Meggitt has come up with an innovative solution that is set to make aircraft tire pressure checks faster, safer and more efficient.

The Meggitt facility in Fribourg has developed a new system to improve flight safety. The Wireless Tire sensor, which uses Bluetooth technology, speeds up aircraft tire pressure checks, cuts maintenance time and avoids interventions that risk damaging the plane.

Pierre Teyssot, Head of Operational Excellence.

With all of the world’s major aircraft manufacturers already on the company’s books and nearly 75,000 aircrafts worldwide fitted with its products, Meggitt’s breakthrough technology is sure to make its mark on the industry before long.

For the development team, miniaturization was the main challenge that they had to overcome. The sensor had to be compatible with different wheel types and withstand extreme environmental conditions. Luckily for the developers, the Fribourg plant was perfectly equipped to tackle these difficulties head on, “We have a fully integrated site with the capabilities needed to manage a product from start to finish, including the machining process and electronic assembly.” Another major factor was the collective expertise of the development team, who specialize in vibration sensors. “The Wireless Tire Pressure Sensor not only allows our customers to save time, but it also collects data that can be used to identify trends and anticipate future operational problems.”

Trialing digital management solutions

The development of the Wireless Tire sensor is also fully in line with Meggitt’s Industry 4.0-driven strategy. In recent years, the group, which has a global workforce of close to 10,000, has made considerable advances when it comes to digital transformation. “Our Fribourg facility is one of the sites that our head office chose to introduce digital production management and digital work instructions on a trial basis.” The VisualFactory© solution allows workers to access all production-related processes, including work instructions, time and non-compliance reporting, test rig results and traceability. For Pierre Teyssot, Head of Operational Excellence, “This platform offers a host of exciting opportunities.” Meggitt’s impressive digital ascent could kick up a gear if the proposed takeover by US giant Parker-Hannifin goes through.