Ducommun Incorporated’s Lightning Diversion Systems (LDS) Brand Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement with Wichita State University
Agreement allows LDS to further develop and commercialize advanced lightning protection technology to offer wind turbine operators and OEMs better, more cost-effective protection against lightning strikes
SANTA ANA, Calif., March 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO) today announced that its Lightning
Diversion Systems (LDS) brand, a global leader in the design and
manufacture of segmented lightning diverter strips and protection devices
for aerospace and defense markets, has signed an exclusive licensing
agreement with Wichita State University (WSU) for advanced lightning strike
protection technology to be used on wind turbines.
Ducommun officials said LDS will further develop and commercialize the technology, originally developed at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), and offer it to targeted wind turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators in the U.S. and select international markets who want more robust, cost-efficient lightning strike protection.
“I am very pleased to announce the exclusive agreement between Lightning Diversion Systems and Wichita State University to license and further develop this advanced lightning protection technology for a segment of the wind turbine market,” said Stephen G. Oswald, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ducommun Incorporated. “It offers us an opportunity to partner with a highly respected university and research institute on the latest technologies and advancements, while applying our existing expertise in lightning protection capabilities and solutions for aerospace and defense to support this targeted use in the wind energy sector.”
“At Wichita State University, we are focused on launching
convergence sciences, and this partnership is a great demonstration of
that,” said Jay Golden, president of Wichita State University. “The
type of technology we’re developing with NIAR and Lightning Diversion
Systems shows WSU’s dedication to leverage our expertise and research
strengths to diversify the economy.”
Dave Wilmot, vice president and general manager of the Engineered Products Group for Ducommun Incorporated, said LDS currently supports approximately 3,000 wind turbine blades worldwide with its segmented diverter strips, which has provided direct insight on the unmet need for more robust protection.
“There are currently more than 341,000 wind turbines operating worldwide, with more than 56,000 of those based in North America. All of them are susceptible to lightning strikes, which can cause significant and costly damage to wind turbine components such as blades, controls and electrical systems,” Wilmot said. “While wind turbine blades have existing lightning protection systems, these systems are unable to effectively transfer lightning current to the ground. By partnering with Wichita State University on this innovative technology, our goal is to develop advanced protection for wind turbines, which means they stay in the field longer, they stay on the turbines longer, and there is less material going into landfills or recycling.”
About Ducommun
Incorporated
Ducommun Incorporated delivers value-added,
innovative manufacturing solutions to customers in the aerospace, defense
and industrial markets. Founded in 1849, the company specializes in two
core areas –Electronic Systems and Structural Systems – to produce
complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms,
mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial
applications. In 2017, Ducommun Incorporated acquired Lightning Diversion
Systems (LDS), a global leader in the design, development and production of
segmented lightning diverter strips, devices and products for the military,
aerospace and wind energy sectors. For more information, visit Ducommun.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This
press release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including relating to the
brands, facilities and programs discussed above. We generally use the words
“believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “goal,” “can,”
“may,” and similar expressions in this press release to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions
currently believed to be valid, but they involve risks and uncertainties
that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in the forward looking statements. Important uncertainties that
could cause our actual results to differ from those expressed in the
forward looking statements are identified in our reports filed with the
SEC, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Annual Reports on
Form 10-K, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward looking
statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of
this press release, and Ducommun does not undertake any obligation to (and
expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update the forward looking
statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
CONTACTS:
Media: Rose Rogers,
Ducommun Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer,
657.335.3665
Investors: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, 646.438.9385,
cwitty@darrowir.com
