WINNIPEG, March 8 /PRNewswire/ - Magellan Aerospace announced today a new agreement with Bell Helicopter for a Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS(R)) kit development. The helicopter to be fitted with WSPS will be the Bell UH-1Y. The design and production of the WSPS will be carried out at Magellan's Bristol Aerospace operating division in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for delivery of the prototype kits in 2011.
Bristol is the global expert for this unique system, offering a proven design and acknowledged technological expertise. In January of this year, the company also announced a new agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), headquartered in Bangalore, India for the design and development of a new WSPS kit for the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
Bell Helicopters is a long time customer and supporter of WSPS. Bristol's initial WSPS development and testing was for the Bell CH-136 Kiowa in 1977. Bristol has previously adapted the design to several variants of Bell's UH-1 helicopters.
Mr. Don Boitson, Vice President and General Manger, Bristol Aerospace, commented, "Our WSPS continues to lead the way with helicopter OEMs, and we are proud of our long-lasting and ongoing relationship with Bell Helicopter."
In 1977 Bristol, with the Canadian Forces, designed the WSPS to provide a measure of protection for helicopters to the potentially devastating consequences of inadvertent encounters with horizontally strung wires and cables. In 2009, Bristol reached the milestone of delivering its 20,000(th) WSPS kit. More than 65 commercial and military models of WSPS have been developed for customers around the world and new systems continue to be designed for new helicopter developments that are increasing in size and complexity.
About Magellan Aerospace Corporation:
Magellan Aerospace Corporation is one of the world's most integrated aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, and complimentary specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange , with operating units throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Forward Looking Statement:
This press release contains information and statements of a forward-looking nature and is based on assumptions and uncertainties as well as on management's reasonable evaluation of future events related to the proprietary WSPS(R). These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond the Corporation's control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.
Magellan Aerospace Corporation
CONTACT: Mr. W.A.(Bill) Matthews
Vice President, Marketing
Magellan Aerospace Corporation
Tel: +1 905 677 1889 Ext 222
E: bill.matthews@magellan.aero
