DPS Aerospace wins new contracts (From Western Telegraph)

DPS Aerospace wins new contracts

Pembroke Dock-based DPS Aerospace has now confirmed its recently announced order from Europa Aircraft, to produce complete wings for the highly successful family of lightweight 'kit' aircraft.

The company expects to take on a number of new staff over the next few months, mainly to fill existing positions as some of the current team of 120 are redeployed on to wing production.

The contract will initially involve laminating and assembly of two full sets of wings each week, and is likely to last for at least the next five years.

According to deputy head of aerospace, Peter Webster, it represents an important step forward for DPS.

'This project is our first opportunity to manufacture a key structural aircraft component. Up to now almost all our efforts have gone into making non-structural cabin fittings for an increasing range of the world's premier airlines,' he said.

'Thanks to the commitment and flexibility of the team we have been able to put together here, we now have an excellent reputation for production of high quality interior components, and we certainly hope to continue and expand this activity too.

'Moving into structural components will help build on the company's core skills in carbon fibre, and open up wider market opportunities in both civil and military aerospace, where there is an increasing use of high specification composite materials,' he added

The company has also recently secured a contract with Meggitt Defence Systems, as announced at the recent Paris Air Show, to produce key components for their Banshee and Voodoo unmanned aircraft products. These have potential applications as aerial targets and for reconnaissance missions, with armed forces throughout the world.

*Pictured are a trio of Europa aircraft.