“Valair is a well performing company with a solid customer base,” stated Snyder,  “I look forward to expanding its existing base to handle larger private, military and rotor wing aircraft.”

Snyder joins Valair with 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry supporting both commercial and military customers.  Snyder recently served as the Senior Vice President, Aviation at Technical Service Group, Inc., which was acquired by AAR.  Prior to that assignment, he was the General Manager at MD Helicopters, Inc.  His experience includes work at Raytheon Aerospace as President of the Aftermarket Division. 

Snyder started his aviation career with an assignment to Oklahoma City’s Atlantic Aviation supporting the transition of the Aero Commander to Westwind.  He now returns to Oklahoma to head Valair, a spin-out of the group which he supported on that first project.

An aerospace veteran, Snyder has had multiple successes in managing organizations focused on both fixed and rotor wing aircraft MRO and supply chain management, as well as government contractor logistics support.

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.

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the operating portfolio of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.

“We are pleased that Bill has decided to join our team at APSE,” stated Jeff Davis, CEO of APSE. “He has an outstanding record of achievement and with eighteen plus years of experience in the aviation industry, we are excited about the contribution he will make to growing the company.”

As Director of Sales, Freeman will be responsible for growing existing accounts and expanding APSE’s reach within the commercial aviation sector.

“APSE is an innovative organization with a great reputation within the industry; I look forward to adding to their successes,” commented Freeman.

Freeman’s prior experience includes sales and marketing positions with Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems, Curtiss-Wright Controls, and with Southwest United Industries, Inc. While at Curtis- Wright, he was responsible for extending existing customer contracts and for developing new long- term contracts in the after-market segment. His work at Southwest United, as the Director of Sales & Marketing, included responsibility for developing a newly defined commercial and military market segment.

Freeman served with the Army National Guard for eight years prior to starting his career in industry.

ABOUT AEROSPACE PRODUCTS S.E.
APSE is a leading third party logistics company specializing in on-site supply chain integration, inventory bin management, and full service kitting. The company provides other value added services such as configuration management, distribution, and manufacture of component and sub assembly kits. APSE procures hard to find parts for both military and commercial aircraft. APSE 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. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Financing, Integrated Defense, and Services.

“We are pleased to be partnered with Lee Beaumont in this effort, and to have finalized our first deal with GE Aviation,” commented Rick Nagel, partner at AGC Aerospace & Defense. “We’ve built a solid and well capitalized foundation for our engine leasing strategy, allowing us to focus more resources in this resurging sector.”

In conjunction with portfolio company Aircraft Logistics Group (ALG), AGC Aerospace & Defense provides industry and government customers alternative leasing and financing solutions for aircraft, systems, engines, and integrated special mission aircraft deployed around the globe. ALG has been in operation since 2007.

Beaumont, an AGC Aerospace & Defense advisory board member since 2006, will lead the consolidated leasing effort.

“The time is right for a robust program like this to be brought to the market,” remarked Beaumont. “I am delighted to be working with AGC Aerospace & Defense given their commitment to the sectors I’ve served for so long.”

Beaumont most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), one of the largest independent lessors of aircraft turbine engines worldwide. He also served as President of U.S. Operations at Standard Aero, one of the largest independent engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers in the world.

ABOUT AIRCRAFT LOGISTICS GROUP
Aircraft Logistics Group (ALG) provides both aircraft and engine leasing solutions to industry and government customers worldwide. ALG operates within the Finance 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.

Commuter Air Technology (CAT), a company specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) modifications, training, and special operations support, had been awarded a commercial contract to install a CAT developed ISR pod on the B200 aircraft by GA-ASI.  Working in concert with Valair Aviation, also an AGC company, the team was able to complete delivery ahead of schedule.  GA-ASI will use the modified aircraft as an ISR sensor test bed in its San Diego, Calif. location.

 “We focus on delivering a quality product on time, and if we can deliver ahead of schedule, we will,” commented Darryl Wilkerson, president of Commuter Air Technology and the AGC Integrated Defense Group.  “This early delivery is a perfect example of the synergy created within the AGC Integrated Defense Group.”

All CAT pods – used in both commercial and military applications to increase cargo space, maximize cabin room, or improve aircraft ISR capabilities through the installation and integration of radar, signals intelligence (SIGINT), or electro-optical infra-red (EO/IR) equipment – have received FAA Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the King Air Beechcraft family of aircraft.

About Commuter Air Technology
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, corporate reconfigurations, and cargo conversions.  In addition to innovative performance enhancements, the company offers a range of services that include consultation, engineering, and program management.  CAT 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.

Hayden, ID – Unitech Composites and Structures, Inc. (Unitech), an AGC Aerospace & Defense Company, has been awarded a development contract to reduce the weight and improve the performance of the Survival Egress Air (SEA) System. The company recently completed the Preliminary Design Review – ahead of schedule – and will complete the design later this year.

The SEA System, a safety measure for overwater missions, provides soldiers with a type of pressurized oxygen tank, known as a composite overwrapped pressure vessel or COPV.

“Unitech is honored to work on the design for the next generation SEA system for the Air Warrior Program Office. Reducing weight and increasing breathable air time of the COPV will result in a product which will improve performance of the system for our soldiers,” stated Alan Haase, President of Unitech and the AGC Composites Group. “Nothing is more important to us than delivering a quality product on time.”

The U.S. Army contract to design and deliver an improved COPV for the PEO Soldier Air Warrior product office was awarded to Unitech in early 2010. Unitech, using advanced composite materials design techniques, has been able to reduce the weight of the vessel an estimated 20 percent, while increasing breathable air by approximately 50 percent. This improvement in performance increases the time that the soldier has for surviving emergency situations. The new COPV design is backward compatible, so it can be used with older, currently fielded support systems.

ABOUT UNITECH COMPOSITES AND STRUCTURES (UNITECH)
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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.