Latest News

RFD Beaufort Inc, part of the Survitec Group, reached a significant global expansion milestone this week shipping Pilot Flight Equipment (PFE) destined for new pilot training on F-35 Lightening II Stealth Fighter in the US.

The PFE was originally designed in Survitec’s Merseyside facility in the UK following adoption of technically updated, standardised equipment for all nations operating the Typhoon Aircraft. Built in the US, PFE is a further step for the Survitec Group in combining the best of UK technology with the manufacturing power of the US.

Selected by Lockheed Martin following competitive tendering in early 2004, PFE will be worn as standard by all pilots of the F35 Lightning II aircraft developed under the Joint Strike Fighter Program. Satisfying program requirements,deliveries of PFE will continue in earnest with low rate initial production for the next few years.

Commenting on this contract acquisition, Chris Pugh-Bevan JSF Contracts Manager for Survitec Group stated, “Designed in the UK, built in the USA and delivered to the F35 Warfighter. Survitec Group is delighted to be part of this program, which features strongly in our planned growth. Our staff in the UK and US have collaborated significantly to deliver.”

The ease with which the US manufacturing operation has integrated the new PFE engineering requirements with its previous manufacturing capabilities, to date having produced upwards of one thousand submarine escape and immersion suits, serves to highlight the adaptability, flexibility and extensive proficiency of Survitec Groups US manufacturing base.