Icon Aerospace Technology (www.iconaerotech.com) has secured a long-term agreement with Cobham Mission Systems to supply its specialist in-flight refuelling hoses across a range of aircraft platforms.

The company has invested in a dedicated facility at its Retford site to manufacture its Flexiflow in-flightrefuelling hose.

Icon is at the forefront of innovations in materials, processes and mechatronics, meeting the exacting standards set by integrators and Tier One companies.

Cobham air-to-air refuelling systems featuring Icon hose products have already been installed on aircraft that include the Airbus A330 MRTT and the Boeing KC-46.

Ken Kota, general manager of Cobham Mission Systems, said: “With a legacy of 80 years’ experience, we are recognised as one of the world’s most technically advanced suppliers of aerial refuelling systems.

"We have worked with Icon on a number of projects before, and we have seen first-hand the high-quality products they manufacture.

"With a dedicated production facility for Flexiflow, we can be assured that Icon can meet our demand now and well into the future.

"This partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK aerospace supply chain.”

Icon’s Flexiflow products are widely established across the globe, and the company is continuing to invest in skills and technology, while developing products that could enable the in-flight refuelling of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles.

Recent investments include 3-D printing and rapid-prototyping capabilities.