What Lee Air does

Lee Air, Inc. is a privately held aerospace electromechanical systems manufacturer founded in 1981 and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, operating from an 85,000 sq ft climate-controlled engineering and production facility with 50% ESD-secure area and 28,000 sq ft of immediately available expansion capacity. The company designs, develops, qualifies, manufactures, and repairs a portfolio of FAA/EASA Part 145- and AS9100D-certified aircraft components spanning brush and brushless DC motors (fractional to 10HP), linear and rotary actuators, motor controllers, PCB assemblies, solid-state switches, current/temperature/voltage sensors, lightning protection modules, and heated static ports. All products undergo RTCA/DO-160 qualification testing, and selected controllers carry DO-178B Level E software certification for safety-critical applications.

Lee Air serves aircraft OEMs, military programs, and UAV manufacturers across Part 23/25 fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned platforms. Named customers and program references include Boeing (MQ-25 Stingray), Stratolaunch, Textron (Sky Courier), Virgin Galactic (VSS Unity), Cessna (1,400+ AReS II aviation data recorders shipped since 2008), Tamarack Aerospace (Citation Active Winglet), Aerospace Systems & Components (Scorpion cockpit bleed air), and the US Defense Logistics Agency (F-16/F/A-18 safety relief valves). Co-development partnerships with Mecaer Aviation Group (UAV Remote Braking System) and others extend the company's reach into integrated system solutions. The December 2025 acquisition of Advent Aircraft Systems expands the portfolio into anti-skid braking for general aviation, military, and UAS markets.

The company monetizes through three revenue streams: sale of proprietary components and systems to aircraft OEMs, contract manufacturing for customer-designed aerospace electronics (with a documented 100% on-time delivery rating since 2008), and FAA/EASA Part 145 repair station services covering more than 20 European countries. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales via a North American regional rep network (Midwest & Military, Northeast, Southeast, Airlines, West/Canada, Outside North America) combined with direct OEM supply relationships. Lee Air is owned and led by President Bennie M. Lee Jr., with no external investors, funding rounds, or holding-company structure disclosed in available data.

Name

Lee Air

Legal name

Lee Air, Inc.

Website

https://leeair.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lee Air, Inc. is a privately held Wichita-based aerospace manufacturer founded in 1981 that designs, qualifies, and produces AS9100D- and FAA/EASA Part 145-certified brushless motors, actuators, controllers, PCB assemblies, sensors, and lightning protection systems for aircraft OEMs, military programs, and UAV manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Components Manufacturing

NAICS

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Integration, Wiring Harnesses & Installation Kits (IMABAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK)

Keywords

• Aerospace electromechanical components
• Aerospace motors controllers
• Aircraft linear actuators
• Aircraft PCB assemblies
• Aerospace lightning protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Systems and Components Manufacturing: Design, engineering, manufacturing, and certification of proprietary aircraft electromechanical systems and components including motors, actuators, controllers, sensors, switches, and PCB assemblies sold directly to aircraft OEMs and through contract manufacturing arrangements.
2. Contract Manufacturing Services: Manufacturing services for customer-designed products with design support, test development, and ongoing product support. Includes serial production of avionics products with 100% on-time delivery rating.
3. FAA/EASA Repair Station Services: On-site FAA and EASA certified repair station supporting products manufactured by Lee Air, covering over 20 European countries through EASA recognition.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Lee Air designs, engineers, manufactures, and certifies aircraft electromechanical systems and components including brush and brushless DC motors, linear and rotary actuators, motor controllers, PCB assemblies, sensors, switches, and lightning protection systems. Products are qualified to RTCA/DO-160 standards and supplied to aircraft OEMs, military programs, and UAV manufacturers. The company also operates an FAA/EASA Part 145 repair station and provides contract manufacturing services.

