San Antonio, Texas, December 2009
MSA Aircraft Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of two new Dual Shade sytems.
A Dual shade unit consists of two shades one transparent and one opaque. The first Dual shade unit is referred to as a Stacked Dual shade, where the two shades are stacked one on top of the other and the opaque shade follows the tranparent shade. The second Dual shade unit is referred to a back to back unit. Whereas the shades are positioned side by side and each shade is individually controlled.
The MSA dual shade systems give the shade user two levels of light control , tranparent and completely opaque. The transparent shade controls interior daylight to 60% darkness. If the user requires further and complete daylight blockage he then lowers the opaque shade, thus acquiring 100% light blockage and complete privacy when the aircraft is on the ground...
Both Dual Shade systems can be purchased in either electric or manual drive systems. The electric unit will pass the most stringent testing requirements of the DO160E. Both units are presently under development for use in Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault aircraft. These shade sytems are also appropriate for use in VVIP applications, in any and all aircraft in the Airbus or Boeing line of aircraft...
San Antonio, Texas, November 2009
MSA Aircraft Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of a patented new product line employing SPD (Selective Particle Device) light blocking film, mated with a traditional opaque shade.
The new shade system joins these two elements into a coordinated design that gives the user a range of personal daylight control unavailable in aircraft window shade systems in the past. The SPD outer lens controls interior daylight to 60% darkness. If the user requires further and complete daylight elimination he then lowers the opaque shade, thus acquiring 100% blackout and complete privacy when the aircraft is on the ground... The addition of the pleated shade also completes the interior styling with the Accordia window treatment on which MSA has built its reputation.
The shade system is presently in development for the Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault range of aircraft, and can be custom designed and engineered for use in any aircraft presently in the field. If you have further inquiries about our new product, please call Tim Schweitzer, President, MSA Aircraft Products at 210-590-6100.
San Antonio, Texas, June 2009
MSA Aircraft Products Inc., Has reached a milestone in the evolution of the MSA product line. Having secured a developmental agreement with a global carrier, MSA has developed a window shade system that has been tested and passed the highest levels of OEM requirements for VIP and commercial aircraft. This includes the most rigorous sections of the RTCA DO-160E testing, the evolving standard for both commercial & corporate aircraft product development.
The following is a list of the RTCA DO 160E tests that were passed:
| Temperature & Altitude | Category A1 (modified) |
| Temperature Variation | Category C |
| Humidity | Category A |
| Operational Shock | Category A |
| Vibration | Category R (curve C & C1) |
| Waterprofness | Category W |
| Fluid Susceptibility | Category F |
| Fungus | Category F |
| Power Input | Category A (CF) |
| Voltage Spike | Category A |
| Audio Frequency Susceptibility | Category Z (including upgraded Boeing requirements) |
| Induced Signal Susceptibility | Category CC |
| Radio Frequency Susceptibility | Category T (including upgraded Boeing requirements) |
| Emission Radio Frequency | Category M |
| Audio Frequency Emissions | Boeing D6-36440 Sec 7.3.3.5 |
| Electrostatic Discharge | Boeing D6-36440 Sec 7.3.3.8 |
Additionally, the new MSA window shade system has undergone extensive analysis, producing FMEA & MTBF documentation establishing expected operating cycles of 506,057 for the drive assembly, 1.14 million for the control module, and a total of 350,665 for the entire shade assembly.
Tim Schweitzer, CEO of MSA Aircraft Products Inc. said the company is committed to having all products in the MSA line equally certified. “We are extremely proud of our accomplishments with this new window shade system. The test results prove the quality and durability of our products. But it’s just a first step. We are committed to the same level of accomplishment with all of our products.
San Antonio, Texas, February 19, 2009
MSA Aircraft Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the sale of a majority interest in the company to Carlisle Enterprises, LLC. Carlisle also aquired a majority interest in MSA's sister company, Flight Composites, MSA's primary supplier of composite panels and components. The transaction was closed on December 31, 2008. In conjuction with this transaction, Mike Spraggins, founder of MSA, will retain a significant interest in the company and will serve on its Board of Directors. In addition, Tim Schweitzer, CEO and other members of management will hold an ownership position in MSA going forward.
Both parties to the transaction are enthusiastic about the potential benefits to MSA from the new relationship. MSA's management team was attracted to Carlisle's access to capital markets, their significant aerospace knowledge and operating expertise to support MSA's continued growth and development. Carlisle's interest in making the investment in MSA was supported by MSA's impressive growth record, its broad line of proprietary products, the company's proven engineering and research and development capabilites, along with MSA's leading competitive position in the Business Jet and VIP segments of the aerospace industry.
MSA Aircraft Products was founded in 1986, is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered window systems and associated composite components for use in Business Jet and VIP aircraft, as well as in new applications in the 1st Class Commercial aircraft segment of the aerospace industry. The company provides an extensive suite of patented products and comprehensive services and support to customers and dealers worldwide. MSA's and Flight Composites' operations are located in San Antonio, Texas. For more information about the company contact Tim Schweitzer, CEO at (210) 590-6100 or visit www.msaaircraft.com.
Carlisle Enterprises, LLC, formed in 1989, is a unique private investment firm whose principals and limited partners are primarily comprised of former or current Fortune 500 senior operating executives. Since its founding, the firm has completed over 75 acquisitions of business operating in the industrial manufacturing and services segments. Carlisle has a highly successful investment record in the aerospace sector, having led or participated in the following acquisitions:
- Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors
- Garrett Aviation Services, a provider of heavy manintenance, repair and overhaul services to turbine and turbofan-powered business and corporate aircraft.
- Fiberite, Inc. a manufacturer of advanced composite materials for commercial and military aircraft applications.
- Ross Aviation, a leader in fixed base operations (FBO).
For more information on Carlisle Enterprises, contact Dennis Dunn or David Canedo, Managing Directors at (858) 459-2922, or visit www.carlisle-acquisitions.com
San Antonio, Texas, April 2005
MSA Aircraft Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of their latest version of the ACCORDIA® window shade designed to meet the demanding requirements of reliability, maintenance, and appearance set by airline operators.
The new electrically operated window shade features a completely encapsulated pleated shade that mounts directly over the existing airliner sidewall through quick release fasteners. There is no need to modify the sidewall panels, maintenance and removal can be readily accomplished during aircraft turn around.
The window shade features a completely integrated electronic sofware driven module compatible with the latest aircraft systems. The new shade also features the exclusive one touch override capable of opening the shades without power input. The override feature only operates when there is no power supplied to the shade and actuates from the up/down switch; the logic for this mechanism adds to the safety of the unit, as there is no need for special handles or tools.