UAV Factory (AE Industrial Partners) Acquires Jennings Aeronautics

AE Industrial Partners Acquires UAV Factory

January 28, 2021

Aerospace & Defense

AE Industrial Partners (AEI) has acquired UAV Factory, a Riga, Latvia–based designer and manufacturer of small fixed‑wing tactical UAVs and ISR payloads, to form a standalone unmanned technology platform. Terms were not disclosed; UAV Factory — which also has a location in Bend, Oregon — has delivered more than 300 aircraft to customers in 55+ countries and will continue under existing leadership, with co‑founder Konstantin Popiks remaining in a senior role.

AE Industrial Partners Acquires Majority Interest in Yingling Aviation

June 5, 2023

Aerospace & Defense

AE Industrial Partners (AEI) has acquired a majority interest in Yingling Aviation, a Wichita-based provider of MRO and FBO services for business and government aviation. Terms were not disclosed; Yingling’s leadership (Chairman & CEO Lynn Nichols and President Andrew Nichols) will remain active owners and operators as AEI seeks to build a scaled independent platform in business aviation services.

DC Capital Partners Acquires uAvionix Corporation

March 9, 2022

Aerospace & Defense

DC Capital Partners Management, LP has acquired uAvionix Corporation, a maker of small form-factor communications, navigation, and surveillance avionics for unmanned and manned aircraft. The private equity firm said it will support uAvionix in scaling operations, expanding product capabilities, and pursuing adjacent and defense markets globally.

Versa Integrity Group Acquires Avion Solutions' Commercial UAS Operations

January 25, 2022

Industrial Services

Versa Integrity Group, a Dorilton Capital-backed industrial inspection services platform, has acquired the commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations ("Avion Commercial") of Avion Solutions. Avion Commercial — based in Huntsville, Alabama — provides drone imagery, inspection, data collection, and training services; Avion Solutions will retain its government services business. The deal expands Versa's non-destructive testing and inspection capabilities by adding unmanned aerial inspection services.

AE Industrial Partners Acquires American Pacific Corporation

February 6, 2020

Manufacturing

AE Industrial Partners (AEI) has acquired American Pacific Corporation, a Cedar City, Utah-based manufacturer of specialty chemicals and materials used in aerospace, defense, space launch and fire suppression applications, from Huntsman Family Investments. The deal, which closed Feb. 6, 2020, will position AEI to grow American Pacific as a platform investment and further support customers in national security and space programs.

Jet Parts Engineering Acquires AeroSpares

December 22, 2020

Aerospace & Defense

Jet Parts Engineering LLC, a portfolio company of Vance Street Capital, has acquired AeroSpares, Inc., a designer and seller of proprietary FAA-approved aftermarket PMA parts, particularly pressure switches. The add-on expands JPE's catalogue of proprietary PMA parts and engineering capabilities to better serve commercial and cargo airlines and MRO customers; financial terms were not disclosed.