Carleton Life Support Systems Inc. - Cobham plc finalizes purchase of Life Support

Since pilots have had the need to breathe at high altitudes, Carleton Life Support Systems Inc. has been there for them, providing oxygen enriched air and committing to the safety of their mission.
Carleton Life Support Systems is a world leader in the application of air separation technology for aviation applications and in the design and manufacture of miniature sterling cycle cryogenic coolers. Bendix Aviation founded the company in 1951 and the sold the facility to Litton Industries in 1982. Northrop Grumman Corporation acquired Litton Industries in 2001 and then in August 2003, divested the Life Support division, based in Davenport, IA, to Cobham plc, Dorsett, United Kingdom. Carleton Life Support is now part of the Carleton Technologies family of companies owned by Cobham.
Since its inception, Carleton Life Support has continually challenged its employees by encouraging forward thinking and maintaining its leadership role in advanced technology for military and commercial products. Life Support has developed an attention for details and prides itself on its rich history and reputation for excellence. Today, that persistence and innovation has transformed Carleton Life Support into a world-class operation that is on the forefront of superior new technology and continued market leadership.

Friday, August 22, 2003

Cobham plc finalizes purchase of Life Support

Litton Systems Inc., Life Support Division, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation, 2734 Hickory Grove Rd., Davenport, has been acquired by Cobham plc, Wimborne, Dorset, United Kingdom.

The finalization of this purchase was announced Monday and Life Support’s new name is Carleton Life Support Systems Inc, as it becomes a member of the growing Carleton Technologies Inc. family of companies.

Life Support was founded in 1951 by Bendix Aviation. In 1982, the facility was purchased by Litton Industries and in 2001, Litton Industries was purchased by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Acknowledged as the world leader in air separation technology for aircraft application, Life Support is the world’s leading manufacturer of all airborne on-board oxygen generating systems (OBOGS) and on-board inert gas generating systems (OBIGGS). Complementing these systems are state-of-the-art oxygen monitors and oxygen regulators.

As a result of Life Support’s experience as manufacturers of precision instruments and gas handling devices, they have quickly emerged as a leader in the development and manufacture of miniature cryogenic coolers for infrared thermal imaging systems for military products, ranging from TOW night sights to sophisticated surveillance cameras.

Life Support continues to expand its market presence by using air separation technology to launch the division into new markets as well.