Erickson to manufacture Seeker surveillance aircraft

PORTLAND, Ore., 2 March 2015. Seeker Aircraft Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has selected Erickson Inc. (NASDAQ:EAC), a global provider of aviation services in Portland, Oregon, to manufacture the Seeker Aircraft in the U.S.

The Seeker Aircraft is a one-of-a-kind, purpose-built light observation aircraft specifically designed and developed for aerial surveillance missions. The aircraft is capable of stable, slow flight, can carry a variety of sensors, and is well suited for various applications, ranging from border patrol, law enforcement, and natural disasters to pipeline and powerline surveillance.

“The Seeker provides unparalleled observational capabilities over both austere environments and urban terrain,” says Seeker Aircraft CEO David Pohlman. “To ensure the quality of the Seeker’s construction meets the demands of its end users, we are very pleased to have a partner whose dedication to excellence assures us of producing a top quality aircraft.”

Erickson is teaming with Seeker Aircraft to deliver this special purpose airplane in volume.

“Our mission is to provide the safest, most capable and cost effective observation aircraft on the light aircraft market today. Our mission is driven by the growing demand for real-time information across diverse industries and government services,” Pohlman continues.

Erickson offers integrated manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance capabilities and is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and partner for leading helicopter OEMs. Erickson’s manufacturing and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organization is certified by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). For more than 40 years, Erickson Incorporated has been a provider of aircraft manufacturing maintenance and development.

“We are looking forward to manufacturing the Seeker product at Erickson. In addition to the work we do with legacy aircraft and OEM parts manufacturing, full scale aircraft production is a seamless fit into our operations,” explains Kerry Jarandson, vice president of manufacturing and MRO at Erickson Incorporated.

Seeker Aircraft Inc. is based in Albuquerque, N.M., and the original equipment manufacturer for the SB7L-360A and SB7L-360A2 Seeker.

The Seeker is a versatile, one-of-a-kind, light observation aircraft that was specifically designed and developed for surveillance missions. This fixed-wing aircraft provides a cost-effective solution for missions requiring short take-off and landing capabilities, easy maintenance in the field, and excellent cockpit visibility.

Seekers are currently flying missions in Australia, Jordan, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Tanzania, UAE, Iraq, Yemen, China, and the U.S. with the New Mexico State Police, among others. In development since 1993, Seeker Aircraft Inc. manufactures, distributes, and supports the Seeker worldwide.

Erickson is a global provider of aviation services and operates, maintains, and manufactures utility aircraft to safely transport and place people and cargo around the world. The company is self-reliant, multifaceted, and operates in remote locations under challenging conditions specializing in Global Defense and Security, Manufacturing and MRO, and Commercial Services (firefighting, HVAC, power line, construction, timber harvesting, oil and gas, and specialty lift). With roots dating back to 1960, Erickson operates a fleet of approximately 80 aircraft, is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and operates in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia.