Safran Division Adds Fixed-Wing Capability to C-W’s Helicopter L&R Portfolio

Curtiss-Wright has bought Safran Aerosystems Arresting Company (SAA) for $240 million in cash.

There is a “strong installed base of more than 5,000 systems worldwide” for SAA’s fixed-wing aircraft emergency arresting systems, with equipment sold to more than 70 countries, according to the companies. Approximately three quarters of SAA’s sales are outside the US.

SAA’s predecessor companies created the first aircraft arresting system in 1960. Curtiss-Wright traces its history back to the Wright brothers. SAA is jointly based in Aston, Philadelphia, and Merpins in France, employing around 140 people.

The news was announced just days before Safran confirmed the integration of Orolia into the Group, with the company claiming it was aiming to become the world leader in resilient precision navigation and timing solutions.