The Doncasters Group has been selected by Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems, a division of Meggitt plc, to manufacture torque tubes for the Embraer Phenom 300 aircraft programme.

The torque tube is an essential part of the brake which encloses the drive shaft used to absorb the resultant torque (twisting, turning force) from the shaft.  Doncasters Precision Forgings in Sheffield, UK, will manufacture the torque tubes from stainless steel using the site's four tonne closed die forging hammer.  This type of hammer produces precision forgings of a high and consistent quality.

Eric J. Lewis, Chief Executive of Doncasters, commented: "Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems is one of the most successful aircraft brake manufacturers and we are proud to be working with the company in what we hope will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. 

"Doncasters already has a proven track record in manufacturing torque tubes for Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems on a number of major programmes.  This latest contract is testimony to Doncasters' market leading competences in manufacturing highly precise components to the most demanding specifications."

The Phenom 300 is the second addition to Embraer's family of business jets that began with the Legacy 600 and followed by the Phenom 100. Currently under development, the Phenom 300 is expected to enter service in mid-2009.

David Johnson, Managing Director of Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems, commented:  "This is the first contract awarded by Embraer to Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems.  Embraer is one of the most successful aircraft manufacturers in the world and so it is a milestone for our company and will, I believe, mark the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship."