LuftCar hires a former Director of US Army - DEVCOM as VP of Defense Strategy

Layne Merritt

ORLANDO FL -- 22nd Oct 2024 -- LuftCar, a leading developer of hydrogen-powered eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) cargo vehicles, today announced the appointment of Layne Merritt as its new VP - Defense Strategy and Government Relations.
Layne Merritt has around 40 years experience as an aerospace professional. He started as an Army helicopter and airplane pilot, conducting military operations worldwide. He was an experimental test pilot, leading the early work on what is now the CH-47F Chinook. Layne then worked as the Chief Engineer at PEO Aviation and then Chief Engineer and Deputy Director at the DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center where he worked to connect technology to new military capability, notably the Joint Multirole Technology Demonstrators, Operations in Degraded Visual Environment and Launched Effects. After 34 with the Army, Layne joined industry where he worked as Chief Technology Officer at Elibit America and VP/GM of Airborne Systems at Intellisense System, Inc. Layne has done extensive work internationally and with NATO.
"We are thrilled to welcome Layne to the LuftCar team," said Santh Sathya, CEO of LuftCar. "His extensive experience and proven leadership skills will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our business. Layne will help us serve the country and its NATO allies better by shaping our defense strategy and aligning us with DOD’s mission critical needs."
Merritt expressed his enthusiasm for joining LuftCar, stating, " I believe that Luftcar has a competitive advantage in the market and is poised for success and am excited to be part of it."
About LuftCar: LuftCar is a company that develops hydrogen-powered eVTOL cargo vehicles, as well as the supporting H2 refueling infrastructure and vertiports (LuftPads). Their innovative solutions aim to provide clean, fast, and affordable last-mile delivery and transportation options.

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