Story ID: 568
Heads Up Technologies Buys Alto Aviation
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Alto Aviation was founded in 1997
Word Count: 256
Heads Up Technologies has acquired Alto Aviation, which manufactures audio and cabin management system products for aircraft manufacturers and the aftermarket. Heads Up Technologies is backed by New York-based JLL Partners and manufactures lighting, cabin management systems, and cockpit electronics.
Alto Aviation is based in Sterling, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1997. "This acquisition marks the next exciting chapter in our journey,” said Alto president and CEO Don Hamilton. “The partnership with Heads Up Technologies allows us to continue providing customers with high-quality, innovative products and makes for an exciting combination of solutions. With the support of Heads Up Technologies, we look forward to a future of groundbreaking innovations and setting new industry standards.”
“The combined product offering will allow us to better serve the critical needs of OEMs and operators across the aviation industry,” said Heads Up Technologies CEO Renée Rump. "Alto's premium audio and cabin management products complement our portfolio of innovative solutions and expand our growing presence in the aftermarket products.”
This week at NBAA-BACE, Alto Aviation introduced a line of subwoofers designed for midsize, large, and VIP business jets. Available in two sizes, the subwoofers features side-firing technology, which combines two types of radiated energy into one discreet exit, fusing the acoustic front wave from the loudspeaker with the resonant back wave into a common high-velocity chamber. 
The arrangement allows the subwoofer to couple extended bass responses directly into the listening room, avoiding putting bass energy into the cabinets or furniture.