Cobham plc

Cobham plc () is a British manufacturing company based in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, England. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. As of early 2011, Cobham ranks 33rd on Flight International's list of the Top 100 Top aerospace firms, 35th on the Defense News list of Top 100 defense contractors, and 98th on Washington Technology's list of Top 100 US government contractors.

History

• 1934: Cobham was founded as Flight Refuelling Limited (FRL) by Sir Alan Cobham at RAF Ford in Sussex.
• Shortly after the outbreak of World War II: FRL moved to Tarrant Rushton in Dorset.
• 1948: FRL was the first contractor to join the Berlin airlift.
• 1949: FRL developed the 'probe and drogue' method of air-to-air refuelling.
• 1970s: FRL transferred its aerial operations to Hurn Airport.
• 1996: ML Aviation took over Nash & Thompson, a major competitor.
• September 1997: Cobham bought ML Aviation.
• February 2008: Cobham bought the sensor and antenna systems division of BAE Systems for $240 million.
• June 2008 Cobham acquired Sparta Inc., a US defence business, for $416 million. It was renamed Cobham Analytic Solutions.
• September 2008: Cobham completed the purchase......
...

Read More