DOWTY AEROSPACE Propellers has become a risk-sharing partner in the Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8-400 programme, having been selected to supply its six-bladed swept propeller for the regional airliner.
First deliveries of the 4m all composite propeller, is scheduled for 1997. The UK company believes that the deal could be worth more than £200 million ($320 million) over the next 15 years.
It is the first time the that UK propeller maker has succeeded in winning a place on any of the de Havilland range of turboprop aircraft, and may raise a question in the future over Hamilton Standard's position on the Dash 8 -100 and -200 types.
The contract for the Dash 8-400, along with the winning of the deal to equip Lockheed Martin C-130J military transports, marks the renaissance of Dowty Aerospace, following its acquisition by the TI conglomerate in 1993.
Source: Flight International
