Dowty Makes Airbus Breakthrough

Dowty Aerospace has won contracts worth a likely $200 million following its selection by Hurel-Dubois to supply thrust-reverser actuation systems. The alliance with the French company strengthens Dowty's position on key programs in the growing regional jet market, and is a breakthrough for Dowty as a supplier of thrust reversers for Airbus Industrie.

Dowty's contract covers the supply of actuating systems to all four of the new aircraft programs for which Hurel-Dubois is supplying nacelles-the Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A-318, the Fairchild-Dornier 728JET and the Embraer ERJ170 (both GE-powered), and the new Bombardier Continental Business Jet, equipped with Honeywell engines.

The estimated $200 million value to the UK equipment company is based on currently projected sales of these types.