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Dowty Group was a leading British manufacturer of aircraft equipment. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The firm ceased operating as an individual entity following its acquisition by TI Group in 1992.

Key Information

The company has its origins as the Aircraft Components Company in 1931 and the work of British inventor and businessman George Dowty. In 1934, Dowty achieved its breakthrough sale of its innovative undercarriage designs, being contracted by the Gloster Aircraft Company to provide oleo struts for the Gloster Gauntlet biplane. In 1935, as the business expanded to meet demand, Dowty founded a new manufacturing venture to produce his aviation products, which was named Dowty Aviation.

It quickly secured numerous additional orders and manufacturing facilities to cope with the pressing demands of the Second World War, a significant majority of British aircraft production incorporating the firm's various products. By the end of the conflict, Dowty Aviation was a major British manufacturing interest, possessing many production plants at home and overseas in Canada and the United States. By the end of hostilities in 1945, Dowty had reportedly manufactured 87,786 landing gears and 984,388 hydraulic units. A major drive to apply its technology to other commercial ventures was taken in the post-war era.

Throughout much of its existence, Dowty Group specialised in the manufacture of hydraulic and actuation systems, advanced propellers, turbine engine components and tubular systems; it was also a long-term owner of the Hamble aircraft structures business.[2] The Dowty Group also diversified into various commercial and industrial sectors, venturing into telecommunications, software, and becoming a market leader in the manufacturing of mining equipment.[3]

History

[edit]

Origins

[edit]

What would eventually become Dowty Group was founded as the Aircraft Components Company in 1931 by British inventor and businessman George Dowty, who was working as a draughtsman for the Gloster Aircraft Company at that time.[4] Initially, this entity was only a shell company, having no staff, no capital and being operated out of a registered office in Lloyds Avenue, London. It quickly became insolvent after the company's first order, for aircraft shock absorber struts from the Civilian Aircraft Co of Hull, was not paid in time.[4]

In June 1931, Dowty decided to resign from Gloster to form Aircraft Components Ltd, which was based in 10 Lansdown Terrace Lane in Cheltenham.[4] In November 1931, the first two employees were recruited. The company's first success involved Dowty's newly-invented internally sprung wheel; the first order for six of these wheels was placed by the Japanese Kawasaki Company, manufacturing was performed at the company's Lansdown Terrace premises.[4] In 1934, Dowty achieved a major sale after approached aviation engineer Henry Folland of Gloster to demonstrate his own design for oleo struts; these were promptly ordered for the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft. This initial and sizable production order was rapidly followed by a similar order for the Gloster Gladiator.[4]

In 1935, Dowty founded a new business to manufacture this aircraft equipment under the name Dowty Aviation.[5] That same year, the company leased a factory and bought new premises in Arle Court, Cheltenham.[4] In 1936, Aviation became a public company, Dowty himself only held a small stake in its overall equity. Dowty Aviation would secure numerous additional orders; amongst other customers, it provided landing gear for Frank Whittle's ground-breaking Gloster E.1/44, a jet-propelled aeroplane that first flew on 15 May 1941.[1][4]

Second World War

[edit]

Throughout the Second World War, Dowty Aviation's products were a key subsystem of nearly all British aircraft that were manufactured during the conflict. Its product range included hydraulic systems, undercarriage units, tail wheels, electrical instrumentation and warning devices.[4] Specific aircraft incorporating Dowty products include the Hawker Hurricane, Bristol Beaufighter, Hawker Typhoon, Westland Whirlwind, Avro Lancaster, Handley Page Halifax, Short Stirling, Short Sunderland, Blackburn Skua, Avro Anson, Miles Master, and the de Havilland Rapide. The first jet fighter to enter Allied service, the Gloster Meteor, also used Dowty Aviation technology.[4]

By the end of the conflict, Dowty Aviation had clearly established itself as a major British manufacturing interest, particularly in relation to the expanded aviation industry.[4] New production plants had been established not only throughout the British Isles, but also overseas in Canada and the United States as well. By the end of hostilities in 1945, Dowty had reportedly manufactured 87,786 landing gears and 984,388 hydraulic units.[4]

