What FACTEM does

FACTEM is a privately held French SME headquartered in Bayeux, Normandy, that designs and manufactures electroacoustic communication equipment for aerospace, defence, naval, and industrial customers. The company traces its expertise to SAGEM DEFENSE & SECURITY (established 1924), operates the GENEPHONE® trademark for sound-powered telephones that require no external energy source, and runs an in-house test infrastructure including a 42 m³ six-sided anechoic chamber, reverberation chamber, HATS simulator, and EMC chamber.

The product portfolio is organised by environment — Air, Sea, and Land — and centres on aviation headsets (FL20, EF7, CL3, AVS/AVP, Flight Deck Helmet with 35 dB attenuation), tactical handsets (S2000/C2020, IP68, MIL-STD-810G), the RSM80 remote speaker microphone, GENEPHONE® sound-powered telephones, intercoms and handsets, naval equipment (G626, MIC200, WICS wireless audio link), and industrial magnetic switches. Active noise reduction is a core technology asset, with the CL3 delivering 30+ dB at low frequencies. Roughly 25% of the workforce (17 engineers and technicians) is dedicated to R&D, absorbing nearly 12% of annual revenue, and the company is pursuing adjacent programmes such as OWL optical wireless communication (with PURELIFI and XLIM, tested on an A350 simulator), the EU-cofunded OASIS seat-level noise-reduction system, and COCOTIER/TOUCANS pilot physiological and EEG monitoring.

FACTEM monetises primarily through direct B2B sales of certified hardware to aerospace primes (Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, Safran, Dassault Aviation) and defence integrators (Thales, Naval Group, DGA, Marine Nationale), supported by an e-commerce storefront for accessories and a small acoustic-testing services revenue stream. Pricing for enterprise equipment is quote-based on multi-year contracts, while accessories are unit-priced. The firm holds EN 9100, ISO 9001, AQAP 2110D, EASA PART 145, EASA PART 21G, ETSO, AIR CYBER SILVER, and ECOVADIS Silver (2024, renewed 2025) certifications, and reports revenue of approximately €17M with around 80 employees.

Name

FACTEM

Legal name

FACTEM

Website

https://factem.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FACTEM is a French designer and manufacturer of electroacoustic communication equipment — headsets, helmets, handsets, and sound-powered telephones — serving aerospace, defence, naval, and industrial customers across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace and Defense Communication Equipment

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing (33421), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)

SIC

Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus (3661), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF)

Keywords

• Aerospace communication equipment
• Military aviation headsets
• Electroacoustic communication systems
• Active noise reduction technology
• Naval intercom equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Bayeux

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Communication Equipment: Sale of electroacoustic communication equipment including headsets, handsets, intercoms, microphones, loudspeakers, and accessories. Products are sold directly through e-commerce platform and via sales contact for enterprise orders.
2. Acoustic Testing Services: FACTEM offers acoustic testing services using their specialized facilities (anechoic chamber, reverberation chamber, HATS, EMC chamber) with or without technical assistance from their trained teams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FACTEM designs and manufactures electroacoustic communication equipment including aviation headsets, flight deck helmets, tactical handsets, remote speaker microphones, intercoms, microphones and loudspeakers, and the proprietary GENEPHONE® sound-powered telephone systems for civil aviation, military aviation, naval and land defense, and industrial applications. All design, industrialization, manufacturing and operational maintenance activities are performed in-house at the Bayeux, France facility, with active and passive noise reduction, ATEX, IP68, MIL-STD-810G, ETSO and AIR CYBER compliant variants.

Product overview

FACTEM designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of electroacoustic communication equipment organized across three sectors: Air (civil and military aviation), Sea (naval), and Land (civil and military ground). The product portfolio centers on communication headsets (FL20, EF7, CL3, AVS/AVP, Flight Deck Helmets), tactical communication devices (RSM80 Remote Speaker Microphone, Tactical Handsets S2000/C2020), and the GENEPHONE brand of sound-powered communication systems (telephones, intercoms, handsets, headsets) that operate without external power. Supporting products include naval equipment (G626 Intercom, Handheld Microphone, MIC200 recording system), the WICS wireless audio system, industrial magnetic switches/inductors, and the PVA100 voice amplifier. The FL20 headset is certified to ETSO/TSO C139A standards and recommended by Airbus, while the GENEPHONE trademark represents over 70 years of expertise in self-powered communication technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GENEPHONE®: Iconic registered trademark for the Sound Power Telephone product line, allowing audio communication between multiple interlocutors located several kilometers away without any energy input other than the pressure of speech on high-performance transducers.

