Governor McCrory Attends IOMAX Production Precision Strike Aircraft Debut | Eastern NC Now

    Raleigh, N.C. — Governor McCrory attended the unveiling of the latest Archangel Manned Border Patrol & Surveillance aircraft produced in North Carolina today at the IOMAX factory in Mooresville.

    "The innovative use of technology pioneered in Mooresville is being used by America's allies in the global war on terrorism," Governor McCrory said. "I'm proud that IOMAX and its owner, Ron Howard, who is a U.S. Army aviation veteran, chose North Carolina to build this highly innovative aircraft."


    The Archangel, a military-grade armed surveillance aircraft, is assembled by IOMAX, USA, Inc. in Mooresville. The airframe is the Thrush S2R-660a. The engine is the Pratt and Whitney PT6A turboprop, which is highly versatile and reliable with a 1,700 horsepower power plant. The cruise speed is 175 mph and the maximum altitude is 25,000 feet. Each wing has three positions for weapons and a centerline fuselage station is available for either an ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) or munitions.

    IOMAX, USA, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business established in May 2001. Ron Howard, a Haywood County native, founded the company with his son upon his retirement from Army Aviation after 31 years. IOMAX's 130 employees are largely veterans who have served in Special Operations Forces.

    In 2008, IOMAX expanded its global presence when they were awarded a contract by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to provide worldwide support of counter drug and terrorist operations in Afghanistan, an operation IOMAX is proud to say they continue to support today. In 2010, because of growing concerns to secure the national border worldwide, IOMAX competed and was awarded an opportunity to design, develop and integrate an Airborne ISR and weapons platform. The first contract of 24 aircraft was produced in Florida and exported to the United Arab Emirates. These aircraft have been successfully deployed throughout the Middle East. In 2012, IOMAX made the decision to move all operations home to North Carolina, creating an additional 35 highly skilled jobs in the Piedmont.

    In October, IOMAX was awarded a $450 million contract for the delivery of 24 additional aircraft to the United Arab Emirates. The contract includes aircraft, pilot and technician training, supporting equipment and in-country services. This contract contains an option to purchase additional Archangel aircraft with the total potential contract value exceeding $1 billion dollars.

    Today, an Archangel aircraft will depart Mooresville on its way to Le Bourget, France for the 2015 Paris Air Show.