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The field of avionics has witnessed remarkable advancements over the past year, bringing significant improvements to safety, workload management, accessibility, and situational awareness. These innovations have been especially impactful in the special missions sector, benefiting operations like search and rescue (SAR), aerial firefighting, police aviation, and air ambulance services.

As a result, more platforms are becoming certified to carry the latest technologies. These include new breakthroughs and enhanced versions of existing systems, many of which are designed for easy implementation. Software updates can often be performed seamlessly, and hardware installations have been streamlined to minimise complexity. These trends are helping operators enhance their capabilities with minimal disruption.

One area that has seen particularly exciting developments is communications. Reliable, secure data links are critical for mission success, but they have traditionally been out of reach for smaller operators and organisations with tight budgets. Recognising this challenge, SPX Communication Technologies has introduced a game-changing solution: the Evenlode Lite video downlink system.

What is Evenlode Lite?

Evenlode Lite is the latest addition to SPX Communication Technologies’ renowned Evenlode family of data link systems. This entry-level solution is specifically designed to make high-quality airborne surveillance and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities accessible to a broader range of operators.

The Evenlode Lite system includes:

• Air Data Terminal: Installed on airborne platforms to capture and transmit critical data.
• Ground Data Terminal: Used by ground teams to receive and interpret real-time transmissions.

With Evenlode Lite, operators can transmit secure, real-time data, including:

• 4K Video: High-definition imagery for unparalleled situational awareness.
• Audio: Clear communication between teams.
• GPS and Telemetry Data: Accurate location tracking and system monitoring.

This robust functionality ensures that airborne platforms can relay essential information to static or mobile ground teams seamlessly.

Breaking Down Barriers

Unlike more complex and costly data link systems, Evenlode Lite offers a streamlined design that lowers the barrier to entry. This is particularly beneficial for:

• Smaller Organisations: Those new to airborne surveillance can now access professional-grade technology without the high upfront costs typically associated with such systems.
• Budget-Conscious Operators: Evenlode Lite provides a cost-effective way to upgrade existing ISR capabilities.

The simplicity of the system’s design also ensures ease of use, allowing operators to focus on their missions rather than grappling with complicated technology.

Why Evenlode Lite Matters

The launch of Evenlode Lite represents a significant step forward in democratising access to advanced communication technologies. By bridging the gap between performance and affordability, SPX Communication Technologies is empowering more operators to enhance their operations, improve situational awareness, and ultimately achieve mission success.

Learn More

To explore SPX Communication Technologies’ full range of data link capabilities, including the Evenlode Lite system, visit Secure Tactical Data Links – SPX Communication Technologies or contact the team directly at sales@enterprisecontrol.co.uk.

With innovations like Evenlode Lite, the future of airborne surveillance and ISR operations is more inclusive, efficient, and effective than ever before.

Further Strengthens and Scales Communications Technologies Platform;
Significant Installed Base and Attractive Pipeline of Growth Opportunities

SPX Technologies Announces Agreement to Purchase Kranze Technology Solutions (“KTS”)
Further Strengthens and Scales Communications Technologies Platform;
Significant Installed Base and Attractive Pipeline of Growth Opportunities

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPX Technologies (NYSE:SPXC) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Kranze Technology Solutions, Inc. (“KTS”), a leader in digital interoperability and tactical networking solutions. Upon closing, KTS will become a part of SPX Technologies’ Communication Technologies (“CommTech”) platform, within its Detection & Measurement segment.

Headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, KTS has developed a strong reputation for advanced digital interoperability and tactical networking solutions which integrate and distribute real-time information across multiple communications domains and platforms to enhance situational awareness, coordination, and tactical execution during operations. KTS has built trusted relationships with customers, particularly with the US Marine Corps, equipping KTS’ products on numerous marquee platforms.

Under the terms of the agreement, SPX Technologies will purchase KTS and certain significant tax attributes for approximately $350 million in cash. KTS is anticipated to generate revenue of approximately $90 million for the full year 2025, with a segment income margin and revenue growth rate that are both modestly above the Detection & Measurement segment average.

The parties anticipate the closing of the transaction in the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. SPX Technologies intends to finance the acquisition by drawing on its revolving credit facility. After the interest cost of financing, the acquisition is anticipated to be modestly accretive to SPX’s adjusted earnings per share in 2025.

