The New Founding Podcast Mach Industries: Building America's Autonomous Munitions Arsenal - Ethan Thornton | 58#
Nov 27, 2024
Ethan Thornton, the 19-year-old founder of Mach Industries and a former MIT student, discusses the future of warfare through autonomous munitions. He shares insights on scaling production of the Viper missile from prototype to mass production, emphasizing the critical need for innovation in manufacturing. Ethan reflects on his journey from crafting knives to building drones, stressing the lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict and the importance of financial oversight in defense technology. The conversation highlights how additive manufacturing is pivotal for rapid R&D in modern warfare.
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Early Engineering
- Ethan Thornton's interest in engineering began with making knives at age 9 or 10, taught by his grandpa.
- This led to a high school business, funding early experimentation with hydrogen and stratospheric systems.
Blue Oak Iron Works
- Thornton's high school business, Blue Oak Iron Works, generated $15,000, funding initial forays into hydrogen projects.
- One project was a shoulder-mounted bazooka shooting ball bearings, built using parts from Home Depot and Amazon.
Company as a Tool
- A company can be a tool for achieving a goal, whether it's revenue or impact.
- Thornton realized a company could maximize his impact on Western defense.