1964
circa 1980
circa 1980
L-3 Crestview Aerospace traces its roots to the former Fairchild Industries, which opened the Crestview facility with two hangars in 1964.
The company has a rich history of serving the nation by providing critical equipment and services to the military. During the Vietnam War, Fairchild converted C-119s into gunships. It also conducted battle-damage repairs, primarily on F-105s, and maintenance programs on F-105, A10, T-37 and T-38 aircraft. The company has the distinction of converting the F-102 into the first full-scale, after-burning aerial target aircraft.
By 1979, the company shifted from maintenance and modification into manufacturing and, along with it, into the commercial sector. The facility was instrumental in building the Metro III, the world's most successful 19-passenger commuter aircraft.
In 1987, Fairchild sold its aircraft holdings, including Crestview, to private investors who formed Crestview Aerospace Corp. A decline in the commuter airline industry ultimately led to cutbacks in production. By 1990, Crestview was without sufficient cash flow to sustain operations and was placed into involuntary bankruptcy.
The Shanklin family purchased the assets in December 1990 and re-launched the company in 1991 with 13 employees. In December 1994, the company became profitable with the bulk of its work in the military sector.
In June 2006, Crestview Aerospace was acquired by L-3 Communications Corporation, headquartered in New York City. L-3 Crestview Aerospace is located in Crestview, Fla., and is part of L-3 Integrated Systems Group.
About L-3 Integrated Systems
L-3 Integrated Systems Group (L-3 ISG) develops and integrates defense and commercial technology for U.S. and allied customers worldwide. L-3 ISG has more than five decades of experience in the development of complex intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; command and control; and secure communications. It is recognized internationally as a systems integration organization specializing in the modernization and maintenance of aircraft of all sizes. It is a leader in advanced technologies for signal processing, electronic countermeasures, sensor development and aircraft self-protection. Systems provided or maintained by
L-3 ISG help protect military and civilian personnel, bases, assets and national borders throughout the world.
About L-3 Communications
L-3 Communications is a prime system contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. To Learn more about L-3, please visit the company's website at www.L-3com.com.