“We are looking forward to welcoming KTS to the SPX Technologies team,” said Gene Lowe, President and CEO of SPX Technologies. “Along with our TCI and ECS businesses, KTS is an excellent fit with our existing CommTech platform within our Detection & Measurement segment. KTS’ differentiated digital interoperability solutions are highly complementary to our existing tactical datalinks and radio frequency (RF) countermeasure offerings and bring significant and further growth opportunities to our business.”

Mr. Lowe continued, “KTS further strengthens and complements our long-term customer relationships and geographic footprint and brings a significant installed base, and secure long-term positions within growing, long-lifecycle US military platforms that rely on their highly differentiated technology. The Company has a strong pipeline of growth opportunities in the US and the strategically important Asia Pacific region.”

Mr. Lowe further commented, “This will be our 15th acquisition since 2018 and further validates our strategy of building high-quality, market-leading platforms. KTS will scale our CommTech platform to more than $200 million in revenue, providing a solid foundation for further growth in closely adjacent end markets.”

Dr. Richard Kranze, KTS’ Founder and CEO, said, “The combination of KTS and SPX Technologies’ Communication Technologies platform is a natural next step in the growth of our business that will provide numerous opportunities for our employees and partners. Bringing together two leading communications technologies providers with SPX Technologies’ substantial resources, technological capabilities, and business system is a recipe for significant growth and value creation. The KTS team looks forward to working with the SPX team to build an even stronger, more valuable business.”

About KTS: Founded in 2008, KTS is a leading provider of digital interoperability and tactical networking solutions that drive superior situational awareness, interoperability, and increased survivability across multiple platforms and domains.

About SPX Technologies, Inc: SPX Technologies is a supplier of highly engineered products and technologies, holding leadership positions in the HVAC and detection and measurement markets. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX Technologies has more than 4,100 employees in 15 countries. SPX Technologies is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SPXC.” For more information, please visit www.spx.com.

As global conflict and geopolitical challenges continue to escalate, defence strategies are increasingly emphasising technological innovation and seamless integration across systems. These efforts aim to strengthen resilience, agility, and deterrence, with counter-unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS) and communications intelligence (COMINT) at the forefront of modern defence capabilities.

Nations and alliances, including NATO and AUKUS, are prioritising joint development and integration, enhancing shared defence networks. For example, initiatives like NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and the European Sky Shield underscore the importance of interconnected systems, combining sensors, command controls, and weaponry. These developments ensure rapid response to emerging aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which have evolved significantly in recent years.

Recognising these challenges, SPX Communication Technologies has developed the BLACKTALON Ecosystem—a scalable, customisable solution designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones. Leveraging decades of expertise, BLACKTALON Ecosystem integrates advanced technologies from SPX and its partners into a vendor-agnostic framework, enabling tailored solutions that meet diverse operational needs.

The BLACKTALON core includes active radars, EOIR systems, RF jammers, and RF direction finders, which can be customised or replaced thanks to its open architecture. This flexibility allows integration with cutting-edge tools such as 3D radar from Echodyne, autonomous tracking systems, and robust mobile mounting options.

Additionally, SPX’s Blackbird software enhances threat detection, tracking, and mitigation, while the Claw RF inhibitor disrupts and neutralises hostile UAS activity. Supported by partnerships with leading manufacturers, the BLACKTALON Ecosystem exemplifies how collaboration drives innovation in Counter-UAS technology.

As Counter-UAS demand grows in 2025, SPX Communication Technologies remains at the forefront, delivering reliable solutions to safeguard critical operations worldwide. For further information on our Counter-UAS capabilities, including the BLACKTALON Ecosystem, visit www.tcibr.com/blacktalon-ecosystem or contact the team at sales@enterprisecontrol.co.uk.

We are delighted to share with you that Evenlode Lite has been mentioned in the latest AirMed & Rescue publication.

Evenlode Lite is our exciting new entry-level video downlink system designed to cater for companies new to airborne surveillance or those looking to enhance their ISR provision.

Please click here to read the full article entitled ‘Electric Dreams: Advances in Avionics Over the Last Year‘

We were delighted to attend the Chepstow Military Raceday Conference and Exhibition last week, and very proud to see Eric Kaled, President of SPX Technologies and Genfare at SPX Technologies, receive the BATTLESPACE Businessman of the Year 2024 award.

