MSA Safety

MSA Safety Launches A1X Vacuum Anchor, Cuts Weight 35% for Aircraft MRO

Pittsburgh – September 16, 2026 -- MSA Safety has launched the A1X, a next-generation WinGrip vacuum anchor that weighs 7 kg -- 35% lighter than its predecessor -- and cuts its diameter to 350 mm from 480 mm, aiming to speed up aircraft maintenance checks.

Redesigned pneumatics double anchoring positions per bottle

The A1X uses vacuum suction technology to create a non-invasive attachment point on aircraft wing surfaces, powered by refillable air or gas cylinders that generate the required negative pressure. A redesigned pneumatic system doubles the number of anchoring positions achievable with a single bottle, reducing how often technicians must carry replacement cylinders during time-critical checks.

MSA Safety Launches A1X Vacuum Anchor, Cuts Weight 35% for MRO Teams

Pittsburgh – September 16, 2026 -- MSA Safety has launched the A1X, a next-generation WinGrip vacuum anchor that weighs 7 kg, 35% lighter than its predecessor, and cuts the base diameter to 350 mm from 480 mm to speed up aircraft maintenance operations.

Redesigned pneumatic system doubles anchor repositioning per cylinder

The A1X uses rechargeable air or gas cylinders to generate suction force, creating a non-invasive anchor point on wing surfaces without damaging the aircraft. MSA redesigned the pneumatic system to double the number of anchor repositions available from a single cylinder, reducing the need for technicians to carry spare cylinders during time-sensitive line maintenance.

MSA Safety Launches Lighter A1X WinGrip Vacuum Anchor for Aircraft MRO

Pittsburgh – September 14, 2026 -- MSA Safety has launched the A1X, a vacuum anchor weighing 7 kg, 35% lighter than its predecessor, designed to speed up fall-protection deployment during aircraft maintenance checks.

Smaller footprint opens access to more aircraft types

The A1X reduces its pad diameter to 350 mm from 480 mm, allowing use on executive jets, private aircraft and smaller commercial planes previously outside the range of MSA's WinGrip technology. The system is approved by Airbus and Boeing, giving maintenance teams clearance to adopt it into standard procedures.

MSA Safety Unveils A1X Vacuum Anchor, Cuts Weight 35% for Jet Maintenance

Pittsburgh – September 14, 2026 -- MSA Safety has launched the WinGrip A1X vacuum anchor, a fall-protection device for aircraft maintenance that weighs 7kg, 35% lighter than its predecessor, and shrinks its pad diameter from 480mm to 350mm.

Smaller footprint opens new aircraft segments to WinGrip technology

The reduced pad diameter allows the A1X to be deployed on business jets and private aviation aircraft that previously fell outside the scope of MSA's WinGrip system, alongside commercial airliners. The device is approved for use by Airbus and Boeing, positioning it for adoption as standard equipment across major maintenance operations.