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.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
