Testing services provider Element has acquired Cobham Technical Services Lightning Testing and Consultancy, a lightning test and consultancy firm based in Abingdon, UK.
The test facility provides lightning testing services and consultancy to the aerospace and defense sectors and is the only commercial laboratory in the UK with the capability to test aero-structures for the effects of direct lightning strikes (DO160/ED14 Section 23 testing).
Its fully-equipped lightning simulation laboratory can also test for indirect effects on electrical equipment and systems, and high voltage testing of antennas and windscreens of up to 500kV. Its team of eleven experts are able to provide consultancy on all stages of aircraft lightning protection design and certification.
Rick Sluiters, executive vice president of aerospace at Element said, ”We are delighted to welcome Cobham Technical Services Lightning Testing and Consultancy, a recognized leader in the lightning test and consultancy business, to Element.
This acquisition adds direct lightning testing to our capabilities, which means that we are now able to offer the full-suite of DO160 services, enabling time-to-market advantages through shorter testing turnaround times – saving our customers time and money.”
In August Element acquired USA-based non-destructive testing services provider Orbit Technologies.