Post-war activities

[edit]

Shortly after the Second World War, Dowty Aviation decided to apply its hydraulics technology to wider fields, venturing into motorcycle suspension forks, hydraulic pit props, industrial pumps, and hydraulic control systems.[4] In 1945, Dowty Seals was founded; during 1950, another new entity, Dowty Hydraulic Units, was created, while Dowty Fuel Systems followed in 1953. Various businesses were also acquired by the growing company, including New Mendip Engineering in 1948 and Coventry Precision in 1951.[4]

In 1954, George Dowty's contribution to the aviation industry was formally recognised by the Royal Aeronautical Society, being awarded its gold medal for outstanding designs and development of aircraft equipment.[4]

As the various Dowty-owned companies continued to grow in both size and number, it became apparent that a new business structure was needed to oversee and manage the other businesses.[4] Accordingly, on 18 March 1954, Dowty Group Limited was incorporated, its headquarters being established at Arle Court, Cheltenham. By this point, the business' Canadian operation was reportedly generating roughly 50 per cent of its total turnover.[4]

During 1960, Dowty Group acquired Rotol Airscrews, giving it a propeller manufacturing capability; this led to the creation of the Dowty Rotol division.[5] In 1961, it acquired British aviation company Boulton Paul Aircraft, a former large scale manufacturer of aircraft, involved in the production of research aircraft as well as aviation subsystems such as powered control units, as well as other activities.[6] For a time, this part the business was known as Dowty Boulton Paul Ltd.[7]

In the 1960s, Dowty Group contributed to several major British aviation projects, including the development and provision of fuel control systems for the Harrier jump jet and of power controls for the Concorde supersonic airliner.[1] Internationally, the company closely collaborated with the French Group Messier on aircraft landing gear and hydraulics over a long period of time.[5][4]

In the late 1980s, Dowty Group decided to diversify into telecommunications and computer equipment, acquiring Datatel, a software business, in 1987,[8] Case Group plc, a telecommunications company, in 1988[9] and Dataco, a provider of network services, in 1990.[10]

Acquisition, restructuring and absorption

[edit]

During 1992, Dowty Group was acquired by TI Group, another large British specialist engineering company.[11] Reportedly, Dowty had been regarded by TI's chairman, Sir Christopher Lewinton, as his number-one target and had made substantial preparations towards its acquisition, although the bid was not regarded as being a hostile one despite Dowty's board initially having spurned the proposition.[12]

The company promptly underwent heavy restructuring. By August 1993, TI Group had made 1,500 of ex-Dowty workforce redundant since the acquisition, equivalent to 20 per cent of the workforce; this was reportedly a consequence of the unit's performance being below expectations.[13] In 1993, TI Group decided to dispose of seven former Dowty Group companies engaged in the manufacture of electronic equipment; this was achieved in the form of a management buy-out, this deal resulted in the creation of Ultra Electronics.[14]

In 1994, TI Group transferred the Dowty landing gear business into a joint venture that it formed with SNECMA, which became known as Messier-Dowty.[15] According to Tony Edwards, the chief executive and chairman of the merged entity, while acknowledging there having been some difficulties due to a lack of preparation, he regarded it as being: "a successful example of European integration that works".[16] During late 1998, Messier-Dowty became wholly owned by French business Safran.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dowty Group

