Category: blog

We had an incredible time exhibiting at DSEI 2025 this year. It was a true pleasure connecting with so many industry experts, peers, and innovators who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.

Ex-El Group is proud to announce our return to DSEI 2025, taking place on the 9 -12th September at ExceL London. As one of the industry’s most important events for the defence and security sector, DSEI brings together global leaders in innovation and technology – and this year we’re excited to showcase the best in defence electronics and custom electronics manufacturing.

In the defence sector, procurement isn’t just about sourcing components – it’s about ensuring every part meets stringent compliance standards.

In the defence sector, procurement isn’t just about sourcing components – it’s about ensuring every part meets stringent compliance standards.

Mobix Labs, global leader in advanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering solutions and strategic partner of Ex-El Group, has completed the acquisition of EMI Solutions, a renowned manufacturer of EMI filtering products for military and aerospace applications.

IEH, a key partner of Ex-El Group, has once again demonstrated its expertise in high-reliability interconnect solutions.

In defence and aerospace industries, sourcing components is more than just finding parts at the lowest price. It’s about ensuring every component meets rigorous standards, is date and lot code traceable to the original manufacturer and is reliably sourced from authorised and vetted supply chains.

At Ex-Eltronics, we have over 45 years’ experience in providing full traceability for parts supplied into mission and life critical industries and we have robust quality processes tailored to supporting our customers.

Why Traceability Matters

Parts supplied by Ex-Eltronics meet exacting quality standards to ensure safety and reliability. A single failure could have catastrophic consequences. That’s where traceability comes in. Traceability allows manufacturers, suppliers, and customers to track every component back to its origin, verifying its integrity at each step along the way.

In the aerospace and defence industries, full traceability is often a mandatory stipulation. Providing and retaining ongoing clear records of where each component came from and how it was handled is critical. It’s the cornerstone of quality control and essential for maintaining regulatory compliance.

Regulatory Compliance
Aerospace is one of the most heavily regulated industries, and for good reason. Full traceability ensures you can meet the requirements of international standards such as AS9120 and ISO9001, which the Ex-Eltronics group proudly holds. Having accurate, easily accessible trace information can also speed up audits and inspections, keeping your business running smoothly.

Our Approach to Traceability

At Ex-Eltronics, we’ve built a robust system to ensure that every part we source and supply comes with full traceability. Our approach is rooted in several key processes:

1. Pre-Order Checks for Full Trace Information
   Before any order is finalised, we perform thorough checks to ensure that full trace information is available. We can offer multiple trace options to suit different needs, such as full trace to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), lot trace to OEM, or even full chain of custody—depending on customer requirements.
2. Authorised Supply Chains Only
   One thing we don’t compromise on is the integrity of our supply chains. We never use grey markets or brokers. All our components come from authorised or franchised distributors, which significantly reduces the risk of counterfeit parts entering the supply chain. We go to great lengths to validate our suppliers, ensuring that every part is legitimate and traceable from its origin.
3. Counterfeit Risk Mitigation
   Counterfeit components are a growing concern in the aerospace industry. At Ex-Eltronics, we take this risk seriously and have implemented comprehensive counterfeit risk mitigation policies. By using only trusted suppliers and ensuring full traceability, we can confidently stand behind the authenticity and quality of every part we supply.
4. Barcoding and System Upgrades for 2026
   As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we’re upgrading our systems to include barcoding technology by 2026. This will further enhance our traceability efforts, allowing for real-time tracking of parts through every stage of the supply chain. From receipt to inspection, and all the way to delivery, barcoding will ensure we maintain accurate digital records of every transaction.
5. Custom Labelling to Meet Client Needs
   We understand that different customers have different requirements, which is why we offer custom labelling options. Whether it’s specific barcoding formats or labelling for individual parts, we can adapt to your needs to ensure compliance with your internal processes.

The Benefits of Full Traceability in Aerospace Component Sourcing

Having full traceability in aerospace component sourcing offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond regulatory compliance, including:

• Minimised Risk of Product Recalls
  In the unfortunate event of a defect, traceability allows manufacturers to isolate the issue quickly. This reduces the impact of recalls, both in terms of cost and potential reputational damage. Knowing exactly which parts are affected—and where they went—ensures quick, targeted action.
• Quality Assurance
  Full traceability is the backbone of a solid quality management system which allows identification of the origin of part failure, allowing you to take corrective action proactively and track the quality performance of suppliers.
• Customer Confidence
  Ultimately, traceability builds trust. When customers know you can provide a full history of every part, from its manufacturing origins to its delivery, they gain confidence in your ability to deliver high-quality, reliable components.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Traceability

The future of aerospace component sourcing is moving towards even greater levels of transparency and traceability. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and advanced ERP systems are set to revolutionise the way we track and manage components. These innovations will offer even more secure, real-time tracking across global supply chains, ensuring that every part is traceable and accounted for.

