What Albers Aerospace does

Albers Aerospace is a privately held U.S. aerospace and defense contractor headquartered in McKinney, Texas, organized into three business units: Industrials, Defense, and Special Projects (Innovation). The Industrials unit operates approximately 400,000 square feet of AS9100D and NADCAP-certified manufacturing across facilities in Tucson, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Amarillo, Accident (MD) and elsewhere, providing precision CNC machining (3-, 4- and 5-axis), chemical processing (anodize, chemical conversion, passivation), complex assembly, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and turn-key container solutions including 463L and JMIC aluminum containers. The Defense unit delivers Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), depot-level MRO, systems engineering, and — through the April 2025 launch of Tactical Aircraft Solutions (TAS) — light attack and ISR aircraft conversions of Textron Grand Caravans, Air Tractor AT-802U, Thrush S2R-T660 and Daher Kodiak platforms with EO/IR sensors, weapons stores management and avionics modernization.

The Special Projects unit functions as an innovation incubator, fielding proprietary products including the Albers Argos unattended ground sensor, ABIS (Albers Battlefield Interoperability Solutions) for CoT/MAVLINK protocol bridging, CLASP laser ablation surface preparation, a Group 2 hybrid gas-electric UAS with software-defined radios, a MIL-STD-1316/331 compliant Proximity Fuze 2.75", AI-for-ISR capabilities (EO/IR object detection and tracking, passive UAS detection, threat signature detection), and the eMpower portable power station.

The company makes money primarily through B2B defense contracts awarded under FAR/DFARS, including prime contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, U.S. Navy/NAVAIR, federal/state/local law enforcement, and international coalition partners via FMS channels, plus subcontracts to large defense primes. Revenue mixes hardware sales (containers, sensors, UAVs, aircraft conversions), professional services (CLS, systems engineering, MRO, training) and licensing/R&D work. A buy-and-build M&A strategy — 13 acquisitions between 2021 and 2025 (Heritage Aviation, Unmanned Systems Inc., Garrett Container Systems, Ground Sensor Tech, OnePath Systems, Defense Research Associates, Advanced Packaging Inc., Impact Case & Container, Parallel Ventures, IOMAX, missile components, a tactical aircraft provider) — is funded in part by subordinated debt and preferred equity from Cyprium Partners (May 2025), with founder and CEO John Albers, a retired US Marine Corps Colonel and former Navy test pilot, retaining majority ownership.

Name

Albers Aerospace

Legal name

Albers Aerospace

Website

https://albers.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Albers Aerospace is a privately held McKinney, Texas-based defense and aerospace contractor serving the U.S. DoD, Intelligence Community and defense primes across three business units: Industrials (precision manufacturing and containers), Defense (TAS light-attack/ISR aircraft, CLS, systems engineering), and Special Projects (sensors, AI-for-ISR, ABIS interoperability, CLASP laser ablation, UAS and munitions).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing and Services

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)

akta.pro primary industry

Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avionics Integration, Wiring Harnesses & Installation Kits (IMABAFAL), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK), Artillery, Mortar & Tank Munitions (IMABAHAH)

Keywords

• Aerospace manufacturing
• Defense contracting
• Precision machining
• Tactical aircraft solutions
• ISR systems integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Mckinney

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Products and Services: Albers Aerospace generates revenue through the sale of defense-related products and services including precision manufacturing of aerospace components, contractor logistics support (CLS), tactical aircraft solutions, sensor systems, unmanned systems, and specialized containers to the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and international defense customers. Revenue is project/contract-based with both one-time deliverable and long-term sustainment contracts.
2. Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing (Industrials): Revenue from aerospace and defense manufacturing services including precision machining, chemical processing, assembly, and container solutions for commercial and defense aerospace clients. AS9100D and NADCAP certified manufacturing capabilities.
3. Engineering and Technical Services: Systems engineering, digital engineering, contractor logistics support, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and training services. Provided to defense primes and direct government customers.
4. Innovation / Special Projects: Revenue from developing and commercializing cutting-edge technologies including AI, sensors, interoperability solutions, advanced surface preparation technology, and munitions components for the warfighter.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Albers Aerospace is a U.S. aerospace and defense contractor organized into three business units — Industrials, Defense, and Special Projects (Innovation). The company manufactures precision-machined aerospace components, engineered shipping and storage containers, and chemical-processed parts at multiple AS9100D/NADCAP-certified facilities across the U.S. The Defense unit delivers tactical aircraft solutions (light attack and ISR conversions), contractor logistics support (CLS), and systems engineering, while Special Projects develops sensors, drones, AI/ISR software, interoperability solutions, laser surface preparation (CLASP), and munitions components for the U.S. military and intelligence community.

Product overview

Albers Aerospace is a next-generation aerospace and defense contractor organized into three business units: Industrials, Defense, and Special Projects (Innovation). The Industrials unit provides 400,000 square feet of aerospace and defense manufacturing with precision machining, chemical processing, and turn-key container solutions. The Defense unit offers Tactical Aircraft Solutions (TAS) for light attack and ISR aircraft conversions, Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), and systems engineering. The Innovation unit delivers warfighter-relevant technologies including the Albers Argos Camera surveillance sensor, Large Group 2 UAS drone solutions, Albers Battlefield Interoperability Solutions (ABIS) for protocol conversion, AI-powered Digital Solutions, CLASP laser surface preparation technology, and munitions components. The company also provides eMpower portable power stations for defense operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tactical Aircraft Solutions (TAS): Innovative light attack and ISR aircraft conversions transforming platforms like Textron Grand Caravans, Air Tractor AT-802U, Thrush S2R-T660, and Daher Kodiak into multi-role airborne solutions for Close Air Support, Counterinsurgency, Time-Sensitive Targeting, and ISR capabilities.
• Albers Argos Camera
• Albers Battlefield Interoperability Solutions (ABIS)
• CLASP
• eMpower Portable Power Station

Products and services

• Industrials Business Unit Aerospace and defense manufacturing division offering precision machining, complex assemblies, specialized containers, surface treatments, and welding services for commercial and defense aerospace customers. AS9100D and NADCAP certified.
• Defense Business Unit Defense support and solutions division providing warfighter-relevant products and services in multi-security environments, including tactical aircraft solutions, contractor logistics support, and systems engineering for U.S. military and intelligence customers.
• Special Projects (Innovation) Business Unit Innovation incubator and special projects group delivering warfighter-relevant solutions by commercializing sensors, interoperability solutions, AI-driven digital solutions, advanced surface preparation technology, and munitions.
• Tactical Aircraft Solutions (TAS) Integration and support for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned platforms, including light attack and ISR aircraft conversions of platforms such as Textron Grand Caravan, Air Tractor AT-802U, Thrush S2R-T660, and Daher Kodiak. Capabilities include EO/IR sensor and radar integration, avionics modernization, weapons and stores management, mission management systems, and depot-level maintenance.
• Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) Full-spectrum service support for ground and air missions, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing modification, repair, operations, training, Part 145 MRO component and aircraft repair, and comprehensive maintenance services for defense customers.
• Turn-Key Container Solutions Durable and reusable container solutions including aluminum shipping containers, welded airtight containers, 463L compatible general-purpose containers, and Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC) for military and commercial applications.
• Albers Argos Camera Unattended ground sensor designed for high-performance surveillance with hardened architecture, license plate recognition, Wi-Fi sniffing, mesh networking, low probability of intercept/detection communications, offensive cyber capabilities, and modular design for tactical, covert, and infrastructure security missions.
• Large Group 2 UAS Solutions Longest endurance hybrid gas-electric multi-copter drone with payloads up to 22lbs, software-defined radios, ground control stations, and full setup in under 5 minutes. Supports mine detection, LiDAR surveying, magnetometry, long-range surveillance, agriculture, and cyber capabilities.
• Albers Battlefield Interoperability Solutions (ABIS) Interoperability solution that converts native protocols (e.g., MAVLINK) into Cursor on Target (CoT) for seamless communication between disparate systems and nodes. Enables drone data display on Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) via Silvus Radio.
• Digital Solutions (AI for ISR) AI-powered solutions including long-range vision-based object detection and tracking in EO and IR spectrums, passive UAS detection and classification from moving vehicles, threat signature detection, temporal discrimination of clutter, and laser threat detection and warning.
• CLASP (Composite Laser Ablation Surface Preparation) Advanced surface preparation technology using ultra-short laser pulses (sub-picosecond) to ablate materials with minimal heat transfer, effectively removing corrosion and coatings to precise depths while preserving primer or anodized layers for composite bond preparation.
• Proximity Fuze 2.75" Weapon component featuring rapid design and integration of a novel fuzing solution designed for implementation on both surface and aircraft launch platforms, compliant with MIL-STD-1316 and MIL-STD-331.
• Chemical Processing Services Chemical processing services for ferrous and non-ferrous metals including Type I and Type II Chemical Conversion Coatings, 15-foot tanks, AMS2700 Type 2 and Type 8 Passivation Services, and a Sulfuric Acid Anodize Line. NADCAP certified.
• eMpower Portable Power Station Series Portable power solutions built for defense operations in remote and austere environments, offering customizable options such as ruggedized casings and waterproofing to withstand harsh battlefield conditions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Named #340 on 2022 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America, and #1 fastest growing company in the nation for the engineering category
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• AFWERX / Air Force Research LaboratoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlbers Aerospace was selected for an AFWERX SBIR Phase 1 award to develop a Composite Optimization FEA Plugin for advanced composite design and manufacturing. AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, partnering with small businesses to address defense technology challenges.
• Vertex Aerospace (DoD Mentor Protege Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlbers Aerospace participated in the DoD Mentor Protege Program with Vertex Aerospace in 2020, gaining mentorship and experience working with a larger defense services company.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos is a direct peer in tactical unmanned systems (target drones, MQM-178 Firejet, Valkyrie) and affordable light-attack / ISR aviation — closely aligned with Albers' TAS division and Group 2 UAS work. Both position as cost-disruptive alternatives to primes in the tactical aircraft and unmanned segment.
• MAG Aerospace: MAG provides ISR, aviation MRO/CLS, and tactical airborne solutions to DoD and allied customers — directly overlapping Albers' Defense business unit. Albers' CGO Rich Carter previously served as VP at MAG Aerospace, reflecting the operational similarity.
• AeroVironment: AeroVironment is a leading small-UAS manufacturer (Switchblade, Puma, Raven) serving U.S. DoD — directly comparable to Albers' Group 2 hybrid UAS and broader unmanned systems portfolio. Both target tactical reconnaissance and loitering munition use cases.
• AEVEX Aerospace: AEVEX provides manned and unmanned ISR, light-attack aircraft modifications, and mission system integration — directly comparable to Albers' Tactical Aircraft Solutions division and EO/IR sensor integration work. Both target SOCOM, allied, and law enforcement aviation customers.
• Vertex Aerospace: Vertex is a leading provider of aviation MRO, CLS, and modification services for DoD, with a long history supporting rotary and fixed-wing fleets — closely aligned with Albers' CLS and tactical aircraft modification capabilities. Albers previously participated in the DoD Mentor-Protege Program with Vertex.
• M1 Support Services: M1 Support Services provides aircraft maintenance, CLS, and sustainment across DoD platforms — directly overlapping with Albers' Part 145 MRO and CLS offerings. Albers' CRO Michael Frazier was previously COO at M1 Support Services prior to its 2024 sale.

Broad incumbents

• Mercury Systems: Mercury is a larger, publicly traded defense electronics company providing mission-critical processing, avionics, and sensor subsystems — overlapping with Albers' avionics integration, AI-for-ISR, and special-mission computing capabilities. Both sell primarily to primes and DoD primes' programs of record.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation: SNC is a privately held mid-tier defense prime offering ISR, electronic warfare, aviation integration, and space systems — substantially broader portfolio but overlapping with Albers' tactical aircraft modification, sensor integration, and ground-sensor businesses. Albers' CGO previously held executive roles at SNC.
• Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright is a larger defense electronics and specialty industrial manufacturer providing avionics, flight controls, and rugged computing — broadly comparable to Albers' avionics integration, mission computing, and precision machining capabilities across defense primes.
• Parsons Corporation: Parsons is a publicly traded mid-tier defense and intelligence contractor delivering systems engineering, digital solutions, and critical infrastructure — comparable in scale and customer overlap to Albers' Defense and Special Projects divisions, particularly around AI/ISR and IC work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Albers Aerospace