Fargo, North Dakota-based Appareo Systems LLC, manufacturer of the Stratus line of ADS-B receivers and other general aviation electronic devices, has a new owner. AGCO, self-described as “a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology,” announced it has acquired Appareo for an undisclosed sum. The sale is expected to close next month.
With 607 dealers listed worldwide, the Stratus line of portable ADS-B receivers is one of the most popular among GA pilots. The latest model, the Stratus 3, retails for around $700 and provides subscription-free weather data, built-in AHRS and dual-band ADS-B traffic information.
In June, Appareo introduced its 4K ultra-high-definition Airborne Image Recording System (AIRS) Model 400 with cellular-data offload capability. The 11-ounce system records 4K Ultra HD video as well as pilot intercom system audio, ambient audio and flight data, including WAAS GPS-generated altitude, latitude, longitude, ground speed, and vertical speed; attitude data (pitch, roll, yaw); roll rate; and G forces.
Through its Intelligent Ag and Galeo brands, Appareo also provides aftermarket electronic and software products for agricultural and other off-road customers.
Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s chairman, president and CEO, said, “We see Appareo as a great addition to support delivering high-quality, smart solutions to our farmers to maximize both their user experience and profitability.”
This seems like a rather odd acquisition by an ag-related company, even if AGCO has a lot of aerial spraying operations. I hope it doesn’t sidetrack Appareo from continuing to innovate for general aviation.
GPS positioning is very important in operating agriculture equipment on large farms.
Yes and when you look into it newer cultivating, planting and application ag machines do not use your everyday GPS but very high resolution gps (on the level used by surveying equipment). I can see the synergy between these two companies.
… hmmm … my “aero-radar” detects the presence of “towering cumulus Chinese capitalization.”
I do not think so, AGCO is a good company and does not play in that market. I do see them coupling the technology to their ag equipment. The shoe to drop is whether they will stay in the aviation field. My prediction is they will withdraw from the GA market as the risk is too high for the minimal return on investment. There will be one clear provider of GA avionics in the future and they are located in Kansas.
Apollo -> UPS -> Garmin
Remember why UPS wanted Apollo? GPS for the trucks….didn’t give a hoot about anything else. Managed to sell everything else to Garmin.