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from Grokipedia
The Dowty Group was a prominent British conglomerate specializing in equipment, particularly hydraulic systems, , propellers, and related components, founded in 1931 by inventor George Dowty in , . It emerged as a critical supplier during , producing essential aircraft parts for Allied forces, and grew into a major player in post-war aviation and industrial sectors before its acquisition by TI Group in a hostile takeover in 1992. George Dowty, a former employee at the , established the firm initially as Aircraft Components Company, securing its first order in March 1931 and incorporating as Aircraft Components Ltd by June of that year. The company's breakthrough came in 1934 with the development of the Oleostrut, an innovative hydraulic for undercarriages, which won contracts for aircraft like the and enabled rapid expansion, including the purchase of Arle Court estate and a public listing in 1936. By 1954, the business had restructured as Dowty Group Ltd, reflecting its diversification into products such as internally sprung wheels, industrial pumps, and advanced hydraulic systems. During World War II, Dowty Group played a pivotal role in Britain's war effort, manufacturing 87,786 units and 984,388 hydraulic components for iconic aircraft including the Hawker Hurricane and , with production spread across multiple sites to evade bombing. Post-war, the company pursued aggressive growth through acquisitions—such as New Mendip Engineering in 1948, Rotol Airscrews and British Messier in 1958, and in 1961—and expanded internationally with facilities in and the , while venturing into equipment and marine hydraulics. In the 1960s, Dowty contributed significantly to British aviation milestones, developing fuel control systems for the jump jet and power controls for the supersonic airliner; founder George Dowty was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society's Gold Medal in 1954 for his innovations. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dowty Group reached FTSE 100 status at its peak, employing thousands and becoming a cornerstone of the UK's industry with a focus on high-precision engineered solutions. The 1992 acquisition by TI Group, valued at approximately £518 million, integrated Dowty as a division emphasizing , maritime, and industrial applications, ultimately leading to further : a 1993 formed , and a 1994 joint venture created Messier-Dowty (fully acquired by in 1998), while Dowty Propellers continued as an independent entity and is now part of .

History

Founding and Early Development

George Dowty, an innovative engineer born in , began his career as a draughtsman at the , where he specialized in undercarriage design and developed ideas for improvements in landing systems. In 1931, while still employed at Gloster, Dowty founded the Aircraft Components Company as a one-man operation in , UK, initially operating from 10 Lansdown Terrace Lane to pursue his inventions in aviation components. A major breakthrough came in 1934 when Dowty secured a contract with to supply innovative oleo struts—hydraulic shock-absorbing undercarriage components—for the biplane fighter, marking the company's first significant commercial success in retractable systems. This innovation in hydraulic actuation enabled more reliable and efficient retraction mechanisms, addressing key limitations in early aircraft designs. In 1935, building on this momentum, Dowty established Dowty Aviation as the primary entity for manufacturing these aircraft equipment systems, relocating operations to a leased factory and acquiring Arle Court premises in to support growing production needs. The late 1930s saw rapid initial growth through partnerships with British aircraft manufacturers, including ongoing collaborations with Gloster and emerging contracts for hydraulic undercarriage components on other RAF aircraft. In , Dowty Aviation went public on the London Stock Exchange, with Dowty retaining only a minority stake, which provided capital for further development. By 1939, the company had expanded its facilities to accommodate increasing demand, including agreements for additional factory space in preparation for heightened production requirements.

World War II Contributions

During , Dowty Group rapidly expanded its manufacturing capabilities to support the British war effort, establishing multiple across and other sites in Britain to meet surging demand for aircraft components. Key facilities included a large plant at , repurposed from a former custard powder , dedicated to the salvage and repair of damaged aircraft during the , as well as additional sites in and Staverton for hydraulic and production. These expansions were driven by urgent government requirements, enabling Dowty to scale operations nationwide and even overseas in and the through subcontractors. The company's production output was immense, culminating in the manufacture of 87,786 units and 984,388 hydraulic components by the end of , equipping nearly all British-built aircraft with essential systems. Dowty supplied hydraulic systems and undercarriages for major fighters, including the Hawker Hurricane (with 12,900 dedicated sets produced), , and jet fighter, ensuring reliable performance in combat operations such as the where Hurricanes and Spitfires accounted for the majority of enemy aircraft downed. These contributions were bolstered by extensive government contracts that prioritized Dowty's role in aerospace, preventing any RAF plane from being grounded due to shortages of spares. Under wartime resource constraints, Dowty innovated critical hydraulic technologies, developing improved synthetic rubber seals for leak-proof performance in high-pressure environments and enhanced actuators with oleo struts that provided superior shock absorption using compressed gas and oil damping for high-stress landings. These advancements, including patented hydraulic pumps and controls, were adapted specifically for needs, building on pre-war oleo-pneumatic designs to withstand the rigors of . Employment surged to over 10,000 workers across sites by the war's peak, with a significant portion being women, solidifying Dowty's pivotal position in the industry through these contracts and innovations.

