Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, whose tyres are used on the Airbus A400M, expects to build on recent export success at this week’s Paris Air Show with new tyre technology.
Attending the Paris Show comes as the French Air Force prepares to take delivery of the first production Airbus Military A400M, a transport aircraft fitted with tyres featuring new foreign object damage (FOD) resistance tyre technology developed by Dunlop.
Dunlop’s new tyres feature the better sidewall FOD resistance of bias tyres, which are more suited to operations from semi and unprepared airstrips, as well as advanced materials designed to give improved protection in the tread area.
More than 170 A400M transport aircraft have been ordered by eight countries, thus adding to Dunlop’s presence within the military transport market.
The Edrington-based company is also showcasing new radial tyres that will help it become more competitive in the regional aircraft market.
Among the new products being shown are radial mainwheel tyres for the Embraer 170 regional jet and the popular ATR 72 turboprop. There are more than 350 E-170s and 600 ATR 72s in service with airlines around the world.
For operators of the 4,300 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft in service, Dunlop is showing the latest version of its mainwheel tyre which is gaining popularity with several airlines.
“These new tyres will further strengthen our position as a major supplier to airlines operating some of the most popular regional and single-aisle airliners,” “said Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ chairman, Ian Edmondson. “These are typically high cycle operation aircraft that replace tyres more frequently than the larger twin aisle jets.
“At the same time, our involvement on the A400M shows our innovative approach to finding solutions to the challenges faced when airframe manufacturers are developing new aircraft.
“While the global economic environment remains challenging, we have been seeing strong export growth. This has particularly been the case in the Far East, where we have opened a retread and new tyre distribution facility.”
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2011 for its international sales performance.
