L-3 Communications is expanding its unmanned systems portfolio with the acquisition of Airborne Technologies, Inc. (ATI).
The acquisition was structured as an asset purchase for income tax purposes. ATI is expected to generate approximately $20 million of sales over the 2010 calendar year, L-3 says. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Virginia-based ATI is an aeronautical engineering firm specialising in design and manufacture, integration and test, and systems engineering and technical assistance for manned and unmanned aviation programmes. ATI has contributed to a broad spectrum of programmes including Switchblade mini-UAV, RQ-4A Global Hawk, SR-71 Blackbird and F-16A Fighting Falcon.
L-3 and ATI perviously partnered on the Cutlass, an expendable small sensor vehicle for the US Navy, housed in an 85.3cm (33.6in) sonobouy body and launched off a host aircraft.
"ATI will enhance L-3's overall position as an unmanned aerial systems solutions provider, adding to our portfolio of platforms, components and technologies available for our customers," said Michael T. Strianese, chairman, president and CEO of L-3. "ATI is a leading innovator and platform provider in the small expendable UAS area, and we look forward to expanding L-3's presence in this emerging, high growth market."
Source: Flight International
