Leonardo is growing in the US with the acquisition of Daylight Solutions

On March 3 GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have signed a multimillion Euro total support agreement for a five-year period, covering standard parts supply and services for all of the RNLAF’s aircraft, helicopters and multiple support systems. After the five-year period the contract can be extended twice with a period of one year.

The total support solution covers the delivery of the standard parts and additional services such as transportation, management of storage systems, forecasting and stock storage.

RNLAF fleet of Apache, Chinook and Cougar helicopters as well as the F-16s, PC-7s and the KDC-10 tanker aircraft are included in the contract. The total support solution will be delivered from the Fokker facility in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

Fokker was selected in 2012 by NHIndustries as standard parts provider for all NH90 helicopters worldwide and holds a strong position as an integrated after-market service provider for Airbus, Boeing, Fokker and Bombardier aircraft.

Commodore Mario Verbeek said: “This is an important innovative performance based contract which will directly contribute to the readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. I am very proud and happy to take this important step together with our strategic partner GKN Aerospace Fokker.”

Paul Vorstermans, Vice President at Fokker Services, said: “Fokker

Leonardo, through the US subsidiary Leonardo DRS, has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Daylight Solutions Inc, a leading developer and supplier of quantum cascade laser products and technology. Mauro Moretti Leonardo, CEO and General Manager, declared: “Acquisition of Daylight Solutions is a first significant step forward towards the objectives of growth and development of the Industrial Plan 2017-21. This acquisition will allow Leonardo DRS to extend the range of advanced solutions to civil and military customers around the world, integrating the Daylight Solutions laser technology in the core business of electro-optical and infrared sensors and systems.”

Both Leonardo DRS and Daylight Solutions are leaders in infrared research and product development. The integration of laser and sensor systems developed by the two companies can be used in a variety of dual-use applications, including aircraft survivability products and medical and industrial applications, including imaging for cancer diagnostics and chemical detection.

Bill Lynn, CEO of Leonardo DRS, said: “With this acquisition, Leonardo DRS reinforces its commitment to remain at the forefront of infrared technology to not only protect our men and women in uniform but also to perform critical tasks across a range of industries, including medical and industrial applications.”

Daylight Solutions is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, thanks to the rollout of new US military aircraft survivability systems, where Daylight Solutions has secured significant roles. Daylight’s Scientific Instrumentation business segment is at the forefront of introducing new diagnostic and analytical tools for medical research and treatment, which build on the commercial utilisation of its core quantum cascade laser products.

Leonardo DRS will pay $150 million for 100 per cent of the equity of Daylight Solutions. Following the closing of the transaction, Daylight Solutions will be one of eight Leonardo DRS lines of business. Both Daylight Solutions co-founders, Timothy Day and Paul Larson, will remain with Leonardo DRS.