Name

Copperchase

Legal name

Copperchase Limited

Website

https://copperchase.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Traffic Control Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs) (IMAGAJAI)

Keywords

• Air traffic control systems
• ATC messaging solutions
• Flight data management
• Aviation weather systems
• Aerodrome ground lighting

Headquarters

HQ city

Cramlington

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. ATC Systems and Products: Sale of integrated ATC hardware and software systems including AMHS, FDMS, METSYS, ATIS, AGL, voice communications, and related equipment. Products range from complete turn-key solutions to individual components like the Zebra ZD410 Flight Progress Strip Printer.
2. Installation and Project Management: Professional installation services for ATC systems including infrastructure cabling, equipment setup, system integration with existing infrastructure, and comprehensive project management from initial consultation through final delivery.
3. Consultation and System Design: Expert consultancy services for ATC system design, requirements analysis, architecture definition, and regulatory compliance. Includes support for safety case development and aviation risk assessment.
4. Maintenance and Support: Ongoing post-installation support, maintenance services, equipment repairs, and technical support to ensure uninterrupted performance of critical aviation systems.
5. Training Services: Comprehensive ATC training programs including operator training, maintenance and technical training, system administration training, and customized curriculum development for operational personnel.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Copperchase designs, supplies and supports integrated Air Traffic Control systems and turn-key solutions for airports, ANSPs and military operators. Its product suite covers aeronautical messaging (AMHS/AFSWITCH), flight data management (FDMS), meteorological processing (METSYS), terminal information broadcast (ATIS), aerodrome ground lighting control, voice communications (TCS990), electronic flight strips, direction finding, simulators, beacons and emergency voice systems. The company delivers these systems alongside professional services including system design, installation, project management, maintenance, training, IFP design and aviation safety case development.

Product overview

Copperchase is a UK-based provider of integrated Air Traffic Control (ATC) solutions offering turn-key systems, products, and services. The product portfolio centres on ATC data and communications systems including FDMS (Flight Data Management System) for flight strip management, METSYS for meteorological data processing, ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) for terminal broadcasts, AGL Control & Monitoring for airfield lighting, AMHS (Aeronautical Message Handling System) for modern aviation messaging, AFSWITCH for legacy AFTN message switching, and MEP TCS990 Voice Communication Control System for radio/telephone communications. Additional products include Direction Finding Systems, Electronic Flight Strips, ATC Simulators, Aerodrome Beacons, Emergency Voice Communication Systems, and Clearance to Land Indicators. The company also resells third-party meteorological equipment (Vaisala BWS500 Weather Station, WRS400 Weather Radar, sensors), Zebra printers, and Sennheiser headsets. Services encompass Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) Design, Safety Case Development, System Design, ATC Training, Project Management, Consultation, Installation, and Equipment Maintenance. The portfolio operates as a modular suite where core systems (FDMS, METSYS, ATIS, AMHS, voice communications) can be deployed individually or as an integrated solution, supported by consulting and training services throughout the project lifecycle.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FDMS - Flight Data Management System Provides ATC staff with tools to manage flight information and generate flight strips, with AFTN Router communications, FLP database and automatic modification tracking.
• METSYS - Meteorological Processing System Meteorological data collection and display system aggregating weather data from field sensors for aviation operations, integrating Vaisala BWS500, WRS400 and WXT530 sensors.
• ATIS - Automatic Terminal Information Service Automated broadcast system providing pilots with essential operational information including weather conditions, runway status and notices to airmen, available via VHF or dedicated telephone.
• AGL Control & Monitoring System Aerodrome Ground Lighting control and monitoring system with modular construction enabling continuous operation and seamless changeover in component failure scenarios.
• Direction Finding System Direction finding antenna system for ATC communications and aircraft positioning support.
• AFSWITCH - AFTN Message Switching System Automated Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network message switching system with mirrored file servers and resilient Ethernet LANs for continuous non-stop operation.
• AMHS - Aeronautical Message Handling System Advanced message handling system using X.400 technology for transmission of operational messages, supporting structured data exchange, binary information transmission and AMHS gateway functionality for AFTN interoperability.
• MEP TCS990 Voice Communication Control System Digital voice communication system providing ATC radio and telephone communications, ED-137 compliant with modular architecture for future IP and telephone connectivity.
• Electronic Flight Strips Electronic flight strip system replacing paper-based flight progress strip management with digital strip generation and tracking.
• ATC Simulator Training simulator for ATC personnel including 3D Micronav simulator for advanced controller training exercises.
• Aerodrome Beacon Visual navigation aid providing rotating beacon for aircraft identification and approach guidance.
• ATC Clock System Precision timing system for ATC operations synchronising flight data and operational procedures.
• CLI - Clearance to Land Indicator Visual landing clearance indicator providing green light signal to pilots confirming landing authorisation from ATC.
• IFP Design - Instrument Flight Procedure Design Design service for instrument flight procedures including SID, STAR, ILS, RNAV, VOR and NDB approaches with regulatory compliance and obstacle analysis.
• Safety Case Development Aviation safety case development service including hazard identification, risk assessment, compliance with ICAO SARPs and CAP 670, and regulatory approval support.
• ATC Training Services Comprehensive training programmes for operators, technical staff and system administrators covering Copperchase systems including AGL, METSYS, ATIS, FDMS and AFTN/AMHS.
• System Design Air traffic control system design service translating operational requirements into technical architecture with modularity, scalability and compliance focus.
• Project Management End-to-end project management from initial consultation through design, planning, execution, quality assurance, to final delivery and post-project support.
• Consultation Services Aviation consulting services providing guidance on project initiation, technology selection and regulatory compliance.
• Installation Services Professional ATC system installation services ensuring precise deployment of critical aviation technology.
• Equipment Repairs & Maintenance Expert equipment maintenance and repair services to ensure peak performance and uninterrupted aviation operations.
• Post Installation Support & Maintenance Ongoing support and maintenance services extending beyond installation to ensure long-term system reliability.
• Emergency Voice Communication System Emergency communication system for airport crash alarm and emergency coordination, compliant with ED-137B EUROCAE standard.
• Four Radio Control Panel Radio control panel enabling ATC operators to manage multiple radio frequencies simultaneously.
• Line Communications Equipment Ground-based line communication equipment for ATC tower operations and pilot-controller communications.
• Vaisala BWS500 Weather Station Compact scalable airport weather station integrating sensors for detailed weather, air quality and road condition data with Vaisala cloud connectivity, integrated with Copperchase METSYS.
• Vaisala WRS400 Weather Radar Dual-polarisation X-band solid-state radar for high-resolution short-range meteorological surveillance at airports.
• Zebra ZD410 Flight Progress Strip Printer Desktop label printer adapted as flight progress strip printer for small to medium airports, complementing the IER range with compact form factor.
• Sennheiser Headsets Professional aviation headsets for ATC operators providing clear audio communication in high-noise environments.
• AWOS - Automated Weather Observing System Automated weather observation system delivering real-time continuous meteorological data for flight scheduling and safety decisions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of UK airports (civil and military) use Copperchase solutions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• NATScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with NATS (UK's leading Air Navigation Service Provider) for delivery of Emergency Voice Communication Systems. Successfully installed and commissioned EVCS at Aberdeen, Luton, and Southampton airports. Also collaborated on MEP TCS990 VCCS for London Heliport at Battersea. Partnership enables delivery of integrated ATC solutions leveraging NATS's position as primary UK ANSP.
• Department of Civil Aviation Mauritius (DCA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner20-year partnership (since 1996) with DCA Mauritius for supply and support of AFTN/AMHS messaging systems at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Originally supplied automated AFTN Message Switching System that replaced manual teletype operations. Partnership has evolved to include AMHS capability with regular upgrades over two decades.
• JotroncoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership for ATC transmitter systems. Jointly delivered ED137-compliant digital transmitter links for customers including Biggin Hill Airport, achieving first completely digital ED137 link in UK without gateways.
• VaisalacoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership for meteorological systems including Weather Station BWS500, Weather Radar WRS400, and WXT530 Series transmitters. Vaisala systems integrated with Copperchase METSYS for comprehensive weather data collection at airports.
• MEPcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with MEP for Voice Communication Control Systems (TCS990). MEP TCS990 deployed at multiple UK airports including London Heliport, Aberdeen, Luton, and Southampton. Systems are ED137 compliant with modular architecture.
• Thinking SpaceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATC furniture partner supplying workstation solutions for ATC tower environments. Thinking Space furniture included in projects such as Gloucestershire Airport ATC systems upgrade.
• Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMajor contract for supply and installation of Voice Communications Systems at four HIAL airports (Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall, Sumburgh). Project due to run until 2020 with Copperchase working closely with HIAL for smooth transition from old to new systems.
• Serco LtdcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContract with Serco Ltd for ATC tower facility upgrades at RAF St Athan in preparation for military to civil airfield transition. Copperchase providing complete renewal of tower facilities and communication systems.
• Grahams (Construction)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction partner for Walney Island Airfield new ATC tower project, collaborating on tower facilities and communication systems renewal.
• Cranfield AirportflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration on UK's first Digital ATC Tower. Copperchase supplied complete ATC data system including AMHS, FDMS, METSYS, ATIS, IDS, crash alarm, and recorder for innovative remote tower concept.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Frequentis: Austrian-headquartered ATC specialist whose portfolio overlaps directly with Copperchase in voice communications (ED-137 VCCS), AMHS/AFTN messaging and tower solutions. Frequentis acquired Comsoft to dominate the AMHS market, making it the most direct global comparable to Copperchase's combined messaging-and-voice offering.
• Comsoft Solutions: Germany-based AMHS/AFTN messaging specialist, now part of Frequentis, that competes head-to-head with Copperchase in aeronautical message handling systems and AMHS gateways—the exact product line called out in Copperchase's AMHSGate/AMHSConnect portfolio.
• ANSART: Dutch ATC systems integrator listed as a Copperchase partner for aviation systems integration. Operates in the same niche of bespoke ATC turn-key deliveries to smaller and regional airports, closely overlapping with Copperchase's target market.

