BAE Systems has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire solid-state electronic imaging components developer Fairchild Imaging, Inc. for a cash consideration of approximately $86 million, BAE Systems currently owns 8.7 percent of the equity of Fairchild Imaging,  and upon completion of the acquisition it will have acquired all of the remaining outstanding equity.

In a statement, Linda Hudson, president and CEO of BAE Systems said, “The addition of Fairchild Imaging’s advanced electronic imagery technology will support enhanced night vision capability for both airborne and land forces applications. It also progresses BAE Systems’ focus on providing our customers with higher quality image solutions with lower size, weight, and power characteristics, helping soldiers to complete their missions more safely and effectively.”

In another statement, Fairchild Imaging president Charles Arduini said, “We look forward to becoming part of BAE Systems to further enable Fairchild Imaging to deliver our low-light scientific CMOS (sCMOS) imaging technology for the benefit of the soldier. The simultaneous low-light, wide dynamic range, high definition video of sCMOS will provide U.S. and NATO forces with the ability to see better than the enemy – in both day and night conditions.”

Fairchild Imaging employs approximately 150 people at its facility in Milpitas, California, and upon successful closing of the acquisition, it will become part of BAE Systems’ Electronic Solutions sector, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. The proposed acquisition of Fairchild Imaging follows BAE Systems’ acquisition of OASYS Technology in 2010. OASYS Technology specializes in the design and manufacture of electro-optical systems and subassemblies for aerospace, defense, industrial and commercial markets.
Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell