The intelligent sensing technology monitors air pressure in fuel systems to minimise discharges through air vents – maximising efficiency, enhancing safety, delivering cost savings and heightening aircraft performance.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica hosted a global launch of the device at its pavilion in front of a fuel-switch enabled Italian military AW101 with dignitaries including Barnbrook Systems’ managing director Tony Barnett and chief technology officer Andrew Barnett.
They were welcomed by Leonardo-Finmeccanica senior vice-president Brian Burridge, Leonardo-Finmeccanica Helicopters UK managing director John Ponsonby and Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton commanding officer commodore Jon Pentreath.
The contract reinforces engineering and manufacturing firm Barnbrook’s position on the international stage and helps secure and create jobs. It came as Barnbrook recorded its best airshow so far with its flagship BlueCube technology attracting international interest and as Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced a series of major contracts with clients worldwide.
Barnbrook Systems managing director Tony Barnett said: “This six-figure contract with Leonardo-Finmeccanica puts us firmly on the international aerospace map. It demonstrates that an innovative SME with a track record for technological excellence can work closely with a prime of the calibre of Leonardo-Finmeccanica to deliver market-leading solutions.”
Barnbrook Systems chief technology officer Andrew Barnett added: “Our intelligent fuel switch has the power to transform rotary wing inflight refuelling. Developed from our sophisticated remote sensing BlueCube technology, it enhances our competiveness on the world stage as well as secure and create new jobs. It also assists in development of our skills base, supports our youth apprenticeship training programme and will enable us to push innovation to develop next-generation systems.