ACR Acquires Flight Data Systems

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ACR Electronics, Inc. has confirmed that Drew Marine UK Holdings Ltd. has acquired Flight Data Systems Pty. Ltd., a provider of flight data recorders, ground support equipment, and electronics manufacturing for the global aviation industry. Flight Data Systems will report into ACR Electronics, Inc., a Drew Marine operating unit.

The acquisition of Flight Data Systems represents the latest addition to ACR Electronics’ growing portfolio of aviation brands, which include ARTEX Emergency Locator Transmitters and SKYTRAC, a flight data and communications technology leader.  The new unified affiliation between three of the industry’s leading companies will enable ACR Electronics to offer an enhanced product line and service offering for the aviation market place.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with locations in the United Kingdom and United States, Flight Data Systems designs and manufactures a range of airborne and ground support equipment, including its newly-launched Sentry Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR).  Suitable for manned and unmanned applications, the company also provides extensive aviation services including Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) services along with Flight Recorder services and read-outs, and utilizes in-house testing capabilities for crash worthiness and environmental.

Flight Data Systems’ operations and personnel, including executive management, will continue to function as usual under the new ownership as an independent subsidiary, retaining existing products, brand, locations, engineering capabilities, and sales.

“Flight Data Systems adds a valuable new dimension to our expanding group of aviation companies and we are really looking forward to introducing our customers to such a comprehensive and complementary range of products, technologies and services,” said Michael Wilkerson, Vice President of ACR Electronics - Aviation and Government Businesses. “With ARTEX and SKYTRAC, we offer a suite of aviation data, tracking, distress alerting, communications and operational integrations. Now we can expand this offering with the latest airborne data acquisition systems, flight data recorders and ground support equipment. We are delighted to join forces with a company that shares the long-held commitment of ACR Electronics to lead the industry with strong R&D facilities and a focus on innovation.”

Flight Data Systems Managing Director, Darren Privitera, said: “Flight Data Systems has over 25 years of experience in developing innovative products and creating leading solutions for commercial and military aircraft so I am really excited about this new partnership with ACR Electronics that will combine our expertise and knowledge. With ACR Electronics’ support, we hope to continue to offer unique systems and MRO services to our global customers with the joint aim of improving safety and efficiency on aircraft.”

Flight Data Systems has CE, FCC, EASA and CASA Part 145 Certifications, with management systems registered to ISO 9001/AS9100C.