At Ex-Eltronics, we are committed to staying ahead of these developments. We believe that continuous improvement in traceability is the key to maintaining our high standards and delivering exceptional service to our customers.

Conclusion

In aerospace, full traceability is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital part of ensuring safety, quality, and trust. At Ex-Eltronics, we’ve built our sourcing process around traceability to give our customers complete confidence in the components they receive. With robust systems in place and continuous improvements on the horizon, we’re here to make sure that your supply chain remains secure, reliable, and fully traceable from end to end. This approach to aerospace sourcing sets Ex-Eltronics apart as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality, fully traceable components.

For more information on how we can support your aerospace component needs, get in touch today via our website or contact us at [email protected] / +44 (0)1420 590390.

A wide variety of critically important components go into keeping aviation platforms and equipment operational and airborne. While major subsystems like propulsion and navigation are among the best-known, no aircraft can remain mission-ready without the interconnect components needed to link its equipment together in a single, effective system.

Ferrari Interconnect Solutions has produced products and systems to meet this need for both the aerospace and defence industry since its inception in 2014. Today, as a partner of Ex-Eltronics, this interconnect solutions company offers an extensive range of products and services to support the use of avionics, launchers, communications, flight gear & helmets, test equipment, and many other important assets and supplemental systems.

In this article, we will have a look at what Ferrari Interconnect Systems offers to its customer base today and how this partnership enables Ex-Eltronics to provide total support for similar systems to its ever-growing customer base.

Interconnect Solutions Defined

Interconnect solutions refer to products and technologies used to connect different parts of an electrical or electronic system. They’re a key component in enabling communication and data transfer between circuit boards, electronic devices, and systems. Interconnect solutions encompass a wide range of components that include cables, connectors, switches, adapters, sockets, and more.

These solutions come in various forms based on their application; for instance, they can be high-speed data connections in avionics and navigation suites, power connectors in engines, or complex cable assemblies in control and communication systems. They play a crucial role in numerous sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace, critical electronics, and first responders, to name a few.

A custom interconnect solution, as offered by Ferrari, ensures a reliable and robust connection, leading to efficient and high-performance operation of the overall system.

Meet Ferrari Interconnect Solutions 

Ferrari Interconnect Solutions (FIS) is a company specialising in providing custom cable and wire products and total interconnect solutions used within avionics and pilot-helmet communications systems. Based in Ontario, California, FIS has been committed to delivering high-quality products and services since its inception in 2014, backed by quality certifications such as ISO 9001 and AS9100.

The experts at FIS pride themselves on their capabilities to produce everything from standardised military equipment to complex custom designs and have experience in this sector dating back to 1978.

Being able to provide rapid turnaround on prototype production, short lead times, and a customer-focused approach gives Ferrari a clear competitive edge. Each product is guaranteed to meet or exceed industry standards, meaning clients can always rely on Ferrari Interconnect Systems for reliable, robust, and efficient solutions.

What FIS Offers

Ferrari Interconnect Solutions specialises in the design, manufacture, and integration of interconnect solutions for use with aircraft communication systems and avionics equipment. Additionally, they offer bespoke design services for custom mil/aero flight applications as well as support for co-opted designs and build-to-print applications for flight, non-flight, and ground-based equipment.

Some of their products include:

• Pilot and tactical helmet comms system and CEP transition cables
• Avionics Box Organized and Ruggedized Wiring
• Launch system Interface Cables
• EMC and CBRN-compatible cable-harness solutions
• Weight-sensitive and Hi-Flex cable-harness systems
• Build-to-print and co-opted wired systems
• Bespoke cable systems designs
• Overmolded cable assemblies
• Breakout and coil cable assemblies
• Braided metal and textile harnesses
• Inline cable electronics (switches, resistors, and diodes)

In addition to these products, FIS offers a wide variety of customary and value-added services, including:

• Design, prototype production, and product validation
• 3D modelling
• Box fabrication
• Electromechanical assembly
• Customer product evaluation
• First Article/AS9102 Inspection
• Electrical and functional Testing

Drawing on extensive experience in design and manufacturing for the aerospace and defence sector, FIS is one of the most capable providers of custom interconnect solutions. Based on customers’ connector interface and environmental requirements, as well as specific performance criteria, their engineering team can produce reliable, innovative designs subject to extensive quality control and performance testing prior to implementation and delivery. 

