Dr. Al Ducharme
About Dr. Al Ducharme
Chief Technology Officer at Hoverfly
Dr. Al Ducharme serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Hoverfly. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the technological direction and innovation strategy of the company. Hoverfly specializes in the development of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and drone technologies. Dr. Ducharme's leadership is key in guiding the company's efforts in creating advanced drone solutions that cater to various industries and applications.
Founder of Hoverfly
Dr. Al Ducharme is one of the founders of Hoverfly, a pioneer in the sUAS industry. Under his visionary guidance, Hoverfly has become a notable name in the development of multi-rotor drones and innovative drone technologies. His founding vision continues to drive the company’s mission to deliver advanced autonomous systems and aerial solutions.
Inventor of sUAS Multi-Rotor Technologies
Dr. Al Ducharme is the inventor of several leading sUAS multi-rotor technologies. Among his notable inventions are HoverflyPro, the first autonomous guidance and control solution for multi-rotor drones; LiveSky, the first tether-powered drone; and HoverNAV, the first non-GPS tether navigation solution. These innovations have significantly impacted the way multi-rotor drones are utilized across various sectors.
Former Head of R&D at Color Kinetics (Philips)
Before his current role at Hoverfly, Dr. Al Ducharme was the head of Research and Development at Color Kinetics, which was acquired by Philips. During his tenure, he led the development of advanced lighting technologies, contributing to the company’s growth and innovation in the lighting industry.
Assistant Dean of Engineering at University of Central Florida
Dr. Al Ducharme previously held the position of Assistant Dean of Engineering at the University of Central Florida. In this academic role, he was involved in administrative responsibilities and contributed to the development of engineering programs, fostering the next generation of engineers.
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Dr. Al Ducharme holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering. His advanced education has laid the foundation for his extensive career in engineering and technology development. This academic background supports his expertise in developing innovative solutions in the field of small Unmanned Aerial Systems and autonomous technologies.
Holder of 30 US and International Patents
Dr. Al Ducharme is the holder of approximately 30 US and international patents. These patents cover various innovations in multi-rotor drone technology and sUAS. His contributions to patenting new technology highlight his role as a key innovator in the industry.