BAE Acquires UAV Maker ACR for $14.7M

Silver Fox in Iraq(click to view full) BAE Systems recently completed its $14.7 million acquisition of Advanced Ceramics Research, a Tucson, AZ-based maker of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ceramic materials for military and commercial application. The initial agreement was originally announced on March 12/09; this latest step represents its finalization and approval. The company will now become part of BAE Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rockville, MD. Advanced Ceramics Research manufactures 3 UAV platforms, and provides related support capabilities to the U.S. armed forces and civilian government agencies: Stiletto & Manta UAV(click to view full) Manta is a gas powered UAV with 6-8 hour duration, able to carry a 15-18 pound payload. The system is also capable of autonomous takeoffs and landings, and was also developed in cooperation with the ONR. One flight involving work for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography involved tracking atmospheric pollutants via the autonomous operation and stacking of 3 Manta UAVs. Manta is currently awaiting NAVAIR certification. Coyote UAV & cannisters(click to view full) Silver Fox is a small gas/electric UAV with 8-10 hour endurance. It can carry a 5-8 pound payload and capable of autonomous takeoffs and landings. Silver Fox was developed by ACR […]