Messier-Dowty delivers first main landing gear of the Airbus A350-900

Messier-Dowty (SAFRAN Group) has delivered the first Airbus main landing gear of the A350-900, crossing a major milestone for the program.

The first landing gear will be installed system test bench of the A350 at Airbus UK in Filton.

The development of the lander’s main A350 focuses on optimizing operating costs. It incorporates the latest technology, while meeting the requirements of economy, performance, reliability and environmental requirements of the A350 program. The main landing gear uses a higher use of advanced materials, notably titanium, which resists corrosion and allows for significant weight savings.

Gilles Bouctot, CEO Messier-Dowty, for his part said: "The main landing gear of the A350-900 is the result of close collaboration between our team program in Gloucester and various industrial operations of Messier- Dowty. The manufacture of major structural parts is shared by the industrial sites of Messier-Dowty in Europe, North America and Asia. The final assembly process takes place at the site of Gloucester.

The first delivery of the undercarriages of the series final assembly line of Airbus is scheduled by end 2011. In parallel, Messier-Dowty starts its certification with the drop tests and structure in the coming weeks.