IFR began life as Instrument Flight Research Corporation in 1968, specializing originally in aircraft instruments and test equipment. In 1971 the company refocused and concentrated on avionics test equipment. By 1975 the name was changed to IFR, Inc. and a radio communications test set was developed which transformed IFR into a leading RF and avionics test equipment company. IFR. Growth through new product development and acquisition was then vigorously pursued. In 1992 the company acquired fiber optic test company Photon Kinetics, Inc. USA. York Technology of the UK was later acquired and they merged to create PK Technology, Inc. a significant force in optical test. IFR's radio communications testing expanded into cellular radio, paging and trunked radio. A major US defense contract extended capability into testing frequency agile military radio test systems. Avionics test also gained a wider market share and a line of RF and microwave Spectrum Analyzers was introduced. Marconi Instruments, which was formed in 1936, developed an extensive range of test and measuring equipment, especially for testing radio transmitters and receivers, microwave equipment and telecommunications systems. Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) products were later introduced and the successful service and repair operation and the "Systems and Solutions" businesses were started. Signal Generators and Cellular Radio Test Sets also played a major role in Marconi's broad product line. IFR Systems, Inc. acquires Marconi Instruments In February 1998 IFR Systems, Inc. acquired Marconi Instruments to create a new dynamic test and measurement company. IFR was attracted to Marconi Instruments because of the wide range of products, a global sales presence in over 100 countries and an extensive service and support network. Aeroflex and IFR Merge On June 19, 2002 Aeroflex Incorporated successfully completes a second-step merger with IFR Systems, Inc. Aeroflex Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, designs.