Richard “Rich” Cimino Named Vice President of Engineering for AIRO’s US Drone and Avionics Businesses
Veteran aerospace engineering executive brings more than two decades of leadership experience to accelerate innovation across advanced avionics and autonomous systems
EAA AirVenture — Aspen Avionics and AIRO Group, a leading manufacturer of advanced avionics for general aviation, today announced jointly the appointment of Richard "Rich" Cimino as Vice President of Engineering, effective July 27, 2026.
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Rich Cimino, VP Engineering, AIRO
Cimino, based at AIRO's manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona, will be responsible for leading engineering strategy and execution at Aspen Avionics, as well as engineering initiatives across AIRO's US-based drone business. He will oversee product development, systems and manufacturing engineering, certification, and technology roadmaps, working closely with business leaders to accelerate innovation and leverage engineering capabilities across AIRO companies.
Cimino is an accomplished engineering executive with more than 20 years of experience leading aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, and advanced technology organizations. He is recognized for building high-performing engineering teams, delivering complex mission-critical programs, and driving organizational growth through operational excellence and technical innovation.
Prior to joining AIRO Group, Cimino held engineering leadership positions at Anduril Industries, where he led Counter-UAS, Air Defense, and autonomous systems programs. Earlier, he held senior engineering leadership roles at Panasonic Avionics, directing large-scale software and hardware development programs for next-generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.
Cimino's experience developing certified avionics, advancing autonomous technologies, and building scalable engineering organizations will help accelerate Aspen Avionics' product roadmap and AIRO's U.S.-based drone strategy, delivering innovative solutions across autonomous aerospace, defense, and general aviation.
"Rich brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and proven leadership," said John Uczekaj, Chief Operating Officer of AIRO Group. "His ability to build world-class engineering organizations and bring innovative aerospace technologies to market will be instrumental as we expand our advanced avionics and autonomous systems platform, integrating closely with our engineering capabilities in Denmark."
"I am thrilled to join Aspen Avionics and AIRO at such an important time in the company's evolution," said Cimino. "AIRO has assembled an outstanding portfolio of aerospace technologies, and I look forward to working with our teams to accelerate innovation, strengthen our engineering capabilities, and deliver next-generation solutions for Aspen Avionics' customers while advancing the future of autonomous aerospace."
About Aspen Avionics, Inc.
A new way to look at avionics.™
Aspen Avionics, an AIRO company, develops and manufactures innovative avionics systems that modernize aircraft cockpits with advanced electronic flight displays, connected technologies, and upgrade solutions for general aviation aircraft. Designed to improve situational awareness, operational capability, and long-term value, Aspen products are trusted by thousands of aircraft owners worldwide. Backed by AIRO's aerospace expertise and investment, Aspen is advancing the next generation of avionics technologies for today's pilots and tomorrow's aerospace platforms. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own. The company can be found online at www.aspenavionics.com.
About AIRO
AIRO Group Holdings is a next-generation aerospace and defense platform driving innovation across defense and commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., with operations in the U.S., Canada and Denmark, AIRO combines global reach with deep technical expertise. Through a vertically integrated model, AIRO delivers mission-critical solutions centered on drone platforms, advanced avionics, integrated training capabilities and embedded autonomy.
Forward-Looking Statements
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Media Contact:
Dan Johnson
The AIRO Group
Mobile: 612-743-9734
dan.johnson@theairogroup.com