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Veracity Reveals Improved Rotor Blade Inspection Solution

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tulsa, Okla. – Veracity Technology Solutions (Veracity), an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, has successfully completed a proof of concept demonstration with the U.S. Army for a non-destructive inspection (NDI) process used for testing helicopter rotor blades.

“The U.S. Army selected Veracity to develop a more objective and trustworthy testing capability than they had,” said Gary Hensley, President of Veracity. “We were able to provide a proof of concept which can give the Army a viable solution for the inspection of rotor blades.”

The only utilized inspection method has been the “Tap Test” where a technician taps the surface of the rotor blade with a small hammer and then listens for any changes in the tapping sound which could indicate a possible defect. Even with the most skilled technician, this testing method is very subjective and can result in erroneous findings. The Veracity solution eliminates the subjectivity while maintaining the flexibility of being able to conduct the test either in the field or at a depot.

While Veracity has successfully tested rotor blades on the UH-60 and CH-47, this technology has a wide range of applications and has been successfully implemented in detecting and mapping delaminations in composite materials and corrosion in metal materials.

ABOUT VERACITY TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
Veracity is a leader in developing customized solutions to provide faster, better, and more cost effective non-destructive inspection approaches for customers in both the aerospace and defense and the power generator industries. Veracity won the 2010 Aviation Week MRO of the Year Award for Innovative Supplier/Services Provider. The company operates within the Services Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Operating in multiple locations across the globe, capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.

Acorn Names Seeds of Greatness Winners

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City, Okla. – Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace and defense industry, today announced the recipients of the Fourth Annual Seeds of Greatness Award.

The award recognizes Oklahoma aerospace and defense companies, government agencies, teams, or individuals making a significant impact to cost savings or revenue enhancements through innovation. Oklahoma State University Multispectral Laboratories (UML) and Zivko Aeronautics, Inc. earned the public and private sector awards, respectively.

“The innovative vision and persistence in bringing ideas to practice demonstrated by both UML and Zivko earned them this award, ” commented Jeff Davis, partner at Acorn. “It’s one thing to come up with creative ideas, it’s another to get them off the drawing board and into the ‘real world’.”

“Members of the Oklahoma aerospace and defense industry are innovative and productive,” stated Rick Nagel, partner at Acorn. “The overall economic climate created financial challenges, but that only encouraged this industry’s visionaries to do more with less.”

UML’s has been developing advanced technology to respond to weapons of mass destruction, and on a business front, pulling together PrimeWin, a program to help federal contracting agencies connect with contractors. Major General Al Goodbary, US Army (Retired), director of strategic business acquisition, accepted the award for UML.

Zivko continues to make strides in engineering aircraft instrument enclosure pods. These pods, made of composite materials, are key additions to enhance the capabilities of both manned and unmanned aircraft without a substantial increase in weight to the aircraft. Dan Bierly, accepted the award on behalf of Zivko.

About Acorn Growth Companies

Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities, oversees management and control of AGC Aerospace & Defense. Today, the firm has over $100 million under management and operating companies across the United States with operations worldwide-all under its primary banner, AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Valair Awarded $12.7M Contract

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City, Okla. – Valair Aviation, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, was awarded the MC-12 Sensor Operator Initial Qualification Training Program by the Langley AFB Contracting Office. The MC-12 aircraft, fielded as part of Project Liberty, is the Air Force's newest manned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.

The program calls for aircraft, maintenance, pilots, trainers, and materials in support of training sensor operators prior to deployment. Valair, along with subcontractors Commuter Air Technology (CAT), also an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, and Grey Aviation, boasts years of airborne contract ISR and specialized ISR training experience.

“We value an opportunity to continue supporting our troops by providing them training that will mirror conditions in the field,” stated Darryl Wilkerson, President of Valair and the AGC Integrated Defense Group. “As seasoned warfighters, our trainers understand the elements critical to a successful mission – they’ve been through it.”

“This contract is a perfect fit given our current involvement with Project Liberty, and our continued focus on expanding the ISR reach of our Integrated Defense Group,” commented Rick Nagel, partner at AGC Aerospace & Defense. “As providers of special operations services, training, and field support, both Valair and CAT have the track record and experience to insure this program’s success.”

Valair, which is located at the Wiley Post airport in Oklahoma City, has a state-of-the-art training facility and experience with a variety of single and twin-engine aircraft and aircraft systems. Commuter Air Technology, also within the AGC Integrated Defense Group, is currently a subcontractor on the Project Liberty program.

ABOUT VALAIR AVIATION
Valair functions as a turnkey maintenance, repair, and overhaul company for private, public, and military aircraft. The company specializes in heavy maintenance, avionics, interiors, and painting and also serves as an FBO at the Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City, Okla. The company operates within the Integrated Defense Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Acorn Growth Companies Seeks Seeds of Greatness Award Nominees

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City, Okla. – May 7, 2010 – Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace and defense industry, is currently accepting nominations for the fourth annual Seeds of Greatness Award.

