BAE Systems to acquire Advanced Ceramics Research

BAE Systems today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc., a Tucson, Arizona-based producer of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and advanced ceramic materials.

The transaction is a stock purchase of a private company, and will be completed following receipt of regulatory approvals.

The acquisition supports BAE Systems' UAS strategy. To underpin the delivery of this strategy, BAE Systems will bring together capabilities from across its home markets, while respecting relevant export control regulations and industrial policy issues.

"This acquisition will provide BAE Systems with an excellent set of mature, operational products within the Small/Mini and Tactical UAS market," said Walt Havenstein, president and chief executive officer of BAE Systems, Inc. "The addition of these smaller UAS platforms will complement the larger UAS, being developed by BAE Systems in the United Kingdom."

Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. employs 60 people and produces three UAS platforms and provides related support capabilities to the U.S. armed forces and civil government agencies:

• SILVER FOX is a gas/electric UAS with an 8-10 hour duration, powerful enough to carry a 5-8 lb payload and capable of autonomous takeoffs and landings. It has been certified operational by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

• MANTA is a gas UAV with 6-8 hour duration able to carry a 15-18 lb payload. The system is capable of autonomous takeoffs and landings. NAVAIR certification is currently in process.

• COYOTE is an electric UAV with 1-1½ hour duration, able to carry a 1 lb payload. It can be deployed from an aircraft in flight, and is capable of autonomous landing. Similar to the MANTA, NAVAIR certification is currently in process.
These UAS platforms are supported by Advanced Ceramic Research, Inc.'s Integrated Ground Control Station (iGCS), a ruggedized and weatherized system capable of supporting multiple UAS operations via touch screens that simultaneously show real-time video as well.

In addition to its UAS products, Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. has capabilities in ceramic materials with both military and commercial aerospace applications.

The company will become part of BAE Systems headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.