UAS Developer Adds To Company's Defense Portfolio

Boeing announced Tuesday it has completed its acquisition of Insitu Inc., a pioneer in the unmanned air systems (UAS) market and leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance, low-cost UAS used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

As ANN reported, Boeing announced its plans to purchase the Bingen, WA-based unmanned aerial systems developer in July, to bolster Boeing's presence in the rapidly increasing market. The companies had partnered on UAS since 2002, and together developed the ScanEagle UAS program, which has more than 100,000 operational flight hours with the US Department of Defense and international customers.

Boeing says Insitu's technologies and advanced capabilities in rapid prototyping and manufacturing are driving its revenue to an anticipated $150 million this year, 70 percent higher than in 2007, and have it well positioned for the future.

Insitu will be a separate subsidiary under Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' Military Aircraft unit. It will retain an independent operating model, while also benefiting from Boeing's vast resources... and lucrative contracts.

FMI: www.boeing.com/ids/index.html