Irvine, California, (November 10, 2011) – Meggitt Defense Systems Inc has won approval to move into the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the environmental control unit for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system.

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multi-role aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defences, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.

The new IRST sensor system augments the F/A-18E/F aircrew’s ability to search, track and engage targets quickly in dense threat environments. By providing cooling for critical components, Meggitt’s environmental control unit is a key component in ensuring the reliability of the infrared-based system.

The IRST is fitted to the nose of the centreline fuel tank designed especially for the F/A-18E/F. Meggitt estimates that up to 250 systems could be procured, mated to these fuel tanks and distributed around the fleet as required (the fuel tanks are not permanently attached to the aircraft).

The Meggitt solution combines commercial-off-the-shelf components with its field-proven heat exchanger, compressor assembly and advanced electronic controller technologies.

Meggitt Defense Systems is currently subcontracted to the Boeing Co. to supply environmental cooling units to the US Navy F/A-18E/F and US Air Force F-15C IRST programmes.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Gerald Janicki, Sr. Director, Thermal Systems Business Development Tel: 949 465 7700 

Richard Cashin, Investor Relations, Meggitt PLC Tel: 01202 597867

Buchanan Communications 
Charles Ryland, Jeremy Garcia and Helen Chan Tel: 020 7466 5000

Editor’s notes:

About Meggitt Defense Systems

Meggitt Defense Systems, a Meggitt group business, specialises in the design, development, integration, production and support of automated ammunition handling, environmental control and airborne countermeasure and pod systems.

About Meggitt PLC

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 aerospace, defence and energy. Meggitt employs over 10,000 people at more than 30 manufacturing facilities and regional offices worldwide.

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