Doncasters Protects A400m Propellers
MELBOURNE, UK: The Doncasters Group, a leading global manufacturer of precision
components for the aerospace sector, is manufacturing erosion shields for the Airbus A400M
military aircraft's propellers through Ratier-Figeac in a contract worth £2.0m.
The erosion shield is an essential part of the propeller, protecting it from damage caused by
airborne particles. Doncasters will manufacture erosion shields to protect the leading edge
of the eight-bladed Ratier-Figeac FH386 propellers.
Whilst the overall design of the A400M including the propeller makes extensive use of
composite materials, a nickel-based alloy has been selected for the erosion shields due to its
durability and light weight. The erosion shields will be produced at Doncasters' Bramah UK
facility using an advanced nickel electroforming process which has the advantage of
producing highly accurate, repeatable components which are light yet extremely resistant to
mechanical erosion.
The A400M propeller blades are larger and have a higher power rating than any other
propeller ever produced in the western world. The propellers are 17.5ft in diameter and
operate at a power rating of over 10 000 shaft horsepower, allowing the aircraft to fly up to a
cruise speed of Mach 0.72.
Eric J. Lewis, CEO of the Doncasters Group, commented:
"With extensive experience in the use of titanium, nickel and cobalt alloys, aluminium, metal
matrix composites and all ferrous materials, Doncasters is already a trusted supplier to many
leading engine programmes. Our involvement in this landmark military programme highlights
our capability to deliver complex solutions using advanced manufacturing techniques to meet
the rigorous requirements of our customers, both in terms of quality and delivery."
The A400M order book currently stands at 192 firm commitments, including the seven
European NATO launch customer nations, South Africa and Malaysia. The aircraft will first fly
in 2008 with deliveries beginning in 2009. The new airlifter will enable air forces around the
world to upgrade their airlift capability for both humanitarian and peace-keeping activities.
In addition to erosion shields, Doncasters is also producing forgings and investment castings
for the Tusas Engine Industries (TEI) for the TP400 - the most powerful western turboprop
ever built, also for the A400M.
Ratier-Figeac, based in Figeac, France, is a business unit of Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of
United Technologies Corporation.
The Doncasters Group is a leading international manufacturer that supplies precision components
and assemblies to the aerospace, power generation, specialty automotive and medical orthopaedic
industries. Doncasters excels in working with alloys and metals that are difficult to shape and form.
The company's unparalleled range of products and processes has been developed to offer customers
a broad, vertically integrated capability. Core manufacturing processes include precision casting,
forging, fabrication, machining and production of superalloys.
Key products include airfoils, structures, casings, rings, exhausts and combustion components for gas
turbine applications, aerostructures and components for airframe applications, femoral knees, tibial
trays, humeral stems, femoral hips and bone plates for orthopaedic applications and compressor and
turbine wheels for the turbocharger market. The company offers well-developed supply chain
integration solutions, delivering complex assemblies and engine-ready components to its customers.
Doncasters employs some 4,700 people at over 20 sites across Europe, the USA and Mexico. The
Group has institutionalised lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles throughout its operations.
For more information contact:
Caroline Gamble, Doncasters Group Ltd.
T: 44 (0) 1332 864900