Our Battlespace Business Development Director, David Beckett, was also honoured to present the Winner’s Award to the Jockey and Owners of ‘French Ship’, winner of the 4th race of the day entitled ‘the BLACKTALON Maiden Hurdle’ which was sponsored by SPX Communication Technologies.

To find out more about Eric’s success and career so far, please click here to read the full article published in the recent BATTLESPACE magazine

As global conflicts intensify, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) increasingly target critical infrastructure, driving the need for advanced Counter-UAS technology. From government agencies to military forces, Counter-UAS capabilities are essential for detecting, neutralizing, and preventing drone-based threats. At the forefront of this mission is SPX Communication Technologies, whose BLACKTALON Ecosystem represents a significant advancement in Counter-UAS technology, integrating flexibility, scalability, and vendor-agnostic design to address today’s evolving threat landscape.

Understanding the Need for Counter-UAS Solutions in Critical Infrastructure Protection
The growing use of UAS by both state and non-state actors has elevated security risks for essential infrastructure, from energy facilities to government installations. With drones becoming more accessible and versatile, security agencies face a challenge: keeping pace with a dynamic, rapidly evolving threat that exploits low-cost, highly programmable drone technology. For this reason, Counter-UAS solutions are critical for maintaining infrastructure security and ensuring resilience against disruptive drone incursions.

The Rising UAS Threat to Critical Infrastructure
In recent years, UAS threats have evolved from surveillance activities and illicit operations, such as unauthorized sports event filming, to more malicious activities that target high-security areas. Even as drones serve valuable roles in areas like crowd management and emergency response, their misuse poses significant risks. The widespread deployment of UAS technology by threat actors demands innovative Counter-UAS solutions that can adapt swiftly to new tactics and technologies.

BLACKTALON, an advanced Counter-UAS solution from SPX Communication Technologies, addresses these needs with an adaptable and modular approach to critical infrastructure defense. The BLACKTALON Ecosystem is designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones, leveraging the latest advancements in radar, RF technology, and sensor integration to keep potential threats at bay.

Innovation Through Collaboration: The BLACKTALON Ecosystem Advantage
With the BLACKTALON Ecosystem, SPX Communication Technologies provides a highly adaptable Counter-UAS solution. This system combines SPX’s expertise in radio frequency (RF) technology with a multi-sensor, vendor-agnostic platform. By integrating a variety of sensors—including radar, EOIR, RFDF, and jamming components—BLACKTALON offers a comprehensive response to diverse UAS threats.

The open architecture of the BLACKTALON Ecosystem empowers organizations to tailor configurations based on mission-specific needs. For instance, they can integrate advanced optical tracking from OpenWorks Engineering or deploy high-performance 3D radar from Echodyne. By enabling modular updates, the BLACKTALON Ecosystem provides security agencies with the agility to meet evolving Concept of Operations (CONOPS) without being restricted by a single vendor’s technology.

Real-World Success: Trials and Global Deployments
BLACKTALON has proven its value in high-threat areas, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, where Counter-UAS capabilities are vital to mission success. SPX recently conducted trials at the Hans Christian Andersen Airfield in Denmark to enhance range performance across airfields and industrial complexes. These trials showcased BLACKTALON’s effectiveness in creating a dispersed network of assets, achieving scalable and secure coverage for critical installations.

Such real-world testing underscores SPX’s commitment to iterative development, based on customer feedback and operational insights, ensuring that the BLACKTALON Ecosystem remains agile and responsive to the needs of infrastructure protection teams worldwide.

Future Outlook: Counter-UAS Solutions to Meet Evolving Security Needs
As 2025 approaches, SPX Communication Technologies remains committed to advancing Counter-UAS technology and supporting the defense and security sectors. The BLACKTALON Ecosystem will continue to evolve, with expanded partnerships and an enhanced focus on anticipating UAS threats. Through close collaboration with defense procurement teams, SPX aims to deliver the operational flexibility and tactical advantage needed for effective UAS threat management.

The BLACKTALON Ecosystem exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in securing critical infrastructure. With its adaptable design, proven real-world performance, and commitment to meeting future challenges, BLACKTALON is set to redefine Counter-UAS solutions for critical infrastructure protection worldwide.

By leveraging the power of innovation and collaboration, SPX Communication Technologies continues to strengthen Counter-UAS solutions that protect critical infrastructure and ensure a secure future.