Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Fuel tank contract", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773aab.046
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Fuel tank contract
Fuel tank contract
Keywords: Dowty, Fuel, Storage tanks
TI Group's Dowty has been selected to supply supersonic fuel tanks for the Eurofighter. The contract, with an expected full series production value of £30 million, has been won by its Hamble aerostructures business and will bring the overall value of Eurofighter to Dowty to well over £150 million, on current firm aircraft orders.
The Eurofighter's fuel tank to be supplied by Dowty has been purpose-designed to fly at supersonic speeds and to fit under both wings and fuselage stations on the aircraft. A novel aspect of the design is that the pylon is integral and the complete tank can be jettisoned, giving a clean configuration to the aircraft for the rest of any flying mission.
In addition to Dowty's involvement on Eurofighter, TI Group's Specialty Polymer Products division has been selected as the sole supplier of canopy and windscreen seals for the aircraft.
Separately, the Hamble aerostructures business has been awarded a contract by Bombardier, to manufacture fuel tanks for the BAe Systems Hawk Mk 115 aircraft, which are to be flown by the NATO Flying Training College in Canada. Hamble also supplies the canopy, windscreen and structural components for the Hawk, while other Dowty businesses provide the aircraft with a range of hydraulic equipment and turbine engine components.