W.L. Gore & Associates has been awarded the contract to provide GORE™ Umbilical Assemblies for the A-10 Precision Engagement (PE) Kit by Lockheed Martin. This is the second contract awarded to Gore for the A-10 program following the initial award of PE kits to the A-10 Prime Team in March 2005.
“We are very happy the Gore solution was selected for the A-10 upgrade,” says Andy Crook, defense business leader. “The platform can now be added to the list of other NATO aircraft that have successfully integrated this technology.” “MIL-STD-1760 umbilicals have been around for some time.
However, users become very frustrated with reliability issues surrounding the release mechanism and the lack of cable flexibility for optimized routing,” states Crook. “The Gore solution, incorporating flexible materials and improved connector technology, enables end users to deploy their aircraft with the knowledge that every mission and store release will be successful time after time without having to replace damaged umbilicals.”
GORE Umbilical Assemblies offer a guarantee of 100 store releases on every assembly. The design incorporates a Field Replaceable Connector System (FRCS) providing better performance and more reliable store releases.
The assemblies are flexible offering optimized routing and have a proven flex-life in excess of 100,000 flexes. GORE Umbilical Assemblies are designed to withstand the harsh environment of a fighter aircraft, and successful pit drop testing at Eglin AFB has proven these cables to be fit for use.
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