This builds on a relationship spanning more than 15 years between FSL and MSS, and will see FSL supplying fasteners and fixings for Meggitt’s sensors for the new LEAP engines – already being used by industry giants Boeing, Airbus and Comac.
Meggitt has been contracted to supply a range of the engine’s sensors which measure vibration, shaft speeds and a range of critical temperatures.
Steve Hannaway, supplier industrialisation manager for MSS Basingstoke, said: “Because we have worked together for several years we understand what is needed from each other. There is a real family feel to FSL and we’ve often come to rely on them for often complex components. They source exactly what we need and their fasteners and fixtures are used all the way along the production line of our sensors and harnesses.
“We can trust them to deliver, which is vital when dealing with such an important contract. We also know that FSL’s processes are reliable and everything is traceable, with very tight supply chain management.
The LEAP is an entirely new baseline turbofan engine developed by CFM International to power single-aisle commercial jets; they are lighter, more fuel efficient and aerodynamic than their predecessor the CFM56. And unlike traditional combustors that mix fuel and air inside the combustion chamber, the LEAP nozzle pre-mixes them to provide “lean burn combustion”.
Now in production the order books for the LEAP are growing with carriers across the world placing orders, impressed by the claims of a 15% improvement in fuel consumption.
Richard Woodward, FSL’s general manager, said: “We know how important it is to be as flexible and adaptable as possible, especially in the development of a new aircraft engine. It takes time to develop a new engine like LEAP because safety is always the highest priority. One of the nuts we supply MSS takes 16 weeks to make because it is modified, plated, tested and re-tested.
