HEGAN partners take up positions in new A350XWB niches

The Aeronautics and Space Cluster of the Basque Country, HEGAN, continues to booster its position as suppliers for the A350XWB, the new twin-aisled passenger aircraft from the European AIRBUS manufacturer, this time through the adjudication by the DMP company of a contract for manufacturing landing gear systems. In the long term, the adjudications for the A350 XWB aeroplane involve an engine for the Basque aeronautics and space sector. This will mean the generation of 4,000 jobs, the entry into new technological niches and the large-scale manufacture of carbon-fibre aeronautic components.

The DMP company, based in Mendaro in the Basque province of Guipúzcoa, will make the shock absorber system for the main landing gear for 475 Airbus A350 planes. In this way, the company, part of the Egile Group, has consolidated its presence in the international aeronautics market, through this long-term contract in the landing systems niche.

DMP has signed a contract with the French Messier Dowty company – direct supplier to Airbus and world leader in landing gear – in order to preferentially produce the shock absorbing systems for sixty A350 units. Subsequently, it will be guaranteed at least 30% of the aircraft to be built monthly, until the total order of 475 is completed.

The DMP Sales Director pointed out "the (landing gear) systems should be able to withstand 300 tons and so have very rigorous requirements as regards quality and safety." The main landing gear of the A350XWB is made up of two shock absorbers designed to support this model of Airbus, capable of transporting up to 350 passengers. In total, DMP will produce 950 shock absorber systems, each with a total of 22 high-technology parts. These are highly sensitive, hydraulic shock absorber systems, customised for the client, and which have enabled generating the development of knowledge and technology.