Pittsburgh – September 13, 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.
Redesigned pneumatic system doubles anchor repositions per cylinder
The A1X is powered by refillable air or gas cylinders that generate vacuum suction to create secure, non-invasive anchor points on wing surfaces. MSA's redesigned pneumatic system doubles the number of repositions technicians can achieve from a single cylinder, cutting the need to carry spares during time-sensitive line maintenance.
Electronics-free design targets refuelling zones and remote sites
The A1X operates without electronics or electrical components, eliminating ignition risk in environments where fuel vapours may be present. An integrated audio alarm delivers real-time status feedback, and the unit retains its seal if airflow is interrupted. Fully self-contained within its cylinder, it requires no external air supply or fixed infrastructure, functioning in hangars, on the apron, or at remote locations across varied climates and altitudes.
Single technician can now handle A and B check anchor deployment
MSA built the A1X for airline-industry standardized A and B checks, where a single technician can deploy and reposition one of two anchor points without overhead lifeline infrastructure or additional crew. For larger C and D checks requiring multiple workers on the wing simultaneously, MSA's full lifeline WinGrip systems remain the recommended option.
Jose Sanchez, MSA Safety Senior Vice President and President of EMEA Business, said the company designed the A1X to remove barriers between technicians and their safety equipment, noting that unused fall protection provides no protection. Each kit ships with a primary vacuum anchor, a secondary "flying" anchor for triangulated configurations, a dedicated air cylinder, a pressure line and personal protective equipment, configurable to customer specifications.
MSA will display the A1X vacuum anchor at MRO Europe in October 2026, offering product demonstrations and one-to-one briefings to maintenance operators.