Flight Data Systems
Flight Data Systems, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, designs and manufactures flight data recorders, handheld download interfaces, and data acquisition units for commercial, military, rotorcraft, and business aviation operators, complemented by certified readout services across 21+ aviation authorities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersKeilor, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Flight Data Systems does
Flight Data Systems, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, designs and manufactures flight data acquisition, recording, and management products for aviation operators worldwide. The company operates from three locations: corporate headquarters in Irving TX, a manufacturing and support facility in Waco TX, and a UK operations site in West Drayton near Heathrow that supports HHMPI rentals and EASA Part 145 readout services. FDS is a subsidiary of Acron Technologies, a portfolio of aviation technology companies serving more than 10,000 customers across 120+ countries.
The core product portfolio consists of four hardware lines: the SENTRY family of ED-112A-certified cockpit voice and flight data recorders (claimed as the world's smallest, lightest, and lowest-power at 4.5 lb in a titanium enclosure with optional integrated RIPS); the HHMPI (Handheld Multipurpose Interface), a portable battery-powered ground support tool supporting 50+ OEM recorder types from L3Harris, Honeywell, Universal, GE, and Acron Aviation; the FDAIU, a form-fit-function drop-in replacement for obsolete ARINC 542A recorders; and MAU modular acquisition units with 24-48 channel configurations. These are complemented by managed readout services (CVR, FDR, DLR compliance verification across 21+ civil aviation authority frameworks with 3-day standard turnaround) and the in-development mySAFR+ cloud platform for fleet management. SENTRY25, a 25-hour CVR/CVFDR variant targeting the ICAO 25-hour mandate, is scheduled for TSO certification in Q3 2026.
FDS generates revenue through hardware sales (one-time purchase of recorders, MAUs, FDAIUs, HHMPI units), professional readout services (recurring compliance verification contracts), flexible HHMPI rental and consignment programs, and OEM licensing agreements. The company sells through 75+ authorized global dealers and distributors supplemented by direct enterprise sales, and serves commercial aviation, rotorcraft, military, business aviation, and emerging UAM segments. Notable multi-year contracts include deals with AvionTEq and SmartLynx Airlines, OEM licensing partnerships with Honeywell and L3Harris, and an AML STC partnership with Canada West Avionics covering 15 OEMs and 75+ aircraft models. The company holds FAA TSO/PMA, EASA Part 145, ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, ICAO, and multiple MIL-STD certifications.
Flight Data Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Flight Data Systems
- Legal name
- Flight Data Systems
- Website
- https://flightdata.aero
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Flight Data Systems, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, designs and manufactures flight data recorders, handheld download interfaces, and data acquisition units for commercial, military, rotorcraft, and business aviation operators, complemented by certified readout services across 21+ aviation authorities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Flight Data Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Flight Data Recorders
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), Fixed-Wing Aircraft Conversion & Modification (STC/Completions) (IMABAAAI)
Keywords
Where Flight Data Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Keilor
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
Flight Data Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of flight data recorders (SENTRY, SENTRY25), Modular Acquisition Units, FDAIUs, and HHMPI devices. One-time hardware purchase model with various configuration options.
- Readout Services: CVR, FDR, and DLR readout services providing regulatory compliance verification. Turnaround in 3 business days or less with 24/7 AOG support. Certified to FAA, EASA, ICAO and 21+ regulatory frameworks. Supports 450+ recorder databases across 100+ airframes.
- HHMPI Rentals and Consignment: Flexible HHMPI access through purchase, weekly/daily rentals (encrypted and unencrypted options), or consignment programs for annual readout services customers.
- Licensing Agreements: Technology licensing partnerships enabling HHMPI data extraction from third-party recorders including Honeywell HCR-25 and L3Harris SRVIVR25.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Rental - Legacy recorder support |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Rental - 25-hour CVR support |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | On-site Rental with Readout Services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Flight Data Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Flight Data Systems designs, manufactures, and supports flight data acquisition and recording hardware—including the ED-112A-certified SENTRY recorder family, the HHMPI handheld download tool, MAU modular acquisition units, and FDAIU legacy-replacement units—and delivers FAA/EASA/ICAO-certified CVR, FDR, and DLR readout and verification services to commercial, rotorcraft, military, and business aviation operators worldwide.
