Overview

Headquartered in Consett, County Durham, CAV is a leading provider of ice protection and drag reduction technology to general aviation, commercial aerospace, and defence markets worldwide.

Two Cessna 22Ts flying above billowing clouds at sunset

The only supplier of fluid-based ice protection systems globally and the leading supplier of laser perforated surfaces, CAV has operated as a critical technology and manufacturing partner to major commercial OEMs since 1942.

Working alongside aircraft engineers, CAV assists in the design, testing, analysis, manufacture, integration and approval of unique technology solutions to overcome critical safety challenges and increase the efficiency of flight.

In 2017 CAV became an independent business, supported by Baird Capital, the direct private investment arm of Robert W. Baird & Co. Since this time, the business has continued to prosper and in September 2023 became a member of the Loar Group Inc. portfolio which will enable the company to further develop and cement its leading position as a Tier 1 supplier in the aviation and aerospace markets.

									Our Vision
													CAV technology on every possible aircraft.	
							

Quality Excellence

Blue Boeing Performance Excellence Award

AS9100 Rev D Certification

CAA Part 21 Approved

CAA Part 145 Approved

FAA Repair Station Approved

FAA PMA Holders

Facilities

Global Headquarters: Consett, Durham, UK

CAV operates its principal administrative, engineering and manufacturing operations from a modern industrial complex, in the heart of County Durham. Situated in a region of the Northern Powerhouse dominant in aerospace research, technology development and manufacturing, CAV is close to Newcastle upon Tyne, one of the UK’s six Science Cities. Only an 80 minute flight from Amsterdam or Paris, CAV services a diverse global aviation market.

Tel: +44 (0) 1207 599 140

North American Operations: New Century, Kansas, USA

Located at New Century Air Center (KIXD), CAV’s North American facility boasts an FAA-approved repair station and specialises in design engineering, certification and approval, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Producing some of the greatest aviation pioneers of the 20th Century, including aviators Amelia Earhart, Clyde Cessna and, Walter and Olive Beech, Kansas remains home to several major aircraft manufacturers.

Tel: +1 (913) 738 5390

If you are visiting nearby or would like to visit either of our facilities please get in touch, as we would be happy to show you around.

History

1940

CAV, formerly known as TKS Ltd, was formed between Tecalemit, Kilfrost and Sheepbridge Stokes in 1942 by the UK Government’s Ministry of War to assist RAF Command tackle the issue of icing on a newly designed aircraft.

1960

de Havilland’s development of the 125 business jet from 1961, saw them select TKS in favor of pneumatic boots, which were considered aerodynamically unacceptable for the Bristol Siddeley Viper turbojet.

1980

Work with NASA and McDonnell Douglas on applications of hybrid laminar flow control began in 1978 and CAV went on to develop techniques for production of laser perforated titanium, which was also used to make TKS panels.

2000

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s HLFC research progressed and in 2006 Boeing began production of the 787 with HLFC technology applied to its tail fin.

2017

CAV became an independent business, supported by Baird Capital, the direct private investment arm of Robert W. Baird & Co. with a view to cement its leading position as a Tier 1 supplier in the aviation and aerospace markets.

2023

CAV joins the Loar Group Inc family, a diversified manufacturer and supplier with established relationships across leading aerospace and defence OEMS, Tier One manufacturers, and airline customers worldwide.

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