Verge Aero’s Election Night Triumph: A Drone Light Show for the Ages
2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges, and the U.S. presidential election was no exception. After a grueling five-day vote count, President-elect Joe Biden took the stage in Wilmington, Delaware, to deliver his victory speech. But the most unforgettable moment of the evening wasn’t just his words—it was the breathtaking drone light show that lit up the sky, captivating millions and even leaving Biden himself in awe.
The Masterminds Behind the Spectacle
The dazzling aerial display was orchestrated by Verge Aero, a Philadelphia-based startup with just six employees. Despite its small size, the company has already worked with high-profile clients like the Philadelphia Eagles and Microsoft. Their latest achievement? A historic drone show for Biden’s campaign, proving that innovation knows no size limits.
Verge Aero’s secret weapon? Proprietary software and custom-built drones designed specifically for light shows. By handling everything in-house, the company has streamlined the process, making large-scale aerial displays safer, more affordable, and easier to execute than ever before.
Precision Engineering Meets Artistic Vision
Under the leadership of CEO Nils Thorjussen—a lighting solutions expert—Verge Aero spent three years perfecting its technology. The result? A fully integrated system that eliminates the risks of manual flight path calculations. Their software automatically prevents mid-air collisions, a critical feature when flying drones near high-profile events.
Key Advantages of Verge Aero’s System:
- All-in-one software: Handles anti-collision checks and error correction.
- Rapid deployment: Setup for 100 drones takes just 45 minutes with two operators.
- Real-time adaptability: Drones can adjust to last-minute changes seamlessly.
The Biden Show: A Race Against Time
With only two weeks to prepare, Verge Aero partnered with Strictly FX to create a patriotic display featuring 200 drones. The show included Biden’s campaign logo, “President Elect,” and a glowing outline of the United States—all synchronized with fireworks for maximum impact.
Behind the Scenes Challenges:
- Security clearances: Gaining government approval for a drone swarm near the president-elect was no small feat.
- Uncertain timing: The team was on standby for nearly a week, unsure when the results would be finalized.
- No rehearsals: Verge Aero’s WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) design philosophy meant the first live run was flawless.
Why Verge Aero’s Drones Stand Out
While Intel’s Shooting Star drones dominate headlines, Verge Aero’s custom X1 drones are built for precision and brightness. Key features include:
- Blindingly bright LEDs: Optimized for high-visibility displays.
- Superior wind tolerance: Can perform in conditions where others fail.
- Redundancy systems: Each drone carries a full copy of the show, ensuring reliability.
The Future of Aerial Entertainment
Thorjussen envisions drone shows as just one tool in a larger production arsenal. “Drones alone will get boring,” he says. “The magic happens when you combine them with pyrotechnics, lighting, and other effects.”
The Biden display proved his point—watched by over 35 million households, it became an instant cultural moment. Even the president-elect’s viral reaction underscored the show’s success. As Thorjussen recalls, “My phone exploded after the show.”
Final Thoughts
Verge Aero’s Election Night triumph wasn’t just a technical achievement—it was a testament to the power of innovation under pressure. By merging cutting-edge technology with artistic vision, they’ve redefined what’s possible in live entertainment. And if their trajectory is any indication, this is only the beginning.
Image Credits: Strictly FX (Election Night Drone Show)
