The market for aircraft avionics has changed fundamentally in recent years. Instead of developing and manufacturing according to customer specifications, avionic computer systems are now bought “off the shelf”. As a result, these products are quicker to supply, cheaper and have for the most part already been extensively tested in practice, making them much safer.
CES specializes in COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) products that offer configurability and flexibility to meet any need. “Our products support mission-critical or safety-critical functions in the aerospace and defence sectors as well as rugged industrial markets,” says CEO Herve Garchette. “Another key consideration in developing new products is ensuring that they can integrate the latest technological developments and provide maximum upwards compatibility for the future. We guarantee our clients that we will still provide support for our products even after 20 years of service.”
This is a key advantage in the fast-moving aviation sector in which computers have largely taken over and fly-by-wire is the norm. CES products are present throughout the aircraft with a product range that encompasses single board computers, signal processors, avionic interfaces and graphic boards right up to safety-certified mission computers.
The company supplies tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers in the aerospace and defence manufacturing chain, and its products are integrated into passenger and military planes, cargo planes, helicopters and drone aircraft made by the leading international manufacturers.
In order to cater to an international clientele, CES has sales subisidiaries in the UK, the US, Spain and South America. Development and production are based at its headquarters in Geneva, where the company can draw on 30 years of experience.
The company was founded in 1981 as a spin-off from the Geneva Institute of Physics (CERN). Today, the company employs 110 people and generates annual turnover of between 25 and 30 million USD.
“100% of turnover comes from exports, either direct or via our international subsidiaries and a network of carefully chosen distributors and agents,” says Mr. Garchette. “We also exhibit at aviation shows including the last air show at Le Bourget in Paris.”
CES is targeting geographical expansion in the future although it will continue to maintain its focus on the aviation sector. “We will continue to enhance the performance and efficiency of our products and maintain our SWaP leadership,” concludes Mr. Garchette.