Morgantown, Kentucky-based aerospace composite design and manufacturing company Blackhawk Aerospace Composites has rebranded and changed its name to Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS). The new name reflects an expanded focus in niche aerospace and defence applications as the result of ownership change at the beginning of the year.

Blackhawk Aerospace co-founder and chairman Matt Shieman increased his ownership of Blackhawk's composite division on 1 January, 2023. He now leads ACS as president. Blackhawk Aerospace co-founder Dale Griffin joins Shieman in leadership as director and investor.

“I am excited to work closely with the ACS team members, remaining focused on the composite products our customers depend on for business and government operations,” says Shieman. “Our team is expanding to meet growing demand for focused aerospace composite solution designs and production manufacturing.”

Shieman has a successful business leadership track record identifying and investing in niche companies that have unique products. Griffin brings more than 40 years of experience in corporate finance, investment management and aviation business ownership to ACS, helping drive sound financial growth for the company.

Under this new leadership, ACS will remain focused on niche markets, including developing and manufacturing pods and fairings supporting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and fire suppression tanks to support aerial firefighting efforts. The company is also expanding into new business arenas through manufacturing drones and providing original equipment manufacturers with aviation parts.

In January 2023, Blackhawk Aerospace was sold to New State Aviation, the general aviation-focused platform of private equity company New State Capital Partners. The sale covered Blackhawk's turboprop engine upgrade services business; its composites business was not included in the transition and remained independent.