Acorn introduced The Seeds of Greatness Award in 2007 to recognize Oklahoma aerospace and defense companies, government agencies, teams, or individuals that are making a difference through an innovation which led to substantial cost savings or revenue enhancements. Two awardees – one from the public sector and one from the private sector – are selected from among the nominees and the award is presented during the Oklahoma Aerospace Summit.

“At Acorn, we are passionate about the aerospace and defense industry,” stated Jeff Davis partner at Acorn. “Oklahoma has tremendous talent in both the public and private sectors. To encourage that entrepreneurial spirit and to continue generating great ideas, it’s important to recognize the innovators and visionaries who are creating better business processes, products, and capabilities.”

“Every year we receive some fascinating submissions from industry,” commented Rick Nagel, partner at Acorn. “I anticipate the same this year – especially, given the tough economic climate – both private and public sectors have had to be more innovative in their cost savings and revenue building ideas.”

Past winners include: Pro-Fab, Inc., The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute, The Tulsa Technology Center, GAMI, Inc., First Wave Aviation and the Greater Oklahoma City Commerce and Oklahoma County.

ABOUT ACORN GROWTH COMPANIES
Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities, oversees management and control of AGC Aerospace & Defense. Today, the firm has over $100 million under management and operating companies across the United States with operations worldwide-all under its primary banner, AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Veracity Wins MRO of the Year Award

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veracity Technology Solutions, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, received the 2010 MRO of the Year Award for innovative supplier/services provider from Overhaul & Maintenance and Aviation Week. The Aviation Week award is granted to the best MRO and aftermarket providers from around the world for achievements and value-added accomplishments over the past year.

Veracity, a technology company focused on non-destructive evaluations, inspections, and testing worked with the US Air Force to develop a more cost effective, accurate, and safer way of testing the structural integrity of aircraft. The new solution requires two technicians about 1.5 hours to perform the test which is a significant reduction in the man hours required from the previous testing method.

“We are honored to be the recipient of this award. The Veracity team invests a great deal of themselves in problem solving for our customers,” said Gary Hensley, president of Veracity. “We were pleased that we provided a solution to our Air Force customer which helps get the aircraft back in service faster and is more cost effective.”

“I’m pleased that Veracity has been recognized with this prestigious global award from the industry’s leading publication,” commented Jeff Davis, partner at AGC Aerospace & Defense. “It is always a challenge to introduce innovative technology and solutions to the aerospace sector. We are all gratified that the hard-working team at Veracity has been recognized for their accomplishments and congratulate them for a job well done.”

ABOUT VERACITY TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Veracity is a leader in developing customized solutions to provide faster, better, and more cost effective non-destructive inspection approaches for its customers in the aerospace and defense and power generator industries. Veracity operates within the Services Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Valair Earns ISO 9001 Certification

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City, OK – March 24, 2010 – Valair Aviation, an AGC Aerospace & Defense Company, was awarded certification for the International Organization of Standards (ISO) 9001:2008.

The ISO 9001 certification is awarded to those companies which meet global requirements set out to assure a systematic quality management system.

“As an ISO certified company, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to quality management, to meeting requirements from both our customers and the regulators,” said Darryl Wilkerson, President of Valair. “From top to bottom, Valair employees continually strive to improve our performance and to enhance our customer’s satisfaction with our service.”

By achieving ISO certification Valair Aviation has proven its maintenance, repair, and overhaul efficiencies and processes. The ISO certification allows Valair to pursue new business in marketplaces that require the ISO certification. The company’s firm commitment to quality and professionalism has solidified its superior reputation earned over the last 12 years.

About Valair Aviation
Valair, for over 50 years, has acted as a turnkey maintenance, repair, and overhaul company for the general aviation, commercial, and military aerospace markets. The company specializes in heavy maintenance, avionics, interiors, and painting and also serves as an FBO at the Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City, OK. Valair operates within the Integrated Defense Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Operating in multiple locations across the globe, capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.

CAT Supports USSOCOM

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City, Okla. – Commuter Air Technology (CAT) joins Jacobs Technology in providing service to the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

CAT, partnered with Jacobs Technology, will support USSOCOM under the current Acquisition Logistics and Business Operations Support (ALMBOS) contract and the follow-on contract, Global Battlestaff and Program Support. Under ALMBOS, CAT was awarded a Marine Corps Special Operations Command task order to support combat training using CAT’s proprietary and combat-proven “STALKER” Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform. As part of the contract, CAT employs Special Operations combat veterans and operates unique aircraft, which CAT has integrated with cutting edge technology to provide airborne ISR and training.

