It’s no secret, Utah outperforms economically in several categories and is a premier destination for aerospace, defense, and cyber companies. The Beehive State is home to some of the finest military installations nationwide, and academic institutions partner with industry to develop the next generation of talent. This alliance is combined with prominent businesses to develop the future of critical technology to keep our nation safe.
With this in mind, Utah’s 47G association (founded in 2022 and comprised of over 100 members and 20 academic institutions) was tasked with building the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense, and cyber companies. Their intent is to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship, and fuel innovation. Leaders with 47G convene, advocate, and promote companies that are developing next-generation technologies to keep our nation safe and Utah’s economy strong.
How did 47G get its name? On December 10, 1954, Colonel John Stapp became the fastest man on earth when he strapped himself into a rocket-propelled sled and launched down a 3,500-foot track at 632 miles per hour. In the process, he experienced 46.2Gs of acceleration: the greatest ever endured by a test pilot. The 47G name honors those who have blazed the path of exploration, from the pioneers who settled Utah’s frontier in 1847, to test pilots who shattered the barriers of speed in the 1950’s—and sets the bar for the impact desired by the 47G association.
Altogether, Utah is home to over 1,000 aerospace, defense, and cyber companies including Hill Air Force Base, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, L3Harris, RTX Corporation (Raytheon), Pratt & Whitney, General Dynamics, BAE, ATK, General Atomics, Janicki Industries, Kihomac, ES3, Collins Aerospace, The Aerospace Corporation, GURU Technologies, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell Defense & Space, Moog, Inc., Duncan Aviation, Fortem Technologies, and many more. The aerospace supply chain is also well represented in Utah with companies like Hexcel, Barnes Aerospace, Williams International, and others. Public/quasi-public sector agencies that support aerospace and defense in Utah include; Utah State University, Weber State University, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Space Dynamics Lab, Talent Ready Utah, Kem C. Gardiner Institute, and others. To connect with a 47G member about finding a way to get involved in building the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense, and cyber companies, visit the 47G website.