An award-winning Hampshire company will unveil groundbreaking technology to make helicopter refuelling safer when it attends Farnborough International Airshow.
Barnbrook Systems will give the cutting-edge fuel switch pride of place on its stand as it attends the aerial extravaganza for the tenth successive time.
The prestigious airshow – held once every two years as one of the world’s most renowned events of its kind – is expected to attract more than 200,000 trade and public visitors on July 14 to 20.
Barnbrook, which is based in Fareham, is developing the innovative fuel switch for a major aerospace company to cut off fuel pumps for split seconds at a time to stop spills during refuelling in the air and on deck.
Barnbrook will also showcase engine control units which it repairs and overhauls for private jets as well other technology during the show’s week-long trade fair.
Andrew Barnett, who is chief technology officer at the 35-strong company, said: “We have been to every Farnborough International Airshow for the past 20 years.
“As the most important event for the aerospace and defence industry, it is a prime opportunity to demonstrate and showcase our new innovations and products to other leading industry figures and potential customers from around the world.”
He added: “We are excited to be exhibiting our innovative, new fuel switch which will revolutionise the refuelling of helicopters, making it safer and more efficient.
“Our attendance will continue a landmark year, coming after recent awards successes and a succession of new contracts.”
Transducers for the fuel switch detect waves of fuel inside a tank and cut off fuel pumps to prevent spillage out of air vents.
The new technology is particularly aimed at refuelling on the deck of ships in heavy seas to stop crew slipping or helicopters sliding on spillages.
It will also be used for demanding inflight refuelling when turbulence can cause problems.
Barnbrook, which has offices and a factory in Fareham Park Road, Fareham, has won a deal with a major manufacturer to develop 13 pre-production units for pre-flight trials for military helicopters.
Leading staff from Barnbook will be at Farnborough all week, including managing director Anthony Barnett and head of engineering Keith Smith.
Apprentices, including PETA Training and Consultancy Services Apprentice of the Year Ryan Bulman, will also attend on the first three days.
The trade show runs July 14 to 18 and the public open days are on the weekend of July 19 and 20.
Last held in 2012, the event attracted 1,500 exhibiting companies, 107,000 trade visitors and more than 100,000 public spectators.
Barnbrook Systems recently won the National Passenger Safety title at the UK Rail Industry Awards for its brake controller.
Details of the deal for the fuel switch were not disclosed.