Product overview

Lee Air is an aerospace components manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of electromechanical systems and components for aircraft applications. The product portfolio includes: Anti-Skid Brake Systems and UAV Remote Braking Systems under Systems; Linear Actuators (Ballscrew/Nut and Acme Thread types) and Rotary Actuators for actuation; Brushless DC Aerospace Motors (Multiple HP and Fractional HP variants) and Brushed DC Aerospace Motors for motive force; Aerospace Controllers for motor, temperature, and system control; Aerospace Switches including solid state and time delay relays; Aerospace Sensors including current, temperature, and voltage sensors; PCB Assemblies for motor control and avionics; Lightning Protection modules; and Aircraft Heated Static Ports. These products serve Part 23/25 fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, and UAV platforms across commercial, military, and general aviation markets. Lee Air also operates an FAA/EASA Part 145 Repair Station for product support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Brushless DC Aerospace Motors Multiple HP Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Aerospace Motors designed for Direct Drive Hydraulic Pump (10HP, 60V at +89% Efficiency convection cooled), Direct Mount Vapor Cycle System (5 HP at +90% Efficiency), and Gear Driven Vapor Cycle System (3.5 HP at +90% Efficiency). All motors undergo extensive RTCA/DO-160 qualification testing. Designed for aerospace applications requiring scalable, high-efficiency brushless motors.
• Fractional HP Brushless DC Motors 1 1/4 inch Brushless DC Motor line with precision wound Stators and Hall Effect position feedback. Available with Friction Brake for Ballscrew Landing Gear Actuator and with Tachometer for Power Screw Brake Actuator configurations for reliable aerospace applications requiring long life and precise position feedback.
• Brushed DC Aerospace Motors 7/8 inch square Matrix Line of Brush Motors designed for accompanying Trim Actuators, with optional brush frequency noise suppression available via integrated bolt-on PCB filter assembly for aerospace use.
• Linear Actuators Industry-leading Linear Actuators including Acme Thread and Ballscrew/Nut Power Screw Actuators. Product variants include High Speed Linear Aerospace Actuator for UAV brake systems, Aerospace Landing Gear Linear Actuator for Business Jet, Turboprop & UAV, and Active Winglet Linear Actuator for load alleviation.
• Rotary Actuators Rotary Actuators for aerospace applications including Pilot/Copilot Seat Height Adjustment Actuator for Business Jet & Turboprop, Cockpit Bleed Air Valve Actuator for Military Trainer, and Cloaking Door Actuator for Commercial or Military Reconnaissance Jet.
• Aerospace Controllers Purpose built Aerospace Controllers including High Current Brushless DC Aerospace Motor Controller for Military UAV (190A max intermittent, 28V Analog Control), Windshield Temperature Controller, Vapor Cycle System Controller (112A Continuous, DO-178B Level E), and Landing Gear Controller for Military Rotary Wing Aircraft.
• Aerospace Switches Purpose built Aerospace Switches including Aircraft Auxiliary Lighting, Aircraft Time Delay Relay (DPDT contacts rated 1 to 25 AMP, delays from 0.1 to 1800 seconds), Solid State Switch 10 ADC, and Solid State 85 ADC for horizontal tail de-ice system.
• Aerospace Sensors Purpose built Aerospace Sensors including Aerospace Calibrated Shunts (converts electrical current to voltage signal), Aerospace Current Sensors (DC types for pitot/static heaters, fuel pumps; AC types for Ground Fault detection), Aerospace Temperature Sensors (thermistor based, epoxy encapsulated), and Aircraft Under Voltage Sensor.
• PCB Assemblies Purpose Built Aerospace Printed Circuit Boards for high current motor and actuator controls. Products include Aerospace Servo Motor/Gearbox, High Current Brushless Aerospace Motor for Vapor Cycle System, Aircraft Active Winglet Actuator Controller, Aerospace Brushless Motor Landing Gear Actuator, Aircraft Flap System, and Aerospace High Current Brush Motor. Built with 30+ year history of quality and performance.
• Aerospace Lightning Protection Purpose Built Aerospace Lightning Protection including Aircraft Protection Module (75ADC continuous, 14 independent channels rated 5ADC to 20ADC), In-Series Protection Module with Resistor (12 independent channels rated .10ADC to 3ADC), and In-Series Component Protection (rated at 5KW to 300KW), designed to mount directly into aircraft wire harness.
• Anti-Skid Brake Systems Anti-skid braking systems for general aviation, military, and UAS markets. Provides electronically controlled power brake systems with or without anti-skid control, including for unmanned aircraft, offering weight reduction and high response rates for demanding aerospace environments.
• UAV Remote Braking Systems UAV Remote Braking Systems developed in partnership with Mecaer Aviation Group, designed, built, conformed and tested under RTCA/DO-160G requirements with ongoing field endurance testing. Includes Right Main & Nose Landing Gear UAV Brake and Left Main Landing Gear UAV Brake with integrated control and master cylinder.
• Aircraft Heated Static Port Aircraft Heated Static Port providing Static Air Pressure connection to Air Data Computer/Altimeter for Business Jet. Features heated construction for Anti-Ice capability, certified for Fuselage installation.
• FAA/EASA Repair Station Services On-site FAA (Certificate # TK2R190L) and EASA (Certificate # EASA.145.4631) certified repair station operations supporting Lee Air-manufactured products, with EASA recognition covering over 20 European countries. UK CAA Part 145 (Certificate # UK.145.50828) also held.
• Contract Manufacturing Services Contract manufacturing services for customer-designed aerospace electronics, including design support, test development, and ongoing product support. Includes serial production of avionics products with 100% on-time delivery rating maintained since 2008 across the AS9100/AS9100D certified facility.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% on-time delivery rating maintained continuously since 2008
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Advent Aircraft SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 December 2025Lee Air acquired the assets of Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc. on December 31, 2025. The acquisition relocates Advent's operations to Lee Air's Wichita facility, enabling Lee Air to expand into anti-skid braking systems for general aviation, military, and UAS markets. Advent's president Ken Goldsmith stated the transaction would help their braking systems realize full market potential.
• Tamarack AerospacemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2017Collaborative development brought Citation Active Winglet performance to life through high speed actuation and integrated controls. Partnership yielded innovative winglet load alleviation system.
• Aerospace Systems & Components (ASC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2016Joint development with ASC to address control and metering of bleed air for tandem cockpit. Partnership combined Lee Air's electrical and mechanical engineering expertise with ASC's valve flow expertise for Scorpion aircraft servo controlled valve assembly.
• Mecaer Aviation GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership developed innovative next generation UAV Remote Braking System. System was designed, built, conformed and tested under RTCA/DO-160G requirements and continues to undergo endurance testing in the field.
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)minorOthersSupplier to DLA for safety relief valves used on F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. Contract valued at approximately $1.73 million with base year plus four option years. Lee Air is one of multiple suppliers alongside Essex Industries and Delta Technologies.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Moog Inc. Moog is a global designer and manufacturer of high-performance precision motion control products including motors, actuators, and servo systems for aerospace and defense. Directly comparable to Lee Air's motor, actuator, and electromechanical systems offerings, though operating at substantially larger scale and broader portfolio.
• Crane Aerospace & Electronics: Crane A&E manufactures sensing, utility, and power management systems for aerospace and defense, including sensors, switches, and electronic components. Direct peer to Lee Air in the aerospace components space with overlapping product categories such as sensors, switches, and PCB assemblies.
• Woodward (now part of GE Aerospace): Woodward designs and manufactures energy control and optimization solutions including motors, actuators, and control electronics for aerospace. Directly comparable to Lee Air's electromechanical systems and motor controller offerings, particularly in military and UAV applications.
• AMETEK Aerospace & Defense: AMETEK Aerospace & Defense designs and manufactures a wide range of aerospace electromechanical components, sensors, and motors. Closely comparable to Lee Air's motor, sensor, and controller product portfolio serving fixed-wing, rotary, and UAV platforms.

