-Founder - Aspen Systems

(1999-03 - 2001-05)

• Orchestrated rapid growth from eight to over one hundred staff within three years through successful venture capital fundraising and strategic hiring.
• Led the development and implementation of business processes for cost budgeting, manufacturing, and supply chain management, resulting in streamlined operations and efficient scaling.
• Successfully navigated regulatory and certification requirements to penetrate military and defense markets with advanced material products, achieving substantial revenue growth.
• Formed key partnerships with industry giants such as Dow Chemical and Boeing, securing significant equity investments and accelerating business expansion.

Director of Technology and Engineering Commercialization - Fiber Innovations, Inc.

(1998-09 - 1999-03)

• Spearheaded development and manufacturing efforts for aerospace programs, including maturation and certification for defense customers.
• Led sales and contract development targeting key defense entities such as US Armed Services, DOD, DARPA, NASA, and US Air Force.
• Formulated and implemented strategy for commercialization, facilitating the transition of spin-off programs into lucrative defense contracts with major OEMs.
• Orchestrated the successful deployment of the JASSM program, integrating cutting-edge technologies and achieving rapid scalability to meet manufacturing demands, resulting in significant revenue generation.

Director of Technology, Engineering and Head of Op - Albany International Techniweave, Inc.

(1995-02 - 1998-09)

• Led the development of cutting-edge aerospace, missile, and defense systems, overseeing a team of 110 engineers.
• Secured over $760M in contracts for advanced defense projects, including the X-33 Venture Star Contract.
• Innovated 3D carbon fiber structural assemblies for spacecraft, delivering two sub-scale X-33 spacecraft on time and within budget.
• Spearheaded the redesign and prototype development of the Tactical Tomahawk Missile Program with Raytheon.

Vice President of Research/Director of Programs - Gorham Advanced Materials Institute

(1990-02 - 1995-02)

• Spearheaded multimillion-dollar upgrades for major engine companies like GE and Rolls Royce, overseeing critical redesigns and engineering efforts.
• Managed a $1.3 billion overhaul of Ford's Mound Road V8 Engine Plant, leading complete retooling for enhanced manufacturing.
• Directed advanced materials engineering programs for DOD armed services, focusing on propulsion, gas turbines, automotive, and high-performance components.
• Led performance evaluation and manufacturing process enhancements, contributing to over $6.0 billion in upgrades for defense and commercial clients over five years.

Mission Control and Flight Controls Management - United States Military - Ballistic Missile Command, Kwajalein Missile Range, South Pacific

(1975 - 1978)

Stationed as mission control and flight controls management, Minuteman III ICBM.

Ph.D.

• Applied Physiology And Clinical Medicine - Arizona State University (1990-05)

Master of Science - Physiology & Cardiovascular Medicine - University of North Carolina (1986-05)

Master of Science - Aerospace Engineering - University of Alabama (1984-05)

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics - University of Maine (1982-05)