HYSKY Monthly Welcomes DBT Aero’s Michael Duke to Share Breakthroughs in Sustainable Airframe Design
- HYSKY Society
- May 29
- 3 min read

The HYSKY Society is excited to announce Michael A. Duke, Founder and CEO of DBT Aero, as the Distinguished Speaker for HYSKY Monthly Episode #67, scheduled for June 16, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM CDT. His talk, “Increasing Sustainability through Airframe Design,” will offer a deep dive into next-generation aeronautical technologies that could redefine the way aircraft are built and flown.
About Michael A. Duke
Michael Duke brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial insight and aviation expertise. He is an active pilot, aerospace innovator, and the founder of DBT Aero, a company on a mission to push the boundaries of airframe efficiency, stability, and noise reduction.
With a track record that includes co-founding Remos Aircraft, launching a predecessor to Airbnb, and serving in technology leadership roles at Fortune 200 companies, Duke’s approach to aerospace design draws from a truly interdisciplinary background. At DBT Aero, he is now focused on redefining flight through novel aerodynamic architectures and advanced manufacturing.
DBT Aero: Shaping the Future of Flight
Founded in 2019, DBT Aero is best known for its Double Box Tail (DBT) configuration—a patented design that delivers:
30% increased lift
50% fuel reduction
Reduced noise
Superior flight stability
Paired with a laminar flow fuselage and optimized aerodynamics, DBT Aero’s designs are more than incremental improvements—they represent a scalable, foundational shift in aircraft architecture.

From unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to regional air ambulances and commuter jets, DBT Aero’s vision spans the full spectrum of subsonic aviation. Their flagship prototype, Synergy™ Prime, is currently undergoing testing under a Special Airworthiness Certificate issued by the FAA, a major milestone on the path to certified production.
What You’ll Learn in HYSKY Monthly Webinar
Attendees of HYSKY Monthly #67 can expect a forward-looking session that includes:
The aerodynamic principles behind the Double Box Tail
How DBT Aero is achieving ultra-low drag and exceptional lift
Insights from the development and test program of Synergy™ Prime
Why airframe innovation is key to sustainable aviation
Lessons learned from scaling design from drones to full-sized aircraft
Don’t miss this opportunity—register today:👉 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtd-GpqzojGdXo6wK6DVPDD55IQyYJvL1e#/registration
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Aviation Airframe FAQ
What is airframe design?
Airframe design refers to the shape and structure of an aircraft, affecting its lift, stability, and fuel use.
What is the Double Box Tail?
It’s DBT Aero’s patented configuration that improves lift and control while reducing drag and noise.
What’s special about laminar flow fuselages?
They help air travel smoothly across the aircraft’s body, reducing resistance and improving efficiency.
What is Synergy™ Prime?
It’s DBT Aero’s 5-seat proof-of-concept aircraft designed to validate their advanced aerodynamic approach.
How much fuel savings can airframe improvements offer?
DBT Aero’s design claims up to a 50% reduction in fuel usage through aerodynamic efficiency.
What’s a Special Airworthiness Certificate?
It’s an FAA-issued permit that allows experimental aircraft to undergo test flights.
Can DBT Aero’s tech apply to different aircraft sizes?
Yes—it scales from small drones to business jets and commercial planes.
How does improved lift help an aircraft?
More lift means the aircraft can fly more efficiently with less power or fuel.
Why is noise reduction important?
Quieter aircraft improve passenger comfort and reduce environmental impact in populated areas.
Where can I learn more about DBT Aero?
Visit their website at https://dbt.aero
HYSKY Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to decarbonizing aviation and aerospace with hydrogen. We welcome innovators from eVTOLs/advanced air mobility, fixed-wing aircraft, and spacecraft. Our mission is simple: if it defies gravity and uses hydrogen as fuel, it’s part of our vision for sustainable flight.
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