AAI is part of its parent company's Textron Systems segment, and has three main operations: AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, and AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Other AAI businesses include Australia-based Aerosonde, which makes small, lightweight UAVs for civil, military, and scientific applications. Its ESL Defence business, located in the UK, provides electronic warfare test and simulation products.

Support Solutions ensures the highest asset availability and system readiness for its customers. Electronic Systems provides advanced training aids, confidence testers and support to those who imagine, manipulate, and exploit the electromagnetic spectrum.

Geographic Reach

AAI operates facilities in Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

Sales and Marketing

The company's customers include the Department of Defense and its prime contractors, allied foreign government ministries of defense, and other US federal agencies.

Financial Performance

Textron Systems' revenues have been declining since 2010.

In 2014 it's revenue decreased by $41 million compared to 2013.

While revenues from Unmanned Systems and Simulation, Training and Other grew in 2014, this was more than offset by revenue declines in Marine and Land Systems.

Strategy

AAI partners with other aircraft component makers in order to launch new models of aircraft and stay on top of the technological trends.

In 2015, Textron Systems introduced its new unmanned systems training course catalog. It has developed proven curricula including both classroom and hands-on training elements, utilizing customized materials and training aids to provide a holistic experience.

In 2014, Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems (both businesses of Textron) signed a deal with Dynamatic Technologies of Bangalore, establishing Dynamatic as a single source supplier of major airframe assemblies for the Bell 407GX and 407GT. This agreement represents a significant milestone in Bell Helicopter's global sourcing strategy and brings efficiencies to its manufacturing of the Bell 407.

Company Background

In 2012 AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ViaSat entered into a strategic alliance to align AAI's advanced unmanned aircraft and command and control technologies with ViaSat's integrated airborne and terrestrial satellite communications. Under the agreement, the companies will develop beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications capabilities for current and next-generation AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems aircraft.

AAI, founded in 1950 as an aerospace and defense technology company, has been part of Textron since 2007.