The Short Story...

The Short Story...

BaseWest has won every aircraft escape slide lighting program we have had the opportunity to bid since 1996 including: 737, 747-8, 757, 767, 777, 787, A320, A330/340, A350, A380, EMB 170/190, ARJ21, RRJ, and CSeries. We are an FAA-approved manufacturer under PMA and TSO authority, and our quality system is certified to AS9100 Rev C. Our skill set includes design and manufacture in electronics, lighting, battery packs, test equipment, and aircraft electrical cables.
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The Long Story....

BaseWest was founded in 1991 and began life as an FAA-PMA provider of replacement battery packs for cabin crew flashlights and emergency locator beacons. By 1995 we developed the first “round-wire” escape slide lighting system, and won our first major aircraft programs with Goodrich soon after – the A330/340 and 737NG. The 757 program in 1998 gave us our first opportunity to work with Air Cruisers, and in 1999 we introduced the first LED-based slide lighting system with the award of their A320 program.

We expanded our design and manufacturing capabilities to include electrical cables for various Airbus and Boeing programs, and developed a range of specialized test equipment for escape slide systems including the TS-420 Test Set which has been approved by both Goodrich and Air Cruisers and included in their escape slide manuals.

In 2001, as LED technology became the choice for new escape slide lighting systems, BaseWest developed the first of a series of IC-controlled “smart” batteries to power these systems –  creating significant reductions in weight and pack volume. In 2009 we received FAA-TSO authorization for the first lithium-powered battery pack for escape slide lighting, offering even greater weight savings, enhanced performance, and significantly extended service life.

Winning every new aircraft escape slide lighting program awarded since 1996 has been a result of leadership in service, quality, price, and product innovation. We have increased the reliability of escape slide lighting systems, extended service life, reduced weight and pack volume, and continuously advanced the technology with a number of “firsts” in our field….

  • •      The first “positive-retention” activation switch
  • •      The first “round-wire” lighting system
  • •      The first LED-based lighting system
  • •      The first IC-controlled “smart” battery packs
  • •      The first FAA-approved lithium battery packs

 

BaseWest is certified to AS9100 Rev C, the aerospace equivalent of ISO-9001:2008, and is a delegated-source inspection supplier to both Goodrich and Air Cruisers for escape slide lighting harnesses, battery packs, and aircraft electrical cables. Through our established distributor/agent network and our long-standing relationships with OEM and MRO service centers worldwide, we provide the best service and shortest lead times in the industry.

Your inquiries and feedback are valued.  Please contact us.