KIHOMAC Company Profile

Background

Overview

KIHOMAC is a veteran-owned small business specializing in aerospace and defense manufacturing and engineering services. Founded in 2003 by Ki Ho Kang, the company has grown to support a diverse range of clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial industries. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, KIHOMAC operates multiple facilities across the United States, including locations in Layton, Utah; Warner Robins, Georgia; and Richardson, Texas.

Mission and Vision

KIHOMAC is committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of military and commercial operations. The company's mission is to provide high-quality products and services tailored to the unique needs of each client, ensuring mission success and operational readiness. Their vision is to be a leading provider of advanced aerospace and defense solutions, recognized for integrity, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on the development, manufacturing, and sustainment of complex aerospace and defense systems. This includes reverse engineering, prototyping, and producing components for various military aircraft and systems, ensuring they remain mission-ready and effective.

Industry Significance

KIHOMAC plays a crucial role in extending the lifecycle of military platforms by providing innovative solutions to sustain and modernize aging systems. Their expertise in reverse engineering and prototyping has been instrumental in supporting numerous weapon systems, thereby contributing to national defense capabilities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Lifecycle Support: Providing comprehensive support for military platforms, from acquisition through sustainment, ensuring operational readiness and longevity.

• Innovation: Developing and implementing advanced technologies and manufacturing processes to meet evolving defense requirements.

• Customer Satisfaction: Delivering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each client, fostering long-term partnerships.

Areas of Specialization

• Reverse Engineering and Prototyping: Reproducing discontinued or obsolete parts to maintain system functionality.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to produce complex metal and composite components.

• Systems Engineering: Integrating new technologies into existing platforms to enhance performance and capabilities.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Composite Materials: Employing advanced composites to reduce weight and improve performance.

• Additive Manufacturing: Utilizing 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production of complex parts.

• Measurement Science: Implementing precise calibration and measurement techniques to ensure component accuracy and reliability.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Defense Sector: Supporting various branches of the U.S. military with sustainment and modernization of weapon systems.

• Commercial Aerospace: Providing manufacturing and engineering services for commercial aviation components.

• Homeland Security and Intelligence: Developing solutions to enhance national security and intelligence operations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

KIHOMAC has secured strategic investments to bolster its manufacturing capabilities and expand its product offerings. Notably, in October 2025, Deloitte invested in KIHOMAC to support the rapid scaling of U.S.-made drones, enhancing the company's production capacity and technological advancements.

Total Funds Raised

Specific details regarding the total funds raised by KIHOMAC are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

• October 2025: Deloitte's investment to scale drone manufacturing capabilities.

Notable Investors

• Deloitte: Provided investment to enhance KIHOMAC's manufacturing and technological capabilities.

Utilization of Capital

The capital from recent investments is primarily allocated towards expanding manufacturing facilities, enhancing production capacity, and developing new technologies, particularly in the drone manufacturing sector.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• F-35 Advanced Travel Pod: KIHOMAC is developing a replacement for the legacy MXU-648 travel pod, incorporating features like larger access doors, an integrated tie-down system, and increased storage capacity.

• Aerial Pod: A configurable unit capable of housing Electro-Optical, Infrared, and Radio Frequency payloads, designed to NATO standard mounting specifications.

• Digital Visual Imaging System (DVIS): A $43.9 million contract to replace the former wet film camera system on the U.S. Air Force’s OC-135B Open Skies aircraft with a digital processing and control suite.

Stages of Development

• F-35 Advanced Travel Pod: Currently en route to obtaining Seek Eagle certification.

• Aerial Pod: Under development with features designed for compatibility with multiple platforms.

• DVIS: Involves modification design, procurement, installation, and system integration for the OC-135B aircraft.

Target Conditions

• F-35 Advanced Travel Pod: Enhancing logistics and equipment transport capabilities for the F-35 aircraft.

• Aerial Pod: Providing versatile payload options for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

• DVIS: Modernizing imaging systems for intelligence collection on Open Skies aircraft.

Anticipated Milestones

• F-35 Advanced Travel Pod: Seek Eagle certification and integration into operational units.

• Aerial Pod: Completion of development and deployment across compatible platforms.

• DVIS: Full operational capability on OC-135B aircraft and integration into mission planning.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Integrated Tie-Down System: A flexible system designed for secure storage of various equipment sizes in the F-35 Advanced Travel Pod.

• Digital Ground Processing System (DGPS): Developed for processing recorded digital imagery from the DVIS on Open Skies aircraft.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Reverse Engineering: Utilized to reproduce discontinued or obsolete parts, ensuring system sustainability.

• Advanced Composite Manufacturing: Employing state-of-the-art facilities to produce complex composite components.

• Measurement Science: Implementing precise calibration and measurement techniques to ensure component accuracy and reliability.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Ki Ho Kang, CEO/CFO: Founder of KIHOMAC, focusing on sustainment of complex aerospace, military, and C2ISR systems.

• Adam Grimm, President/COO: Joined KIHOMAC in 2006, serving in various engineering and program management roles, currently overseeing operations.

• Frank Griffo, Senior Vice President Aerospace Electronics & Systems: Brings 30 years of experience in research, development, program management, and test and evaluation within the defense industry.

• Jeremy Brand, Vice President Aerospace Integrity Programs: Joined KIHOMAC in 2008, serving in various systems engineering and program management roles, currently overseeing aerospace integrity programs.

• Jason Evans, Vice President: Joined KIHOMAC in 2012, serving in production program management and program management for manufacturing, currently overseeing operations.

• Brad Goodwin, Chief Growth Officer: Joined KIHOMAC in 2010, serving as a senior engineer supporting the A-10 System Program Office, currently overseeing growth initiatives.

• Shane Henderson, Senior Vice President Structures and Systems: Joined KIHOMAC in 2023, bringing 29 years of service with the United States Air Force, currently overseeing structures and systems.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The aerospace and defense manufacturing industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements and stringent regulatory requirements. Companies must adapt to evolving defense needs, manage complex supply chains, and maintain high standards of quality and reliability.

Competitor Analysis

• SpaceX: