To The Editor;
We read with interest your recent article entitled "End of the circuit breaker: smart power makes its mark" in the July issue of Military & Aerospace Electronics. The article mentions that the first demonstrations of SSPC [solid-state power controller] technology was on the X-33 and that the first commercial applications on the Airbus 380 (not yet in service.) These statements are not entirely accurate.

Leach International of Buena Park, Calif., pioneered the development of SSPC components and has been producing them since the mid-1980s. In fact, the first commercial demonstration of SSPC technology was the Bombardier Global Express aircraft and the first military use was on the Lockheed C-130J in 1995/96. Both of these projects used SSPC components developed and manufactured by Leach International.

Mark Thek, president
Leach International
Buena Park, Calif.