Meggitt and Luna Innovations partner on aircraft fire detection solution

Meggitt PLC (Dorset, U.K.), a leading international company specializing in high-performance components and sub-systems for the aerospace, defense and energy markets, and Luna Innovations Inc. (Roanoke, Va., U.S.), a market leader for fiber optic-based technology, have signed an exclusive license agreement for the supply of fiber optic components and technology for aircraft fire and overheat detection equipment.

Through this agreement Meggitt will develop and supply its innovative next-generation Bleed Air Leak Detection systems using fiber optic technology which improves sensor accuracy and reliability, ensuring passenger and crew safety.

Aircraft overheat detection systems detect any leaks along the bleed air ducts. Using fiber optic technology, Meggitt’s pioneering solution provides real-time temperature measurement continuously along the sensor length, providing quicker and more accurate detection of fires or overheat.

Luna Innovations will provide key optical components for integration with Meggitt’s electronic controllers and FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors.
 
Hugh Clayton, group director, Engineering & Strategy for Meggitt says, “We are delighted to be partnering with Luna Innovations on our fiber ​​​​optic development program. Luna Innovations leads the field in this area. Our next-generation optical sensing solutions deliver important weight and maintenance cost savings and they also support the development of future health monitoring technology. We plan to extend the solution to fire detection in the near future.”
 
Scott Graeff, president and CEO of Luna Innovations adds, “Our partnership with Meggitt will use state-of-the-art sensors to create a safer environment for crew and passengers, and we look forward to installing this on commercial aircraft in the future.”