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Frankfurt, Germany: Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft built in the program's second production batch (Tranche 2) will be equipped with a unique system from Device Technologies, Inc. for protection against potentially dangerous wire and cable wear. The Tranche 2 Typhoons are to carry Device Technologies' Spring-Fast grommet edging, which will be installed around structural openings in the aircraft's fuselage and wings to cushion the contact between electrical wiring and the airframe.
This new-generation protection replaces various older grommets in nylon that crack and fall off, leaving wires exposed to sharp-edged metal surfaces, as well as those made in Polyolefin that require significant assembly time in manufacturing.
Spring-Fast grommet edging is designed to simply snap on and is easier to install, reducing production time per aircraft. Performance tests to high levels of vibration, shock and other ambient conditions support its long term reliability in field conditions. Its simple pressure-fastening concept eliminates the need for adhesives – which minimizes the exposure of production line workers and depot maintenance personnel to hazardous materials and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
The announcement of Spring-Fast's use on Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoons was made today at the AIRTEC 2007 International Aerospace Supply Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, where Device Technologies is participating as an exhibitor (Stand #A61).
“Spring-Fast is perfectly tailored for high-performance aircraft such as the Typhoon, whose wires and cabling are subjected to significant aerodynamic loads throughout its operational life,” said Device Technologies President Nicolas Petri. “We are in full production of the military-standard M22529/2 Spring-Fast grommet edging for the Tranche 2 Typhoons, with shipments now underway for the production sites in Europe.”
The Spring-Fast grommets are made from spring-loaded stainless steel, which is encapsulated in a protective polymer coating. Spring-Fast quickly snaps into place, using only the pressure applied by the installer's fingers. The product is delivered in reels, with the material cut to length for the specific protective applications in the aircraft's fuselage and wings. “The dynamic performance requirements of the Typhoon and the capabilities of Spring-Fast make this a perfect match,” added Petri.
