Lockheed buys Utah autopilot manufacturer

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Acquiring Procerus adds autopilot, targeting and payload technologies for micro-unmanned aerial systems to Lockheed Martin's offerings.

Lockheed Martin Corp. has acquired Procerus Technologies, a company specializing in autopilot and other avionics for micro- unmanned aerial systems.

Although financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, they are not material to Lockheed Martin’s results, the company said in its Jan. 17 announcement.

Founded in 2004 and based in Orem, Utah, Procerus is a private company that provides autopilot, targeting and payload technologies for micro-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to domestic and international governments, as well as to industry and academic institutions.

Among its key technologies is the Kestrel Autopilot System, the smallest and lightest full-featured, micro-autopilot system on the market –  ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance applications, the Lockheed announcement said.

Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors division, based in Washington, D.C., will manage the Procerus business.

“This acquisition is consistent with our focus on acquiring capabilities that enhance our product portfolio and align with our customers’ strategic priorities,” said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and CEO, in the announcement.

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Bethesda, Md., ranks No. 1 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.