Survival technology solutions provider Beaufort has equipped the 100th Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35 pilot with its Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) ensemble.
The ensemble comprises a custom-fit flight jacket, coveralls, anti-G trousers, and immersion protection garments designed to withstand extreme conditions. It underwent Beaufort’s 10-day, two-stage process within a dedicated F-35 Pilot Fit Facility before delivery.
“Reaching this 100-pilot milestone in Japan is a proud moment and an affirmation of our commitment to protecting lives and enabling mission success in high-threat, high-performance environments,” said company Chief Commercial Officer Nick Mulhall.
Beaufort is part of the British manufacturer of personal survival equipment, Survitec Group.
According to the company, it is the sole source provider of below-the-neck AFE for all F-35 variants, and also supplies Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force through a local facility.
In Development
Under the current practice, Japan’s F-35 pilots travel to the US for fitting, but the company is considering establishing a fitting facility within the East Asian country.
In addition, it is working on a sixth-generation AFE ensemble in line with Tokyo’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter as a replacement for the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets.
