L-3 Communications acquires Airborne Technologies for undisclosed sum

L-3 Communications acquires Airborne Technologies

NEW YORK — Defense contractor L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. said Monday that it has acquired Airborne Technologies, which helps make unmanned aircraft, for an undisclosed sum.

L-3 said the deal was structured as an asset purchase for income tax purposes. Airborne Technologies is expected to generate $20 million of sales for 2010.

The company is a prime contractor on production of air-launched unmanned aerial systems for the Defense Department. It is headquartered in Ashburn, Va. L-3 said the deal will enhance its work in pilotless planes that are in high demand by the military.

Shares of L-3 rose 11 cents to $74.54 in afternoon trading.