Finmeccanica, via SELEX Communications subsidiary Sirio Panel, has signed two contracts worth over USD 100 million with Airbus, to develop and supply avionics interface control units and manufacture the cockpit lighting system for the new Airbus A350 XWB (eXtra Wide Body).
Sirio Panel will develop the pilot/system interface of the Integrated Control Panel and the cockpit illumination system (Cockpit General Illumination). The order covers 12 control panels, 15 up front control panels using LED technology, and dimming units. The cockpit illumination system, comprising 22 lights with an option for a further 18, allows the pilot to illuminate specific areas, such as maps or other units. The light intensity can be varied using the dimmers.
Airbus previously chose Sirio Panel to supply control panels for the A400M, which are similar to those ordered for the A350 - testimony to the excellent performance offered by this product.
Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Finmeccanica Chairman and CEO, commented: .This success confirms the very high technological level that our Group has reached in the area of innovation internationally. Being chosen by Airbus from a field of our biggest global competitors is extremely rewarding and will inspire us to continually increase our investment in Research and Development..
Sirio Panel is 75% owned by SELEX Communications - a Finmeccanica Company - and the remaining 25% continues to be held by Graziano Forzieri, the company.s founder. He set up the company in 1977 to provide support for the Italian aeronautics industry, and it is now an important player in the sector, supplying high technology avionics equipment and components. Sirio Panel products equip technologically advanced aircraft such as the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) and Airbus A400M.