Emerging players

• Searidge Technologies: Canadian digital and remote tower specialist whose APeX and DigiT products target the same early-mover remote-tower pilots that Copperchase's Cranfield deployment competes for. Comparable as a smaller, ATC-specialised challenger building the digital tower category.

Broad incumbents

• NATS: UK's primary Air Navigation Service Provider and a named strategic partner of Copperchase (joint EVCS deployments at Aberdeen, Luton, Southampton). A peer on the systems-integration and tower-communications side, while also being both collaborator and potential alternative supplier to UK airports.
• Raytheon (RTX): US defense/ATC prime supplying surveillance, automation and air traffic management systems to civil and military customers (including USAF bases where Copperchase is also licensed). Competes for large FAA, DoD and international ATC programmes that overlap with Copperchase's defense and civil upgrade deals.
• Thales: Global aerospace and ATC prime with TopSky and integrated tower systems supplied into major airports and ANSPs. Competes with Copperchase for the same ATC upgrade budgets but operates at much larger scale and across surveillance/radar where Copperchase resells rather than competes.
• Indra: Spanish technology group with a large Air Traffic Management division delivering tower, surveillance and voice systems (already a partner/vendor to Copperchase at Ulaanbaatar). Overlaps with Copperchase in voice comms systems, AMHS-adjacent tower integrations, and turn-key ATC delivery to airports worldwide.
• Saab (Air Traffic Management): Saab's ATM business (incorporating Saab Sensis) provides surveillance, surface management and tower solutions. Competes with Copperchase on integrated digital tower and surface/ground lighting-adjacent programmes, though at considerably larger project scale.

Others

• Jotron: Norwegian ATC radio and transmitter manufacturer listed as a Copperchase technology partner (e.g., ED-137 link at Biggin Hill). Comparable as a complementary supplier into the same ATC customers rather than a direct competitor—useful as an ecosystem peer reflecting the channels Copperchase sells into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Copperchase