Layne Merritt

Mr. Merritt has more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, including 21 years of service in the U.S. Army. His many active duty roles included aviation logistics officer, fixed and rotary wing pilot, experimental test pilot, and acquisition program manager.

Following his active duty, and prior to joining Elbit Systems of America, Mr. Merritt served as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army. He held a number of leadership positions, including Acting Director for Aviation Development, Deputy Director for Aviation Development, and Chief Engineer for Aviation Development. In each of these, Mr. Merritt led efforts to execute the Army’s multi-disciplinary Aviation Science and Technology portfolio and provide engineering and prototyping services across the aviation enterprise.

Mr. Merritt has a history of developing permanent solutions to tough problems. He has extensive experience in developing and fielding new technologies. He couples this experience with a deep understanding of the current and future needs of Elbit Systems of America’s aerospace and defense customers.

Mr. Merritt earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University. He is also a graduate of the Navy Test Pilot School.