Barnbrook secures major new aerospace order

Global engineering solutions specialist, Barnbrook Systems, has won a six-figure order for its cutting-edge helicopter refuelling enablement system.

The Hampshire-based firm has signed the new deal to supply its smart technology for aircraft being built by Italian aerospace giant Leonardo.

Its refuelling switch – incorporating award-winning BlueCube technology – has transformed mid-air refuelling to make it easier, safer and more efficient.

Barnbrook Systems is supplying 80 of the systems for Leonardo’s AW101, AW149 and AW159 helicopters for use by such customers as the military and search and rescue operators.

The new order represents further repeat business for Barnbrook Systems following an initial deal signed at Farnborough International Air Show in 2016.

Andrew Barnett, a director at Barnbrook Systems of Fareham, said: “This is a major order for our innovative refuelling switch system and biggest order of 2024 so far. Our inflight refuelling enablement system has generated significant recurring revenues for the business over the past eight years.

“This success reflects the commitment, time and money we invest in developing and continually improving technology-driven solutions for our key markets in defence, rail, fire and security.”

The refuelling switch system uses intelligent sensing technology to detect fuel movement in tanks and cut off pumps in fractions of a second to prevent spills.

It is invaluable for refuelling at speed or during turbulence in flight or on ship decks in heavy seas, while improving aircraft range, performance and operational capabilities.

Barnbrook has won the new order as it embarks on the next phase of its development. The business, founded in 1978, is projecting 30% growth in turnover in 2024 and has just recruited two more production staff. They follow nine new appointees in a range of roles, from trainee to senior positions late last year, taking the business’ headcount close to 50.

Barnbrook Systems’ BlueCube remote monitoring technology can be fitted on many different kinds of assets to track and monitor different variables in real time, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, GPS location, current and movement.

The data captured can be viewed and managed via desktop, tablet, smartphone or smartwatch for intervention or action as well as for AI predictive management and diagnosis.

Barnbrook Systems’ other solutions include its re-engineering and refurbishment of brake controllers for trains and its market leading fire suppression actuator system, which has recently been reconfigured with BlueCube remote monitoring capability for leak detection.

Barnbrook Systems is attending its 14th consecutive Farnborough International Air Show in July 2024.

It awards have included National Passenger Safety at the UK Rail Industry Awards, Supplier of the Year at Light Rail Industry Awards, Innovation of the Year at the Solent Business Awards and Best Use of Technology at the South Coast Business Awards.

www.barnbrook.co.uk