Meggitt wins USAF F-16 canopy actuation12 November 2009Meggitt wins USAF F-16 canopy actuator award, Meggitt

Release Date: 2009-11-12

Meggitt Safety Systems Inc has been awarded a sole source contract worth $13 million by the United States Air Force (USAF) to replace many of the older F-16 canopy actuators for the worldwide fleet

Meggitt’s substitute actuator design incorporates significant reliability improvements, including a brushless DC motor and electronic torque limiting instead of a wear-prone mechanical clutch. Both electric and manual drive trains incorporate a “no-back” feature to prevent unintended canopy closures which can cause serious personnel injuries.

The USAF will replace the older actuators with the Meggitt design by issuing a time compliance technical order, which directs maintenance crews to complete the replacement within a stipulated time period.

Other air forces from around the world have been advised of the USAF decision to replace the legacy actuators and many are expected to follow suit.

“The Meggitt actuator provides greater safety, reliability and lower maintenance cost,” said Jim Duncan, Meggitt Safety Systems’ president. “This award is another example of Meggitt using smart engineering for extreme environments, further emphasising that safety is not only in the company name but is fundamental to everything we do”.

Type:	NORMAL
Company:	Meggitt
Country:	United Kingdom