Pilot® by Beldam Crossley
Over 135 Years of Sealing Innovation.
Made in Britain
The Original Name in Braided Compression Packing
The name Pilot® has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability in the world of industrial sealing. Developed by Beldam Crossley, the Pilot® range of braided packing and sealing solutions is one of the oldest and most respected brands in the industry—first introduced over 135 years ago.
From marine origins to modern-day use in critical processing environments, Pilot® products are trusted globally for their performance in high-pressure, high-temperature, and chemically aggressive applications.
Where the Pilot® Story Begins
The history of the Pilot® brand begins with Asplan Beldam and Henry Crossley, two pioneering engineers in British industrial history. Asplan Beldam began manufacturing braided packing in the late 1800s to meet the needs of the growing marine sector. Meanwhile, Henry Crossley developed the Crossplait construction—a tightly woven, square-section braid designed to maximise sealing strength and minimise leakage.
That same Crossplait technology is now standard practice around the world, and forms the backbone of the Pilot® braided packing range.
What Makes Pilot® Different?
Pilot® braided packing is more than a product—it’s an engineered solution. Each packing style has been developed to address specific technical challenges, such as shaft wear, chemical attack, thermal conductivity, and pressure cycling. What sets Pilot® apart:
- Tailored performance – Styles available for abrasive, high-speed, oxygen, steam, and food-grade applications
- Advanced materials – PTFE, carbon, aramid, graphite, glass, and hybrid fibre blends
- Crossplait technology – Square-section weave ensures uniform sealing and strength
- Low shrinkage and friction – Extends seal life and protects equipment
Built in the UK. Trusted Worldwide.
Every Pilot® product is designed, braided, and engineered by Beldam Crossley’s technical team in the UK. With our deep heritage and in-house production capabilities, we continue to develop both standard and bespoke compression packings to meet the precise needs of modern industry.
Today, Pilot® is a trusted name across:
- Marine and offshore transport
- Chemical and petrochemical processing
- Power generation and turbine systems
- Pharmaceutical and food-grade applications
- Defence, aerospace, and nuclear energy sectors
When failure isn’t an option, engineers choose Pilot®.
The Pilot® Range: Sealing Every Challenge
The Pilot® range includes thousands of product variations tailored to exact customer requirements. Core series include:
- Pilotpack 3000 Series (PTFE-based) – Ultra-low friction, chemically inert, suitable for food and pharmaceutical systems
- Pilotpack 4000 Series (Carbon & Graphite) – For nuclear valves, low emissions, and high-speed pumps
- Pilotpack 5000 Series (Aramid) – High-strength, wear-resistant for abrasive environments
- Pilotpack 8000 Series (Silica Glass) – Withstands extreme temperatures and static sealing in demanding heat applications
All packing can be supplied as spooled lengths, pre-cut rings, or full sealing sets—complete with technical support and application-specific recommendations.
From Standard to Special: Designed for Your Application
With a dedicated technical team and UK-based production, Beldam Crossley supports customers from concept to installation. Whether you need a quick replacement or a fully bespoke sealing system, the Pilot® brand delivers:
- Expert design consultation
- Rapid turnaround on non-standard parts
- Full traceability and documentation
- Training and technical guidance on installation and usage
Pilot® compression packings are also compatible with legacy systems, helping extend equipment life while improving operational efficiency.
Proven by Time. Powered by Innovation.
What began as a marine sealing solution over a century ago is now a global brand, recognised by engineers, operators, and procurement specialists around the world. The Pilot® name continues to be the trusted choice for sealing integrity in mission-critical systems.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, supported by over a century of experience, and driven by continuous innovation—Pilot® is more than a brand. It’s a promise of performance.
