Securaplane came to NBAA this year flush with new business, ranging from a contract to supply cameras for NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (Sofia) to a more down-to-earth distribution deal for battery sales and reblocking services.

The Sofia contract calls for Securaplane to supply eight cameras flying aboard NASA’s converted United Airlines 747SP flying observatory. The airplane will climb into the stratosphere, open its cavity door and point its telescope at the heavens three or four nights a week for at least 20 years. The pilots and crew will watch every aspect of the telescope’s operation using Securaplane’s CMZ-01 zoom cameras.

Back on terra firma, Securaplane recently expanded its product support services into Europe, where it plans to add repair/restocking facilities in the UK and Germany. Part of Securaplane’s sister company, Pacific Scientific Aviation Services, the facilities will support the company’s main ship batteries, emergency batteries and security and camera products. The deal comes as Pacific Scientific prepares to begin supporting Securaplane products in Europe in January under the terms of an agreement that encompasses AOG and spares support. Here in the U.S., Securaplane signed a new distribution agreement with CRS Jet Spares and with Duncan Aviation for emergency battery sales and reblocking.

Finally, the company announced that the Hawker 25 ampere-hour, steel-case, sealed lead-acid battery won supplemental type certification for installation in the Falcon 900 and 900EX. Securaplane developed the dual 25 Ah battery installation as a fit, form and functional replacement for existing NiCad and lead-acid battery installations.