Broad incumbents

• Safran Electrical & Power: Safran is a major global aerospace supplier with an electrical systems division producing motors, generators, and power conversion systems. Comparable to Lee Air's motor and controller offerings, but operating at a much larger scale across both civil and military aerospace.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest Tier-1 suppliers of avionics, propulsion, and electromechanical systems globally. Comparable in terms of serving aircraft OEMs with certified, safety-critical components, but at vastly greater scale and with a much broader portfolio.
• TransDigm Group: TransDigm owns numerous aerospace component businesses producing proprietary, sole-source parts including electromechanical and control components. Comparable to Lee Air's niche supplier model of certified aerospace components, but operating across many subsidiaries and at much larger scale.
• Collins Aerospace (RTX): Collins Aerospace is a Tier-1 supplier of avionics, flight controls, landing gear, and electromechanical systems for commercial and military aircraft. Comparable to Lee Air in actuation and control systems, but operating as a broad incumbent with global scale.
• Eaton Aerospace: Eaton's Aerospace division manufactures fluid power, electrical, and motion control systems for aircraft. Comparable to Lee Air in electromechanical actuation and switching product categories, though with a much broader product portfolio and global footprint.
• Parker Hannifin Aerospace: Parker Aerospace is a major Tier-1 supplier of flight control, hydraulic, and electromechanical systems for commercial and military aircraft. Overlaps with Lee Air's actuation, motor, and control products but operates as a broad incumbent across many aircraft subsystems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LeeAirInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lee-air-inc

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Lee Air