Products and services

• FL20 Headset (Civil Aviation) Lightweight communication headset for aviation use offered in three versions - FL20-IA (active noise reduction 20dB with differential noise-canceling microphone), FL20-P (passive with noise-canceling microphone), and FL20-L (receiver-only passive). ETSO/TSO C139A certified with 5-year guarantee, retractable earcups and interchangeable components for easy repair.
• EF7 Headset Circum-aural aviation headset built with glass-reinforced plastic, featuring memory foam ear cushions, adjustable headband and flexible boom microphone positionable left or right. Passive noise attenuation with optional active noise reduction, talk-through and Bluetooth. Designed for civil and military aircraft applications.
• CL3 Headset New circumaural headset with active noise reduction exceeding 30dB at low frequencies. ETSO certified under PART 21G for production and PART 145 for maintenance, featuring a microphone positionable on either side and eco-designed with high repairability for optimal comfort during long flights and high-noise environments.
• AVS/AVP Military Aviation Headsets Military aviation headsets offering high ambient sound insulation (AVS at 23dB, AVP at 28dB). Customizable with different receivers, microphones, push-to-talk features, cables and connection plugs. Includes AVS32000, AVP32000, AVS42000, AVP42000, AVS48000 and AVP48000 series variants.
• Flight Deck Helmet (PEH) Military and flight deck helmets featuring the highest acoustic reduction of any FACTEM product at 35dB. Available in three versions - protective, receiver and communication helmets. Highly shock-resistant protective shell available in different colors and fully customizable with various microphone, PTT switch and connector options.
• RSM80 Remote Speaker Microphone Shoulder-worn speaker microphone available in RSM80A (for tactical radio communication) and RSM80W (with integrated battery for security/emergency forces terminals) variants. Rugged construction ensures clear audio transmission in critical situations.
• Tactical Handsets (S2000/C2020) Robust waterproof (IP68) tactical handsets for radio communication in harsh military environments. S2000 series features reinforced polyurethane body with switchable noise-reduction microphone, integrated PTT and detachable cable. C2020 series includes dual PTT for separate/simultaneous two-channel communication, wide frequency range 150Hz-8kHz and MIL-STD-810G compliance.
• ALS125 Loudspeaker Large bandwidth loudspeaker for demanding military operations environments. Can be installed in vehicles, shelters or control rooms, connecting to intercommunication, public address or radio systems. Reproduces messages and sound signals with high fidelity.
• GENEPHONE® Sound-Powered Telephone System Self-generating telephone network allowing audio communication between multiple interlocutors located several kilometers apart without any external power. Uses high-performance transducers activated solely by speech pressure. European leader in this technology for naval and industrial safety communication.
• Sound-Power Handsets Self-powered handsets for civil industrial sector communication in mines, sewer tunnels and underground galleries. Includes thermoplastic (G2100), elastomer (G711) and ATEX-certified thermoplastic (G813A) variants. Communication range from hundreds of meters to 10+ kilometers using only voice-generated energy.
• Sound-Power Headsets Self-powered headsets using AVS and AVP structures for GENEPHONE networks. Available in 2-wire or 3-wire versions with or without push-to-talk button. Operate without battery or external power, enabling communication across several kilometers. Includes AVS45500, AVP45514Z and S7600 series.
• Sound-Power Intercom Devices Intercom switch boxes for GENEPHONE sound-powered communication systems available in 1, 7 and 14-channel configurations. Operates via vocal chord vibrations without power requirements. Features conference mode and ATEX certification options for naval and ground applications.
• G626 Intercom Portable waterproof wired communication interface for Sound Powered Telephone networks. Features PTT, amplified listening and functions as a portable loudspeaker. Operating temperature -20C to +45C, IP54 rating, resistant to falls and salt fog, aluminum body with shoulder strap.
• MIC200 Microphone System Voice and ambient noise capture system for bridges, wheelhouses and control rooms. Manages up to 8 microphones simultaneously with flush ceiling or flexible mounting options. Includes rack unit for signal amplification and adaptation to recorder analog inputs, with adapters for cable lengths up to 200m.
• Handheld Microphone (S5602) Hand microphone for demanding telecommunication environments including control towers and ships. Features amplified differential or electret microphone transducer, coiled or straight output cord, PTT with one or two circuits, metal hook. Operating temperature -20C to +45C, compliant with AIR 8490 and AIR 7304 standards.
• WICS Wireless Audio Communication System Point-to-point wireless audio link system allowing operators to communicate via wireless connection with any intercommunication system. Set includes headset with PTT, wireless box and intercom connection box. Uses Bluetooth with range up to 25 meters for naval and control room applications.
• Magnetic Switches and Inductors Industrial magnetic switches (IM1919, IM1892) and inductors (1922, 1895, 1927) for heavy industry and handling sectors. Enable detection without physical contact or mechanical connections and operate without power source. Used for slow-down/limit detection, position/passage detection and motion control in metallurgy and crane applications.
• PVA100 Personal Voice Amplifier Voice amplification device allowing easy communication with or without sanitary mask. Includes magnetically attached microphone fixed to mask and ultra-lightweight headset to eliminate the need to strain voice to be heard.
• Acoustic Testing Services Acoustic testing services utilizing FACTEM's specialized facilities (42 m³ six-sided anechoic chamber, reverberation chamber, HATS and EMC chamber) for measuring sensitivity, response curves, directivity, insertion loss and intelligibility of electroacoustic devices, available with or without technical assistance from FACTEM's trained acoustic teams.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35 dB acoustic reduction with Flight Deck Helmets (PEH)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• PURELIFIcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2021Scottish company collaborating with FACTEM on OWL (Optical Wireless Communication) technology development. OWL technology provides secure wireless communication for aerospace applications using optical transmission.
• XLIMcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2021French laboratory collaborating on OWL optical wireless communication technology development. The technology was successfully tested in A350 simulator in December 2021.
• AIRBUSflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2021Oversaw the OWL technology development collaboration. Successful A350 simulator tests completed in December 2021. Long-standing supply relationship including FL20 headset contract signed in 2018.
• ARTEAC-LABcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject leader for OASIS (Open Acoustic System for Individual Sound) project, specializing in engineering noise control systems. European co-funded project for aircraft decarbonization.
• LMA (Laboratoire de Mécanique et d'Acoustique)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in OASIS project, focusing on human perception of sound. European co-funded initiative developing electroacoustic solutions for aircraft weight reduction.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a global defense electronics prime whose tactical communications, AN/PRC radios and integrated soldier systems address the same end customers as FACTEM's tactical handsets and headsets. It is a broad incumbent offering complete communications platforms, whereas FACTEM is a specialty audio peripherals supplier.
• Thales Group: Thales is both a FACTEM customer and a broad defense electronics incumbent whose avionics, naval communications and secure radio portfolios overlap with the markets FACTEM serves (air, sea, land). Thales operates at prime-contractor scale, while FACTEM supplies components and subsystems into Thales platforms.
• Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Cobham (now part of Transdigm) supplies tactical communications, audio management and radio integration systems to defense customers worldwide, overlapping with FACTEM's tactical handsets, RSM80 and intercom products. Cobham is a much larger, broader defense electronics incumbent rather than a niche specialist.

