Boeing orders barrier nets for KC-46As

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PHOENIX, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Restraint system manufacturer AmSafe Industries Inc. is supplying barrier nets for Boeing's KC-46A aerial refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force.

The contract from Boeing is worth about $45 million over the life of the KC-46A program.

Under the award, AmSafe will supply a 9G barrier net and stationary and movable smoke barriers specifically designed for the KC-46A tanker aircraft, which is replacing the Air Force's KC-135s. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2015 for 179 aircraft.

"We are proud to be part of Boeing's team supporting the United States Air Force's new tanker aircraft program," said Neal McKeever, vice president of defense for AmSafe. "Our unique capabilities in the design and manufacture of barrier restraints provide Boeing and the Air Force a low-risk, high-value solution for the KC-46A program."

AmSafe designs and manufacturers barrier nets for aircraft OEMs worldwide and is a leading provider of barrier nets for commercial airlines. The structure of the net is specific to an airframe and is designed to restrain shifting cargo from penetrating the crew section of the main deck.

The AmSafe barrier net can accommodate an aircraft's maximum cargo payload under forward movement conditions of nine times the force of gravity. The AmSafe smoke barrier performs as a blockade between the cargo and crew, preventing smoke or flames from entering the passenger cabin and flight deck areas of the aircraft.