Military

Military Design Development & New build

We here at MEL pride ourselves on the extensive design and development experience that the company now has; years of knowledge from our involvement in major aircraft programs has been gained within the department. We use 3D solid modelling software and techniques to allow us to innovate and rapidly prototype. We also manufacture most items in-house, which helps to achieve and maintain tight deadlines. This also allows us to carry out urgent modifications whilst conducting qualification tests, field trials, etc.

Our team comprises of dedicated and experienced professionals including Designers, a Technical Author, Development Engineers and Production Engineers. The Team is available to solve the most demanding of customer and in-house design problems, and prides itself on flexibility and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Our areas of expertise include:

• High-pressure gas and oxygen systems
• Fuel systems
• Hydraulic systems
• Pneumatic systems
• Cryogenic systems
• Weapon loading systems
• Test and setting equipment
• Life support equipment
• Special tooling
• Tooling sets
• Jigs and fixtures
• Rubber and plastic mouldings

Experience

Our military customers include the UK MoD, BAE Systems, EADS, Alenia, CASA, Panavia and Eurofighter. MEL Aviation currently has over 25 support equipment contracts for the Eurofighter (BAES, EADS and Alenia) and Nimrod (BAES) aircraft programs.

Over the past seven years we have designed, developed and qualified twenty one separate ‘first-offs’ of aircraft ground equipment for the Eurofighter Typhoon, ranging from Flying clothing test equipment to on-aircraft fuel system test equipment.

In the same period we have also designed, developed and qualified forty eight separate ‘first-offs’ of AGE for the Nimrod MRA4, including Weapon Loading, ECS, FCS, Avionic handling and Airframe support equipment.

PFE

MEL Aviation has also designed, developed, qualified and/or manufactured various different articles relating to Pilot Flight Equipment (PFE).

We have manufactured and supplied flying clothing to the UK MoD, which has been qualified by the design authority, namely the MK30 and MK31 life preservers. We currently manufacture and supply to the UK MoD the existing pilots’ facemask assemblies which include rubber face pieces and hoses, exoskeletons, inspiratory, expiratory and anti-suffocation valves these are all manufactured in house.

MEL Aviation were contracted by HISL to design develop and manufacture the following items for the F22 programme on behalf of Boeing: Pilot face pieces (Large, Small, Medium), NBC equipment included: Goggle Seal, Bellows for Face piece and Hood Face piece.

We are the designers (hold the design rights) and production manufacturers of the Compensated Dump Valves (CDV) used with the Eurofighter Typhoon PFE, JSF PFE and Gripen. The valve is attached to the mask hose assembly and the counter pressure garment.

MEL Aviation has been manufacturing and supplying military aircrew masks for the past twenty years and has extensive design and development resources available for this specialist area.

Support

The company currently produces all technical manuals and Initial Provisioning data in-house. For the UK MoD we produce to AVP70/JSP specifications. For Eurofighter and Nimrod projects we produce electronic data modules in accordance with ASD SE and AECMA 1000D using Adobe FrameMaker plus SGML, and IP data to AECMA 2000M using Aspect 2000. If required, commercial manuals are compiled in the MEL format.

The company is fully experienced, and holds current contracts in all aspects of post design, repair and spares support activities to MoD requirements.