Chris  “Bullpup” Gentile

Chris “Bullpup” Gentile serves as the VP of Tactical Autonomous Systems, directing EpiSci’s portfolio of embodied autonomy while providing guidance in areas of trust, system integration, and flight testing. A retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Gentile brings a wealth of experience and insight to the company’s ongoing partnership with government and DoD customers. 

His diverse service background experience includes fighter pilot, engineer, program manager, DARPA fellows’ alumni, and is a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, with Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Flight Test Engineering.  He retired as the commander of the MQ-9 Reaper developmental test squadron and has firsthand experience with safely integrating and testing capabilities on robotic and unmanned aircraft systems.  In addition to unmanned systems, Mr. Gentile served as a program manager at the USAF Rapid Capabilities Office and is a test pilot with over 2000 flight hours in tactical aircraft including the F-15E, F-16, and F-22, leading both operational and developmental test programs through successful fielding on the F-22.  Since joining EpiSci, Mr. Gentile has led efforts including DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program, AFRL’s Golden Horde & Skyborg Vanguards, and multiple AFWERX Autonomy Prime efforts.