Meggitt PLC has signed a contract with Bell Textron Inc for an estimated value of $73 million to supply composite deicing propeller rotor blankets, heated spinners, fairings and pendulums to the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.
The contract is valid for five years.
The V-22 Osprey is a unique platform designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
Meggitt say its electro-thermal ice protection components are constructed from composite material with embedded thermal technology.
Tony Wood, Chief Executive, Meggitt said:
“The Osprey is an iconic platform and we are grateful for the trust that Bell has once again placed in Meggitt to provide composite solutions that greatly enhance flight safety, efficiency and performance.”
Recently, Meggit also signed a six year contract with the US Defense Logistics Agency for the supply of fuel bladders. The firm is to supply fuel bladders to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, V-22 Osprey and the CH/MH-53 Super Stallion. This contract has a potential lifetime value of $130 million and deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2020.
Meggitt say it’s fuel bladders use innovative polyurethane technology to provide a long-life, lightweight solution that is highly flexible, durable and maintenance-free.
“Their unique self-sealing properties have proved fundamental in reducing fuel spillage incidents and reducing fire-related death and injury in survivable helicopter crashes to almost zero.”
Good to see some more UK companies being used to support the US armed forces. It is not ALL one way as it may seem. We have some cracking hi-tech, world-beating companies in UK PLC. Keep up the great work!
Is this being delivered out of the UK or from a US subsidary? In other words are there UK jobs involved / tax revenue?
Meggitt have a number of offices and sites in the US, including a few that manufacture composite materials, one specifically for engines. I’d say it will all be happening over there so not much benefit for the UK.