FLIR Systems, Inc., the globally renowned provider of video surveillance systems and drones has announced that it has acquired Altavian, Inc., a privately-held renowned manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for defence and public safety customers.
Altavian’s airframes integrate multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology, to provide users with decision support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.
Expertise in Avionics solutions
Based in Gainesville, Florida and founded in 2011, Altavian, Inc. designs and manufacturers Group 1 UAS solutions for long or short range operations. With both quadcopters and fixed-wing UAS designs, Altavian’s expertise includes aeronautics, avionics, and software, and its solutions are engineered around an open system architecture aligned to the needs of government and defence customers.
Altavian Inc. is one of five drone manufacturers approved by the U.S. Department of Defense
Altavian Inc. is one of five drone manufacturers approved by the U.S. Department of Defense, under the Blue sUAS program, to sell to the U.S. military and federal agencies.
Comprehensive sUAS solutions
“Altavian’s proven engineering expertise and assets will allow us to offer customers the most comprehensive solution portfolio of any American sUAS provider,” said Roger Wells, General Manager of the Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions business of FLIR Systems’ Defence Technologies Segment, under which Altavian, Inc. will be integrated.
Rogers adds, “With the addition of both a low-cost, rapidly deployable quadcopters and a longer range fixed-wing UAS (unmanned aerial system), FLIR is strengthening its already impressive drone lineup, including our Black Hornet and SkyRaider platforms used extensively by militaries around the globe.”
“He concludes, “We’re excited about the multiple new franchise opportunities FLIR will be able to pursue for defense, public safety, and industrial markets worldwide.”