About Us
Every discipline an aircraft needs, under one roof.
Big-firm pedigree.
Startup velocity.
None of the bureaucracy.
Axalp Technologies AG is a Swiss engineering company that takes unconventional aircraft from a blank sheet of paper to a machine that flies. Since 2020, we've delivered interdisciplinary engineering and full project execution for partners building what doesn't exist yet — drones, electric and hybrid aircraft, and eVTOL.
Our advantage is simple: the team is already here. Six founders and around 45 engineers, spanning every discipline an aircraft program needs — aerodynamics, structures, flight physics, GNC and flight controls, propulsion, electrical power and batteries, testing — working together as one integrated team. What would take a startup 12 to 18 months of hiring, you can put to work now.
Rooted in aerospace but not limited to it, we bring the tools and judgement to tackle any complex engineering system. We can guide a project from first concept to a fully functional prototype, and on to a product ready for market — sub-scale models, technology demonstrators, production-ready builds. And because we build as well as design, from propeller blades to major airframe assemblies, the hardware is real, not just drawings.
We work lean and move fast: minimal overhead, Swiss precision, and a bias for solving hard problems in unproven spaces. We also work quietly. Confidentiality is a core value — NDAs come first, client programs stay protected, and we never trade on our clients' names. Your program stays yours.
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How We Work
Exploring the design space
The best answers rarely sit on the surface. We're seasoned at finding, developing and pressure-testing concepts — with you or for you — especially the hard structural, mechanical and aerodynamic problems. Unproven territory is where we're most at home.
System Level Thinking
We optimise for the whole aircraft, not just the part in front of us, and design with manufacturing and integration in mind from the first sketch. Where it helps, our engineers own the entire process end to end, holding one standard of quality throughout.
Added Value
Focused and efficient team
We're a compact, technically-focused team built for speed. Minimal overhead and no bureaucracy let us move nimbly and apply Swiss precision to turn ideas into prototypes fast.
Values we bring to our customers
Independence
Transparency
Flexibility
Efficiency
Long-term relationships
Confidentiality
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Founders and Board Members
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Adrian Hachen
Engineer & Board Member
Adrian Hachen has 10 years of experience in aerodynamics, robotics, systems, and structures. He has lead airframe development for eVTOL programs and designed high altitude solar aircraft. Adrian is a passionate paragliding pilot, ranked vice-world champion 2016, and former test pilot for Gin paragliders.
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Amir Kalaoun
BD Director & Board Member
Amir Kalaoun is a business development professional and previously held positions as Director of International Business Development. Prior to that, Amir was in the aviation maintenance industry. He has extensive aviation experience from maintenance, modifications, retrofits, to supply of new parts and systems (OEM). His experience is spread over commercial, military and VIP sectors.
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Dominik Dusek
Engineer & Board Member
Dominik Dusek is a senior structure analyst with 16 years experience. He has served as stress analysis group leader and led airframe development eVTOL aircraft. Dominik is an expert in advanced dynamic analysis, modal coupling and conceptual design and started his career as stress engineer at Solar Impulse.
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Tim Dawson-Townsend
CEO & Board Member
Tim Dawson-Townsend has 30 years of aerospace experience, beginning at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. His technical experience ranges from flight simulation to flight test to avionics systems engineering. In addition, he has served in various PM and engineering management roles before moving into operations and business management. Tim has degrees from the University of Dayton, Boston University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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Max Rotunno
Engineer & Board Member
Max Rotunno has led engineering efforts on UAVs for over 20 years, in addition to work on GNC for aerospace applications. Max has been the chief engineer for the development of advanced eVTOL aircraft, including full-sized prototypes. Max has led the development of three different military UAVs, including contributing to certification. Max holds MSc and PhD degrees in Aeronautical Engineering from Sapienza Universita di Roma; plus an MSc from Georgia Institute of Technology and a C.Phil degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California San Diego.
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Frederick Tischhauser
Engineer & Board Member
Frederick Tischhauser brings 15 years of experience in design, system integration, testing and operations. He has served as airframe design group leader, in addition to acting as the project lead engineer on eVTOL and other aircraft development efforts. Fredi is also a former design engineer and test engineer at Solar Impulse and Swiss Space Systems.
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