A Hampshire technology firm has secured a six-figure deal for its innovative inflight refuelling technology with a helicopter manufacturer.

Fareham-based Barnbrook Systems Ltd announced the contract with international aerospace, defence and security giant Leonardo-Finmeccanica at the Farnborough Airshow which was held earlier this month (July).

The intelligent sensing technology monitors air pressure in fuel systems to minimise discharges through air vents – maximising efficiency, enhancing safety, delivering cost savings and impoved performance.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica will use the system in its AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter.

Barnbrook managing director Tony Barnett said: “This six-figure contract with Leonardo-Finmeccanica is going to put us firmly on the international aerospace map.

“It demonstrates that an innovative business SME with a track record for technological excellence can work closely with a prime of the calibre of Leonardo-Finmeccanica to deliver market-leading solutions.”

Barnbrook’s chief technology officer Andrew Barnett added that the refuelling system had been developed from the firm’s remote sensing BlueCube technology.

The deal comes amid Ministry of Defence (MOD) drive to make it easier for SMEs to work with the defence sector; it has its own target of 25 per cent of all procurement spending going to SMEs by 2020.

The intelligent refuel switch – designed and built in-house at Barnbrook Systems – was among the new product ranges showcased by Barnbrook Systems at Farnborough along with wireless sensing devices, wireless pressure sensors, smart relays, GPS-enabled asset tracking and asset management systems.

Barnbrook was also able to demonstrate its design, engineering, manufacturing and support capabilities from core products to complex systems from its stand with the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium in exhibition hall one.

Airshow organisers said that at the close of the five-day trade exhibition, orders and options to the value of $123.9 billion had been recorded.

That included a total of 856 aircraft valued at $93.98 billion, 1407 engines valued at $22.7 billion and a variety of other business deals totalling £7.2 billion.