-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Spotlight on North America
A North America spotlight exploring tariffs, reshoring, AI demand, and supply chain challenges. Plus, insights on cybersecurity, workforce development, and the evolving role of U.S. electronics manufacturing.
Wire Harness Solutions
Explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing, and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Take a closer look at what’s driving the shift.
Spotlight on Europe
As Europe’s defense priorities grow and supply chains are reassessed, industry and policymakers are pushing to rebuild regional capability. This issue explores how Europe is reshaping its electronics ecosystem for a more resilient future.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
ACR Acquires Flight Data Systems
June 6, 2018 | ACR Electronics, Inc.Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
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.
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Global Electronics Association to Testify at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity
05/08/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationChris Mitchell, Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association, will testify before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity on Friday, May 8.
Kimball Electronics Reports Q3 Results With Double-Digit Sequential Medical Sales Growth
05/07/2026 | Kimball ElectronicsKimball Electronics, Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
IMI Reports Stronger Performance and Return to Profitability in 2025
05/06/2026 | IMIIntegrated Microelectronics, Inc. (IMI) reported a significantly improved performance in 2025, reflecting the positive results of its multi year transformation focused on operational efficiency, portfolio optimization, and strengthening core capabilities.