This week, Dawn of Autonomy starts November with “Safety & Security” month, sponsored by Sagetech Avionics, with their CEO, Tom Furey. He will be joining Dawn for a conversation about collision avoidance, airspace safety, and the technologies supporting a more integrated autonomy ecosystem.
The discussion will explore the Airborne Collision Avoidance System X (ACAS X), how it differs from TCAS, and its applications across commercial aircraft, rotorcraft, and unmanned systems. Tom will discuss surveillance approaches, efforts to reduce nuisance alerts, and the challenges of operating at low altitudes and near airports, along with the status of standards shaping adoption. The conversation will also examine the 2025 DCA midair collision and the potential role of ACAS Xr in helping prevent similar accidents.
Tom has led Sagetech Avionics since its launch in late 2019, following the carve-out of Sagetech Corporation’s avionics division, where he previously served as chief operating officer for five years. He brings two decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and general management across multiple industries, as well as a background as a Naval Flight Officer flying the A-6 Intruder, including service during the first Gulf War.
Tune in for a conversation about a layered approach to aviation safety—from air traffic control and flight crews to ADS-B and collision avoidance systems. Tom and Dawn will also explore how vehicle-to-vehicle communication could support close coordination in missions such as firefighting, formation flight, and aerial refueling, and the spectrum challenges that must be addressed to support these capabilities.
