Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume II - International: Cobham plc

Sir Alan Cobham founded the company that bears his name in 1934. At that time, Cobham was focused exclusively on air refueling technologies. Today, air-to-air refueling makes up only a small portion of Cobham's business.

The company operates in four divisions - Avionics and Surveillance, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Aviation Services. Through these divisions, the company produces aircraft oxygen, cooling, and escape systems; air-to-air refueling equipment; weapons carriage/release systems; external fuel pods; fuel systems and pumps; ground equipment; ducting; and military countermeasures. In addition, the firm manufactures antennas, radio and microwave communications systems, navigation equipment, and emergency beacons. Finally, its Aviation Services sector provides maintenance, modification, and training services for military aircraft and crews.The company employs approximately 10,690.