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Teledyne CML Composites (Bromborough, U.K.) recently announced that it has been awarded a “Life of Program” contract with Airbus (Madrid, Spain) to supply composite wing components and assemblies for the A400M Tactical Airlifter. The awarded package is reported to include several thermoplastic and prepreg composite components that will be supplied to the Airbus A400M composite wing box assembly line at the Filton facility in Bristol, U.K.

According to John Toner, VP and general manager of Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK and general manager of Teledyne CML Composites, this contract award follows a significant investment by the company in a new thermoplastics processing cell. “Having identified thermoplastics as a key technology in our long-term growth ambitions, this investment adds an exciting new automated manufacturing capability to our business and places Teledyne CML Composites at the forefront of composites manufacturing technology,” he says.

The Airbus A400M is designed to meet the requirements of current and future armed forces to conduct strategic transport of heavy vehicles/equipment and tactical airlift of personnel into theaters of operations. It is currently in operation with the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malaysia.

In addition, the Airbus A400M can be configured for cargo, a range of military helicopters and vehicles, heavy engineering equipment, up to 120 fully equipped troops, 66 stretchers and 25 medical personnel for aero-medical evacuation. It is also convertible to a tactical tanker, with the ability to refuel a range of aircraft and helicopters.

Toner adds, “The decision to award this latest package to Teledyne CML Composites is a reflection of our proven track record to supply high quality composite parts that exceed our customer’s expectations.”