Lockheed Martin has announced the acquisition of privately held Procerus Technologies, an Orem, Utah-based company specializing in avionics for micro unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Procerus was founded in 2004.

According to a press release hailing the acquisition, Procerus provides autopilot, targeting and payload technologies for micro UAS to domestic and international governments, as well as industry and academic institutions.

One example is the company’s Kestrel autopilot system (pictured), which is designed as a small and light, yet fully-featured micro autopilot system for surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The Kestrel solution offers intelligent, autonomous flight control of single or multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) complete with GPS waypoint navigation and autonomous takeoff, flight and auto-landing capabilities for mini and micro UAVs.

Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO, Bob Stevens, believes that the acquisition of Procerus is consistent with the firm’s long-term vision.

“This acquisition is consistent with our focus on acquiring capabilities that enhance our product portfolio and align with our customers’ strategic priorities,” he said. “Small unmanned aerial vehicles are low-cost, highly effective tools for our military, and the expertise Procerus brings will enhance the value we offer to our customers.”

Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2) will manage the Procerus business. This division has experience managing unmanned systems such as the Desert Hawk, Persistent Threat Detection System aerostats, K-MAX unmanned helicopter system, and high altitude airship programs.