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”.

ENDS

For further information, please contact

Meggitt PLC
Andy Mann, Investor Relations
Tel:  01202 597597  01202 597597

Fiona Greig, Corporate Communications
Tel:  01202 597587  01202 597587

About Meggitt
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Meggitt PLC is an international group operating in North America, Europe and Asia. Known for its specialised extreme environment engineering, Meggitt is a world leader in civil and military aerospace equipment, sensing systems, combat support and defence systems training.