Mark Pilling
As its sees an increasing portion of its business shifting to overseas projects, Raytheon's Aircraft Integration Systems (AIS) is seeking alliances and partnerships worldwide, says AIS president Jim Schuster.
With $1.3 billion in annual sales, AIS is the leading complex aircraft modification company in the world, he claims. It has modified over 15,000 aircraft of more than 100 different types and models, most military but including business jets and aircraft for heads of state.
Over the past year this traditionally low profile company, often working on classified US military projects, has turned its attention to partnerships. "Historically, AIS has been a very closed, introspective company, not interested in external relationships," says Schuster.
Its Procyon project, in which it is proposing a remanufactured Lockheed Martin P-3 for a German and Italian requirement for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), could lead the way. If AIS wins Procyon it will manufacture the aircraft in Europe. "Talks are ongoing with EADS and Alenia on the possibility of teaming up," he explains.
Source: Flight Daily News