Rafi Yoeli Keynote Speaker
- Israeli Pilot and Inventor of the Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk.
- CEO of Urban Aeronautics Ltd. and Visionary behind Tactical Robotics Cormorant.
- Aviation Expert with Key Roles at Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing.
Rafi Yoeli's Biography
Rafi Yoeli, a distinguished Israeli pilot and innovative inventor, is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the realm of aviation. With designs for two revolutionary flying cars under his belt, the Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk and Tactical Robotics Cormorant, he stands as a beacon of advancement in the world of aeronautics. As a speaker, Yoeli captivates audiences with topics surrounding aviation innovations, the future of urban transportation, and the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Currently serving as the CEO of Urban Aeronautics Ltd., a company he established in Yavne, Israel in 2000, Rafi Yoeli’s professional journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. Before taking the reins at Urban Aeronautics, Yoeli enriched his aviation experience at Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. and also worked with aviation titan Boeing in Seattle for a tenure of 18 months. Notably, in 1989, Yoeli founded Aero Design & Development Ltd (AD&D, Ltd.) and held the esteemed position of managing director.
In the early 2000s and throughout the 2010s, Yoeli’s vision and expertise took form in the Tactical Robotics Cormorant, formerly known as AirMule or Mule. This flying car UAV was meticulously crafted by Tactical Robotics Ltd., a subsidiary of Urban Aeronautics Ltd. Yoeli’s unique perspective on urban transportation solutions led him to design the Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk, a hovering vehicle that bears semblance to helicopters but reimagined with rotors below the cockpit. This design sought to circumvent the limitations conventional helicopters face in dense urban terrains.
An interesting tidbit from Yoeli’s journey is his interview with the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, where he shared that the X-Hawk, priced at an estimated $3.2 million USD, was geared for both military and civilian personal use and was slated for consumer availability in 2020.
Born in Tel Aviv around 1950, Rafi Yoeli is not just an inventor but also a patriot, having served as a reserve officer in the Israeli Air Force. His academic credentials are equally commendable, being an alumnus of the esteemed Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.
Yoeli’s contributions to the world of aviation, coupled with his dedication to developing futuristic urban transport solutions, make him an engaging and sought-after speaker in the realm of technology and innovation.
Rafi Yoeli stands out not just as an inventor but also as an articulate communicator. With a deep well of firsthand experiences, from conceptualizing groundbreaking flying vehicles to navigating the intricacies of the aeronautics industry, Yoeli brings a richness of perspective to the speaking circuit. His ability to demystify complex subjects and engage audiences with tales of innovation and perseverance positions him as a highly sought-after speaker. Whether addressing industry professionals, aspiring engineers, or the general public, Yoeli’s insights resonate, inspire, and challenge listeners to imagine the future possibilities of transportation and technology.