Leach International's Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) Relay
To Be Installed on A380 Aircraft
BUENA PARK, CA, January 27, 2005 -- Esterline Corporation (NYSE/ESL www.esterline.com) announces that its Buena Park, Calif.-based subsidiary, Leach International, has been selected by Airbus to design and manufacture customized Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) relays to comply with FAA SFAR 88 safety regulations regarding fuel pump safety on the A380 program.
SFAR 88 requires large commercial transport-category aircraft manufacturers to modify fuel systems in order to eliminate the possibility of an ignition source developing within a fuel tank. Through the use of a proprietary electronic circuit design, which is adapted to individual aircraft model requirements, Leach GFI relays sense fuel pump ground faults and open the circuit within milliseconds, thereby minimizing the potential of fuel system ignition. The relays provide built-in test features and visual trip indicators that allow aircraft maintenance personnel to verify that ground fault protection is functional, or that a ground fault has occurred.
"We are very pleased to have been selected for this critical component on the A380 as it demonstrates Airbus' confidence in our approach to this safety concern as well as in our ability to deliver a quality product," said Mark Thek, president of Leach International, North American operations. "Over the years, our research and design engineers consistently have sought solutions to many of our industry's most challenging problems, and the Airbus GFI relay is an example of our 'design to requirement' customization capability. It will be designed and manufactured specifically to meet the requirements of Airbus' fuel pump safety requirements," he added.
Leach has been involved with GFI technology since 1998. In 2003, the Boeing Company selected Leach GFI relays for retrofit as well as for new production of 727, 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 aircraft. In addition to fuel system applications, Leach.s GFI devices can be applied to other circuits on aircraft and ground transport vehicles that require similar critical protection.
Leach International Corporation, a leader since 1919 in high-reliability power switching components, is a subsidiary of Esterline Technologies and one of the largest manufacturers of electrical switching and control devices for the aerospace industry.
About Leach International:
Leach International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Esterline Technologies Corporation, is a world leader for the design and manufacture of high-reliability power switching and control components and equipment for aerospace, rail, and high-end industrial applications worldwide. Leach specializes in combining its leading-edge components with unique design and manufacturing capabilities to provide custom AC/DC power distribution assemblies. Known for its design excellence and commitment to quality and reliability since 1919, Leach equipment and components are used on thousands of aerospace, military, rail, and high-end industrial applications worldwide in the most severe environments. |
