Aeryon Labs Rises to New Heights with FLIR Acquisition

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Close-up of a compact drone in flight outdoors, showcasing modern flying technology.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a compact drone in flight outdoors, showcasing modern flying technology.

Aeryon Labs has made a significant move in the drone industry with its acquisition of FLIR Systems' drone business. This strategic partnership has given Aeryon Labs a major boost in its capabilities.

Aeryon Labs is now able to offer a broader range of products and services to its customers. The acquisition has also expanded Aeryon Labs' presence in the global market.

With this acquisition, Aeryon Labs is poised to take on even more complex projects and continue to innovate in the field of drone technology.

Company History

Aeryon Labs was founded in 2007 in Waterloo, Ontario to research and develop VTOL quadcopters unmanned aerial vehicles.

The company has since expanded to two offices in Waterloo, Ontario.

In 2018, they formed a subsidiary called Aeryon Defense USA based in Denver, Colorado to focus on sales to the US Government.

Aeryon Labs was purchased by FLIR Systems in January 2019 for US$200 million.

They are also used to inspect power lines as an alternative to helicopters.

Products and Features

Credit: youtube.com, Aeryon sUAS Overview

Aeryon Labs has a wide range of applications for their UAVs, including disaster response and relief efforts.

Their UAVs have been used to survey damage from natural disasters such as the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016 and a 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador the same year.

The Aeryon SkyRanger R70 is a key product in their lineup, with a unit cost of $85,172.11 as seen in Waterloo Regional Police services' purchase in 2018.

Aeryon Labs' UAVs have also been used for search and rescue operations, such as searching for missing persons.

The Canadian Federal government announced in 2024 that they will be donating 800 Aeryon SkyRanger R70 to Ukraine, to be delivered by Spring 2024.

Aeryon Labs' UAVs are also used by police services in Canada, including the Thunder Bay police, the Windsor Police Service, and Waterloo Regional Police services.

Acquisitions and Milestones

Aeryon Labs has made significant strides in the industry.

The company has a strong foundation, having been founded in 2007 by David Kerr.

Aeryon Labs has achieved notable milestones, including being named one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada by Canadian Business magazine in 2017.

The company has also expanded its product line, introducing the SkyRanger VTOL UAS, which provides high-resolution imagery and video.

FLIR Acquires Waterloo

Close-up of FPV drone with action camera and controller on outdoor pavement, ready for flight.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of FPV drone with action camera and controller on outdoor pavement, ready for flight.

FLIR Systems Inc. acquired Aeryon Labs Inc., a local drone maker, in a deal worth $200 million.

Aeryon's unmanned aerial systems had already been utilizing FLIR's thermal technology.

The acquisition reinforces FLIR's long-term strategy to develop complete solutions that save lives and livelihoods.

FLIR is a world-leading maker of sensor systems that enhance perception and heighten awareness, based out of Oregon since 1978 and employing close to 3,700 people.

Aeryon's Waterloo facility will remain operational and will now be part of FLIR's Government and Defense business unit.

Dave Kroetsch, Co-founder and CTO of Aeryon Labs, expressed excitement about joining the FLIR family and the growth opportunities that come with it.

Rises Above

Aeryon Labs, a Waterloo-based drone maker, has risen to new heights with its acquisition by FLIR Systems for $200 million. This deal marks a significant milestone in the company's history.

FLIR Systems is a world-leading maker of sensor systems that have been around since 1978 and currently employ close to 3,700 people.

Credit: youtube.com, Acquisition Milestones Tutorial

Dave Kroetsch, Co-founder and CTO of Aeryon Labs, is thrilled to join the FLIR family and be part of a large, growth-oriented technology company.

The acquisition brings a path to include Aeryon's hardware and software technologies in much bigger solutions than would have been possible on their own. This is a significant opportunity for organic growth in the coming years.

Samuel Forte

Senior Writer

Samuel Forte is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing his experiences and knowledge. He has been writing for over 20 years and has covered various topics ranging from technology to personal development. Samuel's work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and The Huffington Post.

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