This chapter explores the transformation of mid-air refueling scheduling by merging traditional military practices with Silicon Valley's innovative approaches. It emphasizes the increased stakes in military projects and highlights the establishment of Kessel Run, the Air Force's pioneering software factory aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Within the Pentagon, there’s an elite unit dedicated to bringing Silicon Valley innovation to slow-moving Washington. It’s called Unit X.
Chris Kirchoff and Raj Shah are the two men who built that unit. They join Ricky Mulvey for a conversation on the changing defense landscape and what it’s like to bring a venture capital mindset to bureaucrats. They also discuss:
- What it’s like to disrupt Washington’s “primes”
- Supersonic drones, EVOTLs, and
- How investors and lawmakers can distinguish “statistical techniques” from genuine AI
Companies mentioned: NOC, BA, GOOG, GOOGL, JOBY, PLTR, TSM
Host: Ricky Mulvey
Guest: Christopher Kirchoff, Raj Shah
Producer: Mary Long
Engineer: Tim Sparks
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