This article is based on an official press release from Advent Aircraft Systems and Lee Air, Inc.

Lee Air, Inc. Acquires Advent Aircraft Systems, Consolidating Braking Tech in Wichita

Wichita-based aerospace manufacturers Lee Air, Inc. has officially acquired the assets of Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc., a move that transfers significant anti-skid braking technology and manufacturing operations to the “Air Capital of the World.” The acquisition, which closed on December 31, 2025, was announced on January 8, 2026.

According to the company’s announcement, all manufacturing and engineering operations previously based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will relocate to Lee Air’s 85,000-square-foot facility in Wichita, Kansas. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Lee Air, adding proprietary braking solutions for both general aviation and the rapidly growing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) market to its portfolio.

Strategic Expansion of Capabilities

Lee Air, Inc., a family-owned firm founded in 1981, is well-established in the engineering and manufacturing of aircraft systems. By acquiring Advent, the company integrates a specialized product line that includes the eABS™ (anti-skid braking system) and ePBS™ (electric power braking system).

In a press statement regarding the acquisition, Bennie Lee, President of Lee Air, emphasized the synergy between the two companies:

“The Lee Air team is enthusiastic about the addition of the Advent products to our established line of aircraft systems and components. We look forward to offering our existing and new customers this additional capability for their manned and uncrewed aircraft.”

Ken Goldsmith, President of Advent Aircraft Systems, noted that the deal provides the necessary infrastructure to scale production:

“The transaction with Lee Air is intended to help Advent’s aircraft braking systems and components realize their full market potential and confidently meet increased production rates in the coming years.”

Technology Focus: Safety and UAS Integration

The acquisition centers on two primary technologies developed by Advent. The most prominent is the eABS™, a GPS/digital anti-skid system designed for turbine aircraft up to 20,000 lbs. Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).

Unlike traditional hydraulic systems that require complex power boosters, the eABS is compatible with manual braking systems. It is currently certified for platforms including the Beechcraft King Air (B200/B300), Pilatus PC-12, Eclipse 500/550, and Textron T-6 Texan II. Key benefits cited in product documentation include:

• Runway Performance: Potential reduction in landing distances and Takeoff Field Length (TOFL) by up to 10%.
• Safety: Prevention of tire flat-spotting and improved directional control on contaminated runways (ice, snow, water).
• Feedback: Haptic pedal feedback for pilots during anti-skid operation.

Additionally, the deal positions Lee Air to capture market share in the defense and unmanned sectors through the Advent ePBS™. This “brake-by-wire” solution is designed specifically for UAS and all-electric aircraft, sectors where demand for lightweight, digitally controlled braking systems is projected to rise.

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition reflects a broader trend of supply chain consolidation within the general aviation sector. By absorbing Advent’s specialized technology, Lee Air moves beyond component manufacturing into proprietary safety systems, capturing high-value aftermarket revenue through retrofits.

Furthermore, the relocation of operations from Tulsa to Wichita reinforces the latter’s status as a central hub for aerospace engineering. Proximity to major OEMs like Textron Aviation, which manufactures the King Air and T-6 Texan II platforms that utilize Advent’s brakes, likely offers Lee Air logistical advantages and closer collaboration opportunities for future certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the acquiring company?
Lee Air, Inc., a Wichita-based engineering and manufacturing firm founded in 1981. It is distinct from “Lee Aerospace,” another aviation company in the region.

What happens to Advent’s Tulsa operations?
Advent’s manufacturing and engineering operations are being relocated to Lee Air’s facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Does this affect existing Advent customers?
The press release indicates that the acquisition is intended to meet increased production rates and support existing customers with the same product lines, now backed by Lee Air’s manufacturing infrastructure.

Sources

• Advent Aircraft Systems / Lee Air Press Release