New WinGrip A1X is designed to improve technician safety and flexibility during aircraft maintenance
MSA Safety has launched the WinGrip A1X vacuum anchor, a new fall-protection solution designed to make aircraft maintenance safer and easier for technicians working on aircraft wings and fuselages. The A1X is the latest version of MSA Safety’s WinGrip system and has been designed to be lighter, smaller, and easier to move during maintenance operations.
Smaller and easier to handle
The A1X weighs 7 kg, making it 35% lighter than its predecessor. Its diameter has also been reduced to 350 mm from 480 mm, allowing technicians to use the vacuum anchor on a wider range of aircraft surfaces.
The system uses vacuum suction to create a secure, non-invasive anchor point on an aircraft surface without damaging the aircraft. It is powered by refillable air or gas cylinders that generate the required suction. According to MSA Safety, the redesigned pneumatic system allows technicians to make twice as many anchor repositionings from a single cylinder, reducing the need to carry additional cylinders during maintenance work.
Wider compatibility
The smaller pad size also expands the range of aircraft on which the A1X can be used. This includes business jets, private aircraft, and commercial airliners that may not have been suitable for earlier WinGrip systems. The A1X is approved for use by major aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing, according to MSA Safety.
Designed for different maintenance environments
The vacuum anchor does not use electronic components, allowing it to be used in environments where fuel vapours may be present. This also means the system does not create an electrical ignition risk. An integrated audio alarm provides technicians with status information, while the anchor is designed to maintain its seal even if airflow is interrupted.
The system is self-contained and does not require a fixed air supply or other infrastructure. This allows maintenance teams to use it in hangars, on the apron, or at remote locations, across different operating conditions.
Built for A and B Checks
MSA Safety has optimised the A1X for line maintenance and A and B check operations, where technicians often need to work quickly and move equipment between aircraft locations.
The system allows a single technician to deploy and reposition one of the two anchor points without requiring overhead lifeline infrastructure or additional personnel.
For larger C and D checks, where several technicians may need to work on the wing at the same time, MSA Safety will continue to offer its larger WinGrip lifeline systems.
Also Read – IAI’s B777-300ERSF freighter fleet crosses 20,000 flight hours
A focus on technician safety
The A1X comes as a kit with two anchor points, including the primary vacuum anchor and a secondary “flying” anchor for triangulated configurations. The kit also includes a dedicated air cylinder, pressure line, and personal protective equipment, with configurations available according to customer requirements.
“The A1X vacuum anchor was developed from listening to the people who use WinGrip every day,” said Jose Sanchez, Senior Vice President and President of EMEA Business, MSA Safety. He added that the company focused on removing practical barriers that can prevent technicians from using fall-protection equipment during maintenance operations.
The WinGrip A1X will be showcased at MRO Europe in October 2026, where MSA Safety will demonstrate the system and brief visitors on its applications in aircraft maintenance.
