Dunlop signs Korean helicopter deal
Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has secured a deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to be the exclusive supplier of tyres for a new helicopter.
The aircraft is being developed to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of 500MD and UH-1H aircraft. The new model, Surion, made its first flight early in 2010 and more than 245 are currently on order.
Its missions will include aerial assault, troops and logistics transport, search and rescue and command and control.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ chairman Ian Edmondson said: "This order builds on our relationship with KAI, a growing aerospace company that develops a range of rotary and fixed-wing military and civilian aircraft.
“We have worked with KAI as the exclusive supplier of nose tyres for its military trainer, more than 100 of which are in service. It is testament to the quality of our product and service that we have won another exclusive deal with the manufacturer."
Edmondson added that he hoped the deal with KAI would strengthen the Dunlop brand within the Asia pacific region, where the company recently opened a new tyre distribution and retreading facility.
