Austin Ratcliffe (WISPR Systems)

Overview

Austin Ratcliffe is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WISPR Systems, a prominent drone manufacturing company based in Mississippi, USA. Ratcliffe, along with his childhood friend and business partner Conor Ferguson, established WISPR Systems in 2016. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing rugged and reliable unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for diverse commercial applications, including surveying, mapping, telecommunications, and public safety. Ratcliffe is instrumental in steering the operational aspects of the company, which has gained a reputation for excellence in the drone industry.

Recent Developments

April 2024: WISPR Systems introduced the SkyScout drone, a new lightweight and portable model designed for industrial applications. The release marked a partnership with Gremsy, enhancing the drone's capabilities with advanced gimbals.
January 2024: The company welcomed John Reece as the new CEO to lead WISPR Systems into its next growth phase.
2023: WISPR Systems expanded its operations, bolstering its leadership in the UAS industry by venturing into new markets such as infrastructure inspection and telecommunications.
2022: Ratcliffe continued to oversee operations as WISPR Systems cemented its position as a leading provider of customized drone solutions for commercial purposes.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Austin Ratcliffe
Born	Batesville, Mississippi, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Chief Operating Officer at WISPR Systems
Known For	Co-founder of WISPR Systems
Education	Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Mississippi State University

Early Life and Education

Austin Ratcliffe was raised in Batesville, Mississippi, where he forged a lasting friendship with Conor Ferguson, who would later become his business partner. Ratcliffe and Ferguson reunited during their studies at Mississippi State University, where they collaborated on various engineering projects. His technical prowess in electrical engineering laid the groundwork for his future endeavors at WISPR Systems. Ratcliffe's academic and practical experiences at Mississippi State were pivotal in cultivating his expertise in unmanned aerial systems, which he applied in co-founding WISPR.

Career and Notable Achievements

2016: Co-founded WISPR Systems with Conor Ferguson.
2017-Present: Served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, playing a crucial role in the company's strategic operations and growth.
2020: WISPR Systems pivoted to new commercial markets during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its client base significantly.

Current Work and Impact

Austin Ratcliffe currently oversees operations at WISPR Systems as it continues to innovate within the drone industry. The company has made substantial impacts in fields like telecommunications and public safety with its customizable and durable unmanned systems. WISPR's modifications and innovations under Ratcliffe's leadership contribute significantly to improving efficiency and safety in various sectors.

Conclusion

Austin Ratcliffe serves as a key leader in the commercial drone industry through his role at WISPR Systems. With ongoing projects and product releases, such as the SkyScout, Ratcliffe continues to influence the landscape of unmanned aerial technology. His efforts help position WISPR Systems as a significant player in the global drone market, promising continued advancement and influence in years to come.