“We are pleased to continue supporting Marine Special Operations training events. The ALMBOS contract improves continuity and oversight and allows our customers better access to us,” said Darryl Wilkerson, CAT’s President and CEO. “We’re also pleased to be teamed with another exceptional company like Jacobs Technology."

“The Marine Special Operations Battalions act as a command and control element, conducting multi-faceted counter-terrorist operations. Frequently, this includes the application or integration of airborne ISR and fires – an area where CAT has a great deal of experience and expertise,” added CAT’s Vice President of Operations, Gary Ambrose.

CAT also provides ground training for manned and unmanned systems conducting ISR, close air support, casualty and medical evacuations, and other Special Operations missions.

ABOUT COMMUTER AIR TECHNOLOGY (CAT)

CAT focuses on delivery of certified aircraft and aircraft modifications, including high performance and flight characteristics enhancements, commuter and high-density passenger systems, military and special missions systems and support, reconfigurations, and cargo conversions. The company’s services include consultation, pre-purchase inspection, engineering, and program management. CAT operates within the Integrated Defense Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Unitech Achieves Nadcap Recertification

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Hayden, Idaho – March 9, 2010 – Unitech Composites & Structures, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, successfully passed the recertification efforts to retain its Nadcap accreditation for special processing of honeycomb core and prepreg/adhesive bonding/resin film infusion.

Nadcap, an aerospace and automotive industry organization, is focused on developing a world-class industry supply-base. Unitech achieved the original certification in 2006. To obtain the Nadcap accreditation, companies undergo a rigorous audit process wherein independent inspectors review and assess manufacturing processes and products to assure a world-class quality standard.

“The Nadcap accreditation is highly sought after and difficult to achieve. The Unitech team, through high quality and manufacturing standards as well as close attention to continual improvement processes, has been able to maintain the company’s accreditation,” commented Al Haase, President of Unitech.

Unitech is a supplier and partner to both OEM and government on a number of contracts involving complex composite structures. The Nadcap recertification demonstrates Unitech’s commitment to maintain quality deliverables to the customers and partners.

ABOUT UNITECH COMPOSITES & STRUCTURES
Unitech is a world leader in designing and manufacturing composite structures in the commercial and military aerospace industries. The company maintains continued commitment to innovation, quality, and flexibility towards the requirements of individual airlines and OEMs. Unitech operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Operating in multiple locations across the globe, capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.

Veracity Appoints COO

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Tulsa, Okla. – February 20, 2010 – Veracity Technology Solutions, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, appointed Glenn Andrew as Chief Operating Officer last week.

“As the technology and customer base from Veracity has expanded, so has our need for additional technical and operating support. With over 30 years experience in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) engineering, program management, and business development experience, Mr. Andrew is well positioned to manage the day to day operations at Veracity,” said Gary Hensley, President of Veracity.

In addition to having started and managed a small business, Glenn’s experience includes 15 years with SAIC where he assembled and led teams from federal government, university and industry on NDE engineering development contracts. He also led advanced NDE applications, transducer development and training program efforts at the division. Glenn’s past experience includes work for General Dynamics Electric Boat Division where he spearheaded an independent R&D project to develop ultrasonic imaging technology and specialized sensors for NDE applications on submarines.

Glenn, a recipient of the McDonnell Douglas Model of Excellence and Silver Eagle Quality Awards, has authored numerous technical papers and articles for industry publications. Glenn holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology and an MS in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

ICI Earns AS9100 Certification

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Marina, CA – January 21, 2010 – Integrated Composites, Inc. (ICI), an AGC Aerospace & Defense Company, was awarded certification for the AS9100 International Aerospace Quality System Standard.

“We are pleased to have achieved this milestone. Becoming a certified AS9100 company demonstrates to our customers the commitment we have to repeatable quality delivery,” said Joe Johnson, President of ICI.

ICI has substantial heritage in successfully working on key programs with leading aerospace and defense companies as a small business supplier. Being AS9100 certified will afford ICI greater access to Tier I and Tier II manufacturing companies in the immediate future. The corporate quality policy, which is displayed throughout the facility, highlights ICI’s dedication: “Integrated Composites, Inc. is committed to meeting customer requirements and increasing customer satisfaction through continual improvement of its products, services, and quality management system.”

Few companies are awarded AS9100 Certification without first being ISO certified; however, because of their strong pre-existing quality program, ICI felt confident moving directly to the AS9100 certification process. The accreditation assessment was performed in accordance with the quality system requirements for both AS9100 and ISO9001:2000, with a scope of registration that includes the “manufacture of composite structures for aerospace and military applications.”

ABOUT INTEGRATED COMPOSITES, INC.

ICI is a fully integrated design, development, and manufacturing company specializing in high-performance structures for aerospace, defense, marine, and industrial applications. The company’s 40,000 square foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art design, tooling, and fabrication assets. ICI operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.