The business is expected to have annual sales of approximately $60 million, and will be included in L-3's Sensors and Simulation Group, which is reported in L-3's Specialized Products reportable segment. The acquisition is expected to be slightly accretive to L-3's earnings.

With facilities in Wilmington, MA and Richmond, CA, SSG specializes in optics, telescopes and precision optical subsystems for government, military and commercial customers. The company is a leader in the design and manufacture of high performance optical components, sensors and subsystems for the space and tactical military markets.

SSG's customer base includes Department of Defense (DoD) prime contractors as well as government agencies and laboratories.

SSG provides optical systems and telescopes for space, missile and airborne applications. The company's products include airborne pointing and scanning stabilized mirrors, stabilized gimbals and stabilized lightweight multi-spectral telescopes.

SSG currently provides telescope equipment to the SBIRS-High initiative, mirror assemblies for the laser protection system for the Joint Strike Fighter and optical products to the James Webb Space Telescope and the National Ignition Facility, as well as to several classified space-based imaging initiatives.

The company also is a key product supplier of laser communications subsystems and broadband communications components.

"With technologies that are key enablers of lightweight pods, turret and gimbal electro optical (EO) sensor systems, SSG is an excellent strategic fit for L-3," said Frank C. Lanza, chairman and chief executive officer of L-3 Communications.

"SSG complements our Wescam, Brashear and Sonoma EO businesses and we look forward to adding SSG's technologies to further develop L-3's high performance cost-effective EO sensor portfolio for ground, airborne and space applications."

Mr. Lanza noted SSG's capabilities are synergistic with future government requirements and that as a high performance niche supplier in the electro optical marketplace, SSG has the ability to produce transformational communications and hyperspecteral imaging systems for airborne, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and space platforms.

SSG also is well positioned to provide telescope solutions to Missile Defense Agency (MDA) initiatives, as well as key subsystems to the upcoming Transformational SATCOM Space Segment (TSAT SS) program.

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by Staff Writers