In addition, their experts will furnish clients with supplemental producibility and reliability reviews and feedback at no additional cost for customers’ drawings or designs. Plus, FIS can provide custom packaging and supplementary materials including detailed manuals and operation instructions, shortening the implementation time for newly made products and solutions once they reach customers.

Ex-Eltronics & FIS: Partners in Supplying Top-Tier Interconnect Solutions

Ferrari Interconnect Solutions built its reputation for highly adaptable, robust interconnect solutions in the United States, but its products have almost limitless applicability to avionics and comms systems the world over. International organisations interested in acquiring the services of this interconnect solutions company can turn to Ex-Eltronics, the only official distributor of Ferrari products outside of the US.

If you want to learn more about FIS’ extensive range of products and services or to discuss how they can meet your custom design needs, head over to their partner page on our website to learn more. Or, get in touch today to speak with a helpful representative about how Ex-Eltronics and Ferrari Interconnect Solutions can provide the custom interconnect solutions you need.We can also be reached at [email protected] / +44 (0) 1420 590390

Staco Systems: A Brief History 

A valued member of the Ex-Eltronics network of official partners, Staco Systems has provided cockpit control system components to some of the leading names in the industry for over 60 years. Staco Systems began life under the name ‘Staco Switch’ during the height of the 1950s aviation boom. Founded in Costa Mesa, California in 1958, the company broke into the market by supporting the many aviation and defence companies located in southern California at that time and has since grown into a world-renowned global exporter of avionics products.

The company has specialised in cockpit components since its inception such as pushbutton display switches, beginning with the first Series 30 and 1M switches, which were installed into the Fokker F27 Friendship airliner in 1960.

Staco Systems today:

Today, Staco Systems has grown to offer full design and manufacturing capabilities towards sub-systems and control panels for civilian and military aircraft, utilising over 60 years of design experience and engineering innovation. Staco Systems manufactures single components used in avionics applications and has its own range of switches, USB charging interfaces, keyboards, keypads, and electronic controllers. They’re also able to build bezels and light plates to customer specifications. The M725 military-grade trackball was released to market in 2017.

Staco Systems is headquartered in Irvine, California, which is where manufacturing also takes place.

Taking their expansive design and production capabilities into account, Staco Systems is a one-stop supplier for reliable flight deck and cockpit control systems, offering a full range of equipment as seen below.

Lighted Pushbutton Switches

Staco Systems’ original flagship product is still on offer, combining decades of high-quality design experience with the latest technology to support operations and equipment in the modern aerospace and defence environment. 

Their lighted pushbutton switches and indicators are certified to MIL-S-8805, MIL-S-22885, and MIL-S-24317 standards. Switches are built for exceptional performance in the most rugged environments and feature a wide range of circuitry control capabilities and display screen combinations. Since 1987, all of Staco Systems’ products have been tested in a fully equipped and certified state-of-the-art QPL lighting and test facility. Staco switches can be configured in a variety of combinations to customer specifications and offer both sunlight readability and night vision (NVIS) options on switches.

Customised Control Panels & Subsystems

Staco Systems offers extensive custom design capabilities and built-to-print control panel assemblies. Custom configurations are handled by Staco Systems’ in-house expert design team from prototype to production stages with no minimum order requirement.

Design capabilities include:

• Active Ground Detector Panels
• Auxiliary Panels
• Emergency Control Panels
• Navigation Control Panels
• Radar Display Panels
• Sensor Panels
• USB Charging Interface

Illuminated Panels & Bezels

Staco Systems offers an extensive range of ruggedised illuminated panels, bezels, and displays, inclusive of wear-resistant options. These are designed and manufactured in accordance with MIL-DTL-7788, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-810, as well as major USA and international industrial standards. Built using robust designs and tough polymers, these products are suitable for use in the most demanding of operational environments.

NVIS-compliant per MIL-L-85762A and MIL-STD-3009 and highly customisable, Staco’s illuminated panels are also designed for optimal integration with keyboards, bezels, and switch panels. Staco also offers custom light plates from traditional painted panels, bezels, and other MIL-STD assembly types. 

Data Entry Systems

As a one-stop supplier for all your cockpit control assembly needs, Staco Systems proudly offers customisable keyboards, keypads, a range of trackballs, and other data entry solutions and accessories. All data entry products are rated against the most demanding avionics environmental, electrical, EMI, and flammability requirements.