Product overview
Flight Data Systems provides an end-to-end portfolio of flight data acquisition, recording, and management products and services for commercial, rotorcraft, military, and urban air mobility platforms. The product suite centers on four core hardware lines: the SENTRY recorder family (CVR, FDR, CVFDR with optional RIPS), the HHMPI handheld download interface, the FDAIU legacy recorder upgrade unit, and the MAU modular acquisition system. These are complemented by managed readout services (CVR/FDR/DLR compliance verification) and a cloud fleet management platform (mySAFR+). Products support leading OEM recorders including L3Harris, Honeywell, Universal, GE, and Acron Aviation, and are certified to DO-160G, DO-254, ED-112A, and TSO standards across multiple civil aviation authority frameworks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HHMPI: Handheld Multipurpose Interface - a portable tool designed for seamless data extraction from Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders.
- SENTRY Recorders
- MAU
- FDAIU
- Readout Services
- SENTRY25
- mySAFR+
Products and services
- SENTRY Recorders ED-112A-certified cockpit voice and flight data recorders (CVR, FDR, combined CVFDR) in a titanium enclosure, marketed as the world's smallest, lightest, and lowest-power certified recorder family at 4.5 lb (2 kg). Supports Ethernet, ARINC-717, ARINC-429, RS-422/485, analog/discrete inputs, and 4 configurable audio channels; optional integrated 10-minute RIPS; certified for commercial, rotorcraft, military, and AAM platforms.
- HHMPI (Handheld Multipurpose Interface) Portable, battery-powered ground support tool for downloading and verifying data from cockpit voice and flight data recorders. V3 supports over 100 airframes and 50+ OEM recorder types including L3Harris, Honeywell, Universal, GE, and Acron Aviation; features 4.3-inch touchscreen, 32GB memory, live ARINC 717 data monitoring, and 25-hour CVR download support. Available for purchase, rental, or consignment.
- FDAIU (Flight Data Acquisition & Interface Unit) Retrofit unit replacing obsolete ARINC 542A flight data recorders by converting analog inputs into ARINC 717 digital output signals. Direct form, fit, and function replacement requiring no aircraft modifications; compatible with ARINC 757 and 747 Short 1/2 ATR recorders. Includes optional ARINC 429 output, real-time clock for GMT reference, and supports discrete, synchro, DC, and TAT inputs; weight savings up to 12 lbs versus legacy systems.
- MAU (Modular Acquisition Units) Compact, standalone flight data acquisition units supporting 24 channels per expansion module (expandable to 48 channels). Outputs data via ARINC 429 and ARINC 717 with optional Quick Access Recorder (QAR) module; supports analog, digital, CSDB, and discrete signal inputs; 1.5 lb (0.68 kg); installable in any orientation including unpressurized environments.
- Readout Services Regulatory-compliant CVR, FDR, and DLR readout and verification services certified to FAA, EASA, ICAO, and 21+ national civil aviation authorities (including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, UAE, San Marino, and Canada TCCA). Supports over 450 fixed-wing and rotorcraft databases across 100+ airframes; standard turnaround under 3 business days with 24-hour rush and 48-hour priority options; 24/7 AOG support. Includes incident reports, parameter correlation, audio intelligibility analysis, and FANS 1/A and ATN B1 DLR messaging reports.
- HHMPI Rentals Short-term rental program for HHMPI units. Standard rental configured for legacy recorders (FA2100, UASC, SSFDR/SSCVR, MPFR); premium rental supports SRVIVR25, HCR-25, and KAPTURE 25-hour recorders. On-site rental includes up to 5 hours of support with electronic readout delivery within 24 hours. Daily, weekly, and monthly options; consignment available for annual readout services customers (minimum 25 readouts).
Quantifiable outcome
- Readout turnaround in 3 business days or less with 24/7 AOG support
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Flight Data Systems
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Flight Data Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Flight Data Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.
- Honeywell Aerospace TechnologiescoreLicensing agreement enabling Flight Data Systems' HHMPI to retrieve data from Honeywell's HCR-25 cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. This partnership minimizes maintenance duration and expenses while enhancing data accessibility for airlines, operators, and MRO providers. HHMPI already supports nearly all Honeywell flight recorders.
- Honeywell Aerospace TechnologiescoreFlight Data Systems partnered with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies in March 2025 to improve aviation maintenance through enhanced flight data accessibility, as part of the aerospace data recorder market developments.
- L3Harris Commercial Aviation DivisioncoreLicensing partnership for SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders. Flight Data Systems became the first third-party entity granted license for extracting data from SRVIVR25 recorders. The SRVIVR25 is the leading 25-hour cockpit voice recorder line-fit on all new Airbus platforms.
- Canada West AvionicscorePartnership for AML Supplemental Type Certificate for SENTRY CVR with RIPS. Canada West Avionics achieved Part 25 AML STC covering 15 OEMs including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream for over 75 popular aircraft models. Also holds Part 23 AML STC and TCCA CAR 561 Manufacturing Approval.
- SmartLynx AirlinesstrategicThree-year partnership providing HHMPI and readout services for SmartLynx's Airbus A320, A321, A321F, A330, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet. SmartLynx is an ACMI, freight, and charter service provider with extensive global operations.
- AvionTEqstrategicMulti-year, multi-million-dollar contract for HHMPI and readout services supporting AvionTEq's Ground Support Test Equipment and Tooling business. AvionTEq is a high-quality aircraft avionics solutions provider serving leading aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and maintenance facilities for two decades.
- Acron TechnologiescoreFlight Data Systems is part of Acron Technologies, a connected ecosystem of aviation and technology leaders including Acron Aviation, FreeFlight Systems, APS Aerospace, SKYTRAC Systems, ACR Electronics, and others serving over 10,000 customers in more than 120 countries.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Flight Data Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris manufactures the SRVIVR25 — the leading 25-hour CVR line-fit on all new Airbus platforms. Direct competitor in flight data recording and simultaneously a licensing partner granting FDS data extraction rights to the SRVIVR25, making it the most directly comparable peer.
- Honeywell Aerospace Technologies: Honeywell produces the HCR-25 cockpit voice and flight data recorder. Like L3Harris, it is both a competitor in recorders and a licensing partner enabling HHMPI to read Honeywell recorders — a critical peer given overlapping customer base and the 25-hour CVR upgrade cycle.
- Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solutions division supplies rugged flight data recorders, mission computers, and avionics data acquisition systems for military and commercial platforms, making it a broad incumbent peer in flight data recording.
- Safran Electronics & Defense: Safran (via Safran Electronics & Defense and formerly Zodiac Aerospace) produces flight data and cockpit voice recorders for commercial aircraft, including offerings integrated into Airbus platforms, directly overlapping with FDS's commercial aviation segment.
- Leonardo DRS: Leonardo (through Leonardo DRS and its aerial systems division) supplies avionics and flight recording equipment for military and rotorcraft platforms — directly overlapping with FDS's military and rotorcraft customer segments.
- Teledyne Technologies: Teledyne's instrumentation and digital imaging segments supply flight data acquisition and recording subsystems for aerospace and defense applications, with comparable certifications and customer overlap in military aviation.
Direct peers
- Universal Avionics: Universal Avionics (an Elbit Systems subsidiary) manufactures flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders targeted at business aviation and helicopters, directly overlapping with FDS's rotorcraft and business aviation segments.
- AvionTEq: AvionTEq supplies avionics ground support equipment and tooling to airlines and MROs — directly comparable to FDS's HHMPI rental and readout services business. AvionTEq is also a multi-year, multi-million-dollar FDS customer.
- Acron Aviation: Acron Aviation is a sister company within the Acron Technologies portfolio providing avionics and flight data solutions. Direct peer due to overlapping product lines, customer base, and shared regulatory and distribution infrastructure.
- FreeFlight Systems: FreeFlight Systems, another Acron Technologies sister company, supplies avionics including ADS-B and flight data equipment for general aviation and rotorcraft. Shares leadership and engineering with FDS, making it a tightly comparable peer.
Market position
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Flight Data Systems social profiles
Digital presenceFlight Data Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance17 records
Flight Data Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Flight Data Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Flight Data Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Flight Data Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Flight Data Systems
What does Flight Data Systems do?
Flight Data Systems designs, manufactures, and supports flight data acquisition and recording hardware—including the ED-112A-certified SENTRY recorder family, the HHMPI handheld download tool, MAU modular acquisition units, and FDAIU legacy-replacement units—and delivers FAA/EASA/ICAO-certified CVR, FDR, and DLR readout and verification services to commercial, rotorcraft, military, and business aviation operators worldwide.
Is Flight Data Systems a public or private company?
Flight Data Systems is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Flight Data Systems founded?
Flight Data Systems was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Flight Data Systems based?
Flight Data Systems is headquartered in Keilor, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Flight Data Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are readout Services, HHMPI Rentals and Consignment and licensing Agreements.
Who are Flight Data Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are L3Harris Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, Safran Electronics & Defense, Leonardo DRS and Teledyne Technologies. Direct peers are Universal Avionics, AvionTEq, Acron Aviation and FreeFlight Systems.
Does Flight Data Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Flight Data Systems.
What industry is Flight Data Systems in?
Flight Data Systems's product category is Aviation Flight Data Recorders. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAFAN, Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment, with a secondary code of IMABAMAE, Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.