A WIRRAL company has been awarded a contract to supply components for a striking military aircraft often seen in the skies above Flintshire and Chester.

Teledyne CML Composites, based in Bromborough, announced the award of a contract with Airbus to supply of composite wing components and assemblies on the A400M Tactical Airlifter.

Designed making extensive use of advanced composite materials, the awarded package of parts includes a range of thermoplastic components to be supplied to the Airbus A400M composite wing box assembly line at the Filton facility in Bristol.

None of the components of the aircraft are made at the Airbus plant in Broughton, but aircraft in the service of the RAF are regularly seen in training exercises above Hawarden, Chester and Liverpool.

“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,” said John Toner, General Manager of Teledyne CML Composites.

“With this A400M contract award, we have concluded a significant investment 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."

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 theatres of operations.

It is already proven in operation with the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malaysia,

Highly versatile, 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. The A400M is also convertible to a tactical tanker, with the ability to refuel a range of aircraft and helicopters.