Eaton selected by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory to design innovative aerial refueling system

Rhea-AI Summary

Eaton (ETN) has been awarded a $3.5M contract by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to design a new podded refueling boom system called SHARK (Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit). The platform-agnostic design will enable both traditional and non-traditional tanker aircraft to perform safe in-flight refueling, including autonomous systems. The contract was awarded through AFRL's Transformational Capabilities Office following Eaton's participation in the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism Digital Design Challenge by AFWERX.

Positive

• Secured new $3.5M military contract for aerial refueling system design
• Expands presence in military aviation market through AFRL partnership
• Leverages company's leadership position in aerial refueling technology
• Reported strong annual revenue of $23.2B in 2023

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The $3.5M AFRL contract for SHARK development represents a strategic win for Eaton in the defense sector. While the contract value is relatively small compared to Eaton's $23.2B annual revenue, its significance lies in the potential for future military contracts and technology leadership. The platform-agnostic design approach positions Eaton to capture opportunities across various aircraft types, including the emerging autonomous systems market.

The project aligns with the Air Force's modernization initiatives and could lead to substantial follow-on contracts if the design proves successful. Eaton's century-long expertise in aerial refueling systems and existing relationship with the Air Force provides a competitive advantage. The development of SHARK could strengthen Eaton's market position in military aviation and create new revenue streams through potential commercialization of the technology.

• Eaton receives a $3.5M contract to design a new, platform agnostic refueling kit for existing and next-generation military aircraft

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intelligent power management company Eaton was awarded a $3.5M Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) contract to design a new podded refueling boom, enabling traditional and non-traditional tanker aircraft to perform safe in-flight refueling. Eaton received the contract from the AFRL Transformational Capabilities Office (TCO) after participation in the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism Digital Design Challenge by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of the Air Force.

Under the contract, Eaton will work closely with TCO, a unit that oversees planning and execution of innovative science and technology for AFRL, to develop the Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit (SHARK). Eaton’s platform agnostic SHARK design will provide critical aerial refueling capability to a wide range of current and next-generation aircraft, including autonomous systems.

“We are proud to build upon our strong relationship with the U.S. Air Force by delivering a highly adaptable, platform agnostic refueling system that strengthens their operational capabilities and long-range power projection,” said John Sapp, president, Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “We look forward to redefining what’s possible for aerial refueling with this new technology.”

As the global leader in aerial refueling, Eaton has invested significant resources in developing modular boom solutions that meet the industry’s evolving needs. The company provides an expansive portfolio of custom-designed solutions ranging from aerial refueling boom offload systems and receptacles to hose and drogue systems, refueling probes and more. Over the last 100 years, Eaton has elevated aerial refueling from a novel concept to a staple of modern-day aviation, introducing the world’s first hose and drogue system and advancing technologies that power operational efficiency, safety and mission success.

Eaton delivers next-generation aerospace technologies to commercial, military and space markets across the globe. Designed to elevate aircraft performance, efficiency and safety, our comprehensive portfolio includes everything from hydraulic, fuel and oxygen systems to air and fluid conveyance, motion control and engine solutions.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112741930/en/

Katie Kennedy

440-523-4467

katiekennedy@eaton.com

Source: Eaton

FAQ

What is the value of Eaton's (ETN) new Air Force Research Lab contract?

Eaton (ETN) received a $3.5M contract from the Air Force Research Lab to design a new podded refueling boom system.

What is the SHARK system that Eaton (ETN) is developing for the Air Force?

SHARK (Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit) is a platform-agnostic refueling system being developed by Eaton that will enable both traditional and non-traditional aircraft, including autonomous systems, to perform in-flight refueling.

What was Eaton's (ETN) revenue in 2023?

Eaton reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023.