[Avionics Today 12-14-2015] International Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) company Strat Aero has acquired Aero Kinetics, the first company to file for FAA Type Certification for multi-rotor unmanned aircraft. The acquisition of Aero Kinetics is valued at $24 million with incentives. The deal aims to create expansion in the rapidly emerging UAS sector, allowing Aero Kinetics to broaden its reach domestically while working in conjunction with Strat Aero to bring forward advanced technologies for its clients, according to the companies.
Strat Aero also recently acquired two companies in the UAS space: Geocurve Holdings Limited and UAV Airways Limited. W. Hulsey Smith will remain the chairman and CEO of Aero Kinetics, and will become the president of Mission Systems for Strat Aero PLC. Aero Kinetics’ parent company will retain the special missions, aircraft maintenance and aviation consulting business units, which will be rebranded in the first quarter of 2016.