Amsafe

AmSafe Introducing Lightweight Cargo Restraint System Made With Dyneema

Posted: May 18, 2010

Nets made with Dyneema are stronger, lighter and last longer offering greater efficiency and aid in airlines' efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

AmSafe Inc., a leading provider of engineered restraint systems, today announced that its AmSafe Bridport business unit will introduce the next generation of commercial aviation cargo restraints at this year's Aircraft Interiors Expo, which will take place May 18-20 in Hamburg, Germany.

Following last year's successful launch of the lightweight pallet nets, AmSafe will be introducing cargo and bulk-hold nets manufactured using the specialized techniques from the ultra strong and lightweight Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™.

Safety-critical aviation barrier nets are the only certified form of textile restraints that are structural to the aircraft and thus protect the integrity of its frame. For this reason, AmSafe Bridport nets are designed to meet and often exceed the stringent requirements of the world's aviation regulatory authorities.

In January of 2009, the European Union introduced legislation to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). This legislation proposal addresses the industry's apparent need to lose weight and reduce emissions. Just recently, more than two hundred airlines together with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have committed to halve emissions by 2050, from 2005 levels.

"AmSafe Bridport lightweight cargo nets and bulk-hold systems made with Dyneema® are innovative products designed to tackle the industry's pressing issues," says Chris Griffin, Global Sales Manager, Aerospace & Aviation at DSM Dyneema. "An aviation cargo restraint system made with 100% Dyneema® can substantially contribute to the reduction of weight when compared to those made with conventional polyester or nylon fibers. In addition to being substantially lighter, they are easy to handle and more durable. EASA and FAA certified systems, made with Dyneema®, are already helping airlines save on maintenance and repair costs," adds Griffin.

The combination of unique strength and the low weight of the Dyneema® fiber enables safety-critical equipment, such as cargo nets from AmSafe, to be made both lighter and stronger. Technically advanced new materials such as Dyneema® can play an important role in helping the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce weight without compromising on safety or performance, thereby assisting in the effort to reduce CO2 emissions.

"Textile based barrier nets provide a significant weight benefit over the use of rigid bulkhead barriers," comments Ian Kentfield, head of commercial cargo for AmSafe Bridport. "But when you consider the safety-critical role nets perform and the potential weight savings and emission cuts that stronger and lighter nets with Dyneema® can deliver, it is easy to see why leading airlines are starting to look at nets as a light weight asset, contributing every day to responsible profitability."


About AmSafe Inc., and AmSafe Bridport

AmSafe Inc. and its affiliated business units are world leaders in safety and securement products for the aerospace, defense, and ground transportation industries. AmSafe's innovative products can be found on virtually every commercial aircraft in the world and include seatbelts, restraints, airbags, cargo and barrier nets, tie-downs and cabin interior textiles, just to name a few. AmSafe Bridport is the world's leading provider of air cargo restraint and lifting solutions, and its products are considered the benchmark for cargo restraint systems. The leading global supplier of palletized cargo nets and cargo net equipment, AmSafe Bridport is also the world's largest manufacturer of 9g barrier nets. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, AmSafe operates manufacturing and service facilities across the globe and is committed to providing quality products and timely, cost effective solutions to customers worldwide.


About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands), Flaach (Switzerland) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.aviation.dyneema.com.

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Press Contact:
Carlotta Soares
Corporate Communications
602 840 2730
csoares@amsafe.com


AmSafe Bridport

The Court, Bridport
Dorset DT6 3QU
United Kingdom
Phone: 44 (0)1308 456666
Fax: 44 (0)1308 456605

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