Dunlop Aircraft Tyres preys on new £1.9bn Hawk contract
BIRMINGHAM-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is to benefit from BAE Systems’ £1.9bn deal to sell Hawk training jets to Saudi Arabia.
Twenty-two Hawks will be built in Lancashire and supplied with tyres made at DAT’s factory in Fort Parkway.
The company, the world’s only specialist aircraft tyre manufacturer and retreader, already provides tyres for the 45 Hawks currently in service with the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Each aircraft uses three tyres – two on the main gear and one on the nose gear – and once the Saudis take delivery of the new aircraft the country will be the world’s second largest operator of the type after the UK.
The trainer is best known for its use by the RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic display team.
“Much has been said about the benefit of this deal with Saudi Arabia to the workers at BAE Systems,” said DAT chairman Ian Edmondson. “But the good news extends into the supply chain.
“Not only will we provide three tyres to each aeroplane as it leaves the factory but we look forward to supporting them for many years to come during their service in Saudi Arabia.”
DAT, a Queen’s Award winner for its export growth, specialises in the supply of aircraft tyres and tubes from design thorough to delivery, using the most sophisticated precision and manufacturing and retreading techniques currently available.
The company is the only dedicated aircraft tyre manufacturer and retreader in the world. It focuses solely on meeting the needs of the aviation industry with a comprehensive product range, backed by a 24 hour- a-day support structure.
DAT’s high profile customers include major international airlines, aircraft constructors, wheel and brake manufacturers and maintenance facilities throughout the world. AAC Capital Partners acquired 74.6% ownership of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres in May 2007.