Available custom options include coloured backlighting, custom shape enclosures, custom keycaps and print legends, branding, signal interface (I/O), and accessories as well as stand-alone pointing devices. Staco Systems can also manufacture NVIS-compatible LED backlit keyboards.

Ex-Eltronics & Staco Systems: Keeping Customers Airborne Through Innovative Cockpit Controls

At Ex-Eltronics we’re proud to distribute Staco Systems products to our customers working in the Aerospace and Defence industries. To find out more about Staco Systems, visit their partner page on our site. You can get in touch with Ex-Eltronics today to place an order or discuss how we can assist with your avionics requirements. 

We can also be reached at [email protected] / +44 (0) 1420 590390

Ex-Eltronics has been a leading supplier of aerospace and defence (A&D) sourcing, procurement, and supply services for over four decades. With Kristine Brackenridge-Battaglia at the helm, Ex-Eltronics can claim to be at the forefront when it comes to female empowerment. Here’s what the current landscape looks like for women in the A&D industry and what Kristine has to share about her experience as a leader in the field.

Women in A&D: Where Things Stand in 2023

While strides have been made towards gender equality, there’s still a long way to go. For example, in the US, only 19.4% of engineering positions in A&D are held by women – and in some big-name companies, it’s even less. This is despite numerous studies showing that gender-diverse workplaces tend to be more profitable, more productive, and more appealing to employees. However, certain sectors are moving at a faster pace than others in this direction, and A&D can count itself among that number. 

In contrast to engineering and technical subsectors, women in A&D are moving into leadership positions at a faster rate than ever before; Airbus and Rolls Royce are just two of the leading A&D companies with female CTOs. In the United States, women hold 19% of total aerospace and defence CEO positions, nearly four times that of other industries. 

With developments such as these, the way of the future is clear: women are set to start occupying more positions at the top and throughout the industry as companies tap into the vast pool of skills and knowledge they offer. To explain her outlook, let’s see what Ex-Eltronics CEO Kristine Brackenridge-Battaglia has to say about her experience in charge of just such a company.

Meet Kristine Brackenridge-Battaglia, CEO of Ex-Eltronics

Chief Executive Officer Kristine Brackenridge-Battaglia is the daughter of Ex-Eltronics’ founding CEO, Charles Brackenridge. As such, she’s been with the company for much of her life, developing her professional skill set in the midst of her family’s legacy.

Can you tell us about your start with Ex-Eltronics?

When I joined the company my father founded in 2006, I started at the bottom, cutting my teeth in various roles [in] Purchasing, Export, Quality & Management, as I developed the skills that would one day lead me to where I am now. As president of the Ex-El Group today, I believe those skills have allowed me to take leadership of the company for the 21st century.

How has your background informed your day-to-day leadership style?

For me, leading an innovative company through the challenges of meeting aerospace and defence needs across the globe is as much about the future as it is about our legacy. My daily goal is to emulate the work ethic and dedication to the consistent quality that my father Charles embodied, as well as his firm belief that “our strengths are based on the partnerships we have created and nurtured in our 45-plus years of business.”

How would you describe your style of leadership?

I’d say I’m a team-oriented leader, committed to providing guidance and support while ensuring customers’ needs are met and obstacles overcome.

How has your time at Ex-Eltronics prepared you to lead the company?

My years of service have helped me to become a problem solver with the experience needed to make major decisions affecting the future of my company. I’ve also developed quality management expertise, making me capable of engaging and strengthening deep-rooted partnerships with suppliers. And I’ve become a detail-focused specialist, well-versed in industry standards and specifications and satisfying customer requirements.

A&D is a complex field, particularly when serving international clients. How have you responded to the regulatory and formal challenges of operating in this industry?

Leveraging my experience at all levels of Ex-El’s operations, I’ve developed the skills necessary to become an expert in export management. I’m capable of formulating export compliance policies and procedures, establishing requirements for and overseeing licence generation, and supporting licence applications throughout the corporate and regulatory agency review and approval processes.

Choose Exceptional Leadership and Quality with Ex-Eltronics

With Kristine providing innovative leadership, the Ex-Eltronics team is ready to face any challenge the future of A&D can pose. Supported by dedicated specialists in every relevant area and an extensive network of partners providing top-quality solutions, Ex-Eltronics can meet all your aerospace and defence electronics needs with minimal lead times and maximum quality assurance.

Find out more about Kristine and the rest of the team on our website, or get in touch today to discuss what Ex-Eltronics can do for you.

We can also be reached at [email protected] / +44 (0) 1420 590390