Barnbrook Systems Ltd will provide 64 of its smart fuel pressure switches for use on 16 of the country’s Leonardo AW101 aircraft.
The device will give crews the power to refuel in mid-air, extending their flight ranges and allowing them to save more lives.
Barnbrook Systems, which employs 35 people in Fareham, sealed the six-figure deal as it steps up preparations for the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow in late July.
Managing director Tony Barnett (pictured) said: “This one of the largest orders to date for our fuel switch.
“It means another search and rescue fleet is able to remain on operations for longer rather than having to return to base to refuel at a potentially critical time in a search mission.
“It is incredibly rewarding for all at Barnbrook Systems to think that our technology and products are helping to save lives on the other side of Europe.”
Tony, who founded Barnbrook Systems 44 years ago in 1978, added: “It is also a tremendous boost for our company as we build momentum moving out of the pandemic and going forward to the Farnborough International Airshow in July.”
Independent family firm Barnbrook Systems signed its first order for the fuel switch with aerospace giant Leonardo – formerly Agusta Westland – at the airshow in 2016.
It has been used by the military and search and rescue agencies across the UK, Europe and the world since, including Norway, Italy, Denmark, Portugal and Canada,
The intelligent sensing technology works by monitoring ullage pressure in the fuel tank during refuelling.
It means by sensing this pressure using Barnbrook’s low pressure switch, the refuelling pump can be momentarily switched off if pressure rises too high and back on when safe to do so.
It helps to stop fuel being vented into the atmosphere – enhancing safety, cutting back on waste, saving money and cutting environmental impact as well as significantly improving aircraft range and performance.
Barnbrook Systems will showcase the fuel switch along with new products when it attends its 13th Farnborough International Airshow on July 18-22, the first in four years after the world famous event was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid.
It will be attending with fellow members of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) on a prominently placed stand at the show, which is usually held every two years.
Barnbrook Systems is a designer, developer and manufacturer of many types of electro-mechanical switching devices.
Based in Fareham Park Road, Fareham, it supplies aviation, aerospace, defence, maritime, rail and commercial industries worldwide with clients including multi-national firms, the MOD and UK companies.
