Gene Avakyan, an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, is determined to leverage his innovative electric planes to make a significant impact in Ukraine’s war-torn landscape. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Avakyan left the country at the age of nine, experiencing the hardships of a nation in turmoil. Now, he seeks to contribute to Ukraine’s defense and agricultural sectors by harnessing the capabilities of his robotic aircraft.
The 52-year-old founder of Edison Aerospace, who boasts a significant following on Instagram (@geneavakyan), initially established his company to develop autonomous aircraft for crop-dusting purposes. However, he has expanded his vision, hoping that his creations can tip the scales in favor of his home country during the ongoing conflict.
Avakyan has been engaged in discussions with U.S. defense officials and Ukrainian politicians regarding aircraft designs suited for military applications. His proposals include planes designed for locating anti-aircraft missile batteries, delivering cargo, and deploying munitions.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Avakyan recalls the treacherous journey he and his family undertook when leaving Ukraine. Evading Soviet soldiers with AK-47s, they traversed an empty railway yard under the cover of night. Such memories have shaped Avakyan’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of readiness, sacrifice, and adaptability.
“My mission as an entrepreneur is to really help Ukraine down the road, both with military and agricultural aviation because it’s a huge market for agriculture and will require modernization of its defense capabilities,” Avakyan explains. He believes that once aircraft can carry a ton of weight over 100 miles, they can revolutionize agricultural practices, optimize crop growth, and even assist in military operations.
Avakyan, who studied aerospace engineering at UCLA, currently resides in Florida. Despite the physical distance, his passion for Ukraine remains unwavering, and he is deeply troubled by the injustice plaguing his home country. He expresses gratitude for the support received from the U.S. and Europe during the conflict and desires to be actively involved in shaping the course of history.
Avakyan is presently collaborating with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), working on his electric, optionally-manned aircraft that can be controlled from the ground or operate autonomously. These planes boast a flight duration of approximately an hour, powered by a battery roughly equivalent to the one found in a Tesla Model Three.
The full-sized plane, featuring a 40-foot wingspan and a 200-gallon payload capacity, aims to replace the currently manned spray aircraft used in crop-dusting operations. Avakyan envisions his technology reducing operational costs for companies in this sector, safeguarding the lives of pilots who face significant risks in low-altitude flights.
Beyond his ambitions in the defense and agricultural sectors, Avakyan envisions a future where electric passenger planes, including air taxis, become a reality. To turn this vision into a tangible achievement, he aims to secure funding for building a series of prototypes.
In addition to Edison Aerospace, Avakyan and his wife, Victoria Unikel, have founded several other businesses, such as VUGA Media Group, Gossip Stone TV, and 24Fashion TV. Their collaborative efforts have borne fruit, and Avakyan credits his wife as his hero, highlighting their shared accomplishments and the charm she brings to their ventures.
Appreciative of the transformation his life has undergone since childhood, Avakyan expresses gratitude to his parents for their decision to flee the USSR, sacrificing their own quality of life for his sake. He recognizes the opportunities he now enjoys and remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the world.
