Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems today announced it has been selected to provide wheels, brakes and brake control systems for Taranis, the BAE Systems' led unmanned air vehicle (UAV) technology programme that will demonstrate how emerging technologies and systems can deliver battle winning capabilities for the UK armed forces.

The agreement will see the Meggitt group company deliver equipment for the £124 million demonstrator aircraft that is being developed at BAE Systems' site in Warton, Lancashire as part of the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Strategic UAV Experiment programme.

It is a significant deal for the Coventry-based company, which is at the forefront of the UAV marketplace as unmanned vehicles progress towards operational capability alongside traditional military aircraft in both reconnaissance and combat operations.

"We have selected Dunlop Aerospace as a supplier based on its experience of working in the military aviation sector and recognising its activities in the UAV sector," said Chris Kelly, Procurement and Supply Chain Director of BAE Systems' Autonomous Systems and Future Capability business.

"As UAVs play an increasingly vital role in military operations, BAE Systems is keen to continue to work with long-established suppliers such as Dunlop Aerospace, to protect UK capability and ensure that the UK aerospace sector stays ahead of the global race to develop technologically advanced aircraft."

David Johnson, Managing Director of Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems is delighted that the company has been chosen to support the Taranis project.

"Unmanned air vehicles are an important part of the future for aviation," he said. "Dunlop Aerospace has some very exciting technology for this type of aircraft which builds on our previous success last year when we successfully flight tested our electric e-brake systems in a UAV.

"We also see our involvement in the programme as an opportunity to support the UK aerospace sector in terms of research and development."

Dunlop Aerospace will supply its equipment to BAE Systems in 2008 and the aircraft is scheduled to commence flight trials in 2010.