Airbus Defence & Space, HQ project

ClearView was appointed to design and install a complete fire and life safety system for Airbus Defence & Space’s redeveloped headquarters in Stevenage.

The installation included over 400 addressable devices across a Category L2 system, with Advanced MXPro5 control panels providing central control and integration with the wider campus network.

The system is also connected with advanced fire suppression, HVAC, power, and access control systems to ensure complete coordination between all safety and building services. ClearView completed the project on time and within budget, delivering a fully certified and connected life safety solution.

Airbus Defence & Space: Complete Fire and Life Safety System Installation

- Client: Airbus Defence & Space
- Location: Stevenage
- Systems Installed: Fire Alarm, Refuge, VESDA, Toilet Alarm, and Advanced Suppression Interfaces
- System category: L2
- Scale: 400+ system devices

Project Overview and Objectives

Airbus Defence & Space’s headquarters in Stevenage underwent a major development as part of a wider plan to modernise its UK operations. The new facility brings together offices, laboratories, and technical spaces that support Airbus’s satellite and defence work.

ClearView was appointed as the specialist fire alarm contractor to design, supply and install a complete life safety system throughout the building.
The main objectives of the project were to:

- Provide reliable fire detection and life safety coverage across all areas of the building.
- Integrate advanced suppression systems and essential building services.
- Connect the new headquarters to Airbus’s existing campus-wide fire network.

Fire Detection and Life Safety System Design

ClearView designed and installed a Category L2 fire detection and alarm system with more than 400 addressable devices, including smoke and heat detectors, manual call points, sounders and visual alarms.
The system was built around Advanced MXPro5 control panels, chosen for their proven reliability and flexibility. These panels also enabled the new building to link directly into Airbus’s wider campus network, creating a fully connected site-wide safety system.

Integration and Interfaces

A key technical requirement of the project was the need to interface with advanced fire suppression systems in the building’s laboratory and technical areas. These included both clean-agent systems and kitchen Ansul systems.

In total, the installation featured over 130 individual interfaces with other building services — including suppression, HVAC, power, automatic opening vents (AOVs), lifts, access control, gas detection, and electrical systems. This level of integration allowed all critical systems to work together effectively in an emergency.

Campus-Wide Networking

ClearView also guaranteed the new headquarters would become part of Airbus’s multi-panel campus fire alarm network, which connects multiple buildings across the Stevenage site.

By adding new Advanced MXPro5 nodes, the system allowed the HQ to communicate directly with the existing network. As a result, all fire events, alarms, and faults can now be viewed and lead from Airbus’s central monitoring station and main fire control centre, providing faster response times and complete site visibility.

Supporting Systems

To provide full life safety coverage, ClearView also installed:

- A Baldwin Boxall refuge communication system for clear two-way communication from refuge points.
- Apollo detection equipment for accurate and responsive alarm activation.
- Toilet alarm systems and induction loops are integrated into the main network for accessibility and alerting.

Installation, Testing & Project Delivery

ClearView managed every stage of the process, from initial design through to final handover. Detailed drawings, schematics, and a comprehensive cause-and-effect plan supported the installation.

Work was closely coordinated with the electrical and mechanical contractors to keep the project on schedule. Each interface and suppression link was carefully tested with Airbus representatives to confirm correct sequencing and functionality.

Final commissioning included full integration testing with Airbus’s facilities management team to ensure reliable performance across the entire campus network. The project was fully certified on completion, with training and handover documentation provided to Airbus staff.

Project Outcomes

The completed system provides comprehensive fire and life safety protection throughout Airbus Defence & Space’s new headquarters, fully connected to the wider Stevenage campus.

Delivered on time and within budget, the installation gives Airbus a reliable, compliant and connected safety solution that delivers fast detection, coordinated supervision and complete site-wide visibility, protecting people, assets and operations across the facility.

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