Direct peers

• Sennheiser: Sennheiser's aviation headset and professional audio communication products historically competed with FACTEM's FL20 and EF7 in civil aviation cockpits. While Sennheiser exited the consumer aviation headset business, it remains a relevant peer in pro-grade aviation and broadcast audio.
• Gentex Corporation: Gentex is a leading US manufacturer of military flight helmets (HGU-55/P, HGU-56/P) and optical/electronic helmet systems, directly comparable to FACTEM's Flight Deck Helmet (PEH) family. Both companies deliver customisable, high-attenuation helmets for fighter, transport and rotary-wing aircrew.
• Bose Corporation: Bose's aviation headset line (A20, A30) directly competes with FACTEM's FL20, EF7 and CL3 in civil aviation and is the most recognized brand in active noise reduction headsets. Both companies target pilots seeking premium ANR performance, but Bose operates at much larger scale and broader distribution.
• 3M (Peltor): 3M Peltor's ComTac and tactical communications/hearing protection products compete directly with FACTEM's AVS/AVP headsets, RSM80 speaker microphones and C2020 tactical handsets in military and security force markets. Both companies supply rugged, MIL-spec audio communications to defense and security customers worldwide.
• David Clark Company: David Clark is a long-established US manufacturer of aviation headsets (H10-13.4, DC ONE-X) that competes head-to-head with FACTEM's FL20 and EF7 in civil and rotorcraft aviation. The two companies overlap on passive and active noise reduction headsets sold into commercial, business and military aviation channels.
• Lightspeed Aviation: Lightspeed's Zulu and Sierra ANR headsets compete with FACTEM's FL20 and CL3 in the civil and business aviation pilot headset market. Both companies serve the same buyer (pilots and flight departments) with comparable noise reduction and comfort positioning.

Emerging players

• Sonova (Phonak): Sonova, through Phonak, develops professional hearing, voice amplification and wireless communication solutions (e.g., Roger, Phonak Serenity) that increasingly intersect with FACTEM's hearing-protection, ANR and pilot/tactical communication products. Both companies compete in audio clarity, voice amplification and ruggedized personal communication.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about FACTEM