Post-War Expansion and Diversification

Following the end of , Dowty Group shifted its focus from military production to civilian applications, leveraging its wartime expertise in to secure contracts for commercial undercarriages and systems. In 1954, the business restructured and was renamed Dowty Group Ltd to reflect its diversification beyond . This transition facilitated diversification into non-aerospace sectors during the late and , including the acquisition of New Mendip Engineering in 1948 to develop mining equipment such as hydraulic pit props and roof supports that enhanced underground safety and efficiency, as well as hydraulic forks for motorcycles that improved suspension performance in the burgeoning consumer market. The company also ventured into , developing early signaling and control systems that supported expanding communication networks. Strategic acquisitions bolstered Dowty's technological capabilities in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1959, the company acquired Rotol Airscrews and British Messier, specialists in and respectively; Rotol was integrated as Dowty Rotol to expand its offerings in variable-pitch propellers for both and civil . The following year, in 1961, Dowty purchased , renowned for its expertise in powered flight control systems, enabling the group to enhance its hydraulic actuation portfolio for advanced designs. These moves strengthened Dowty's position in the amid the demand for innovative aviation technologies. Dowty Group played a pivotal role in key Cold War-era projects through its hydraulic expertise. It supplied critical hydraulic systems for the , the world's first operational vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jet, including actuators that enabled precise for short-field operations. Similarly, the company provided hydraulic power controls for the supersonic airliner, supporting the aircraft's high-speed and complex control surfaces during its development in the and entry into service in 1976. These contributions underscored Dowty's reliability in high-stakes engineering for groundbreaking British aviation initiatives. International expansion accelerated in the post-war decades, with Dowty establishing production facilities beyond the to meet global demand. By the late , its Canadian subsidiary, Dowty (Canada) Ltd., had relocated to Ajax near and contributed significantly to group sales, accounting for about 50% of Dowty 's revenue by 1954. Operations in the United States followed suit with plants opened post-war to serve North American markets, while in , Dowty established a presence in the 1970s to supply hydraulic supports for the country's coal industry, reflecting the group's growing footprint in resource extraction sectors worldwide. Financially, Dowty Group experienced robust growth through the and , culminating in its inclusion as a FTSE 100 constituent by the mid-, a testament to its scale as a major British engineering firm. By 1990, annual revenues exceeded £500 million, driven by contracts and diversified operations, positioning the group as a FTSE 100 stalwart until its acquisition in 1992.

Products and Technologies

Hydraulic Systems

Dowty Group's hydraulic systems emerged in the early 1930s through the efforts of founder George Dowty, who established the Aircraft Components Company in 1931 to pioneer hydraulic solutions for . Drawing from his 1927 for oil shock absorbers integrated into wheels, Dowty advanced self-sealing hydraulic tubes and actuators designed for high-pressure fluid transfer in demanding environments. These innovations incorporated proprietary rubber compounds to enhance durability and prevent leaks, enabling efficient in early designs. Central to these systems were key components such as gear pumps, selector valves, and telescopic cylinders, which facilitated actuation for , wheel brakes, and fuel transfer mechanisms. Operating at pressures up to 3,000 psi, the systems emphasized robust, leak-proof seals that significantly lowered maintenance requirements in operational settings by minimizing fluid loss and wear. This reliability proved essential across diverse aircraft types, from agile fighters like the Gloster Gladiator to heavy bombers, performing consistently under extreme temperatures, vibrations, and altitudes. George Dowty secured multiple patents for hydraulic retraction mechanisms during this period, including British Patent GB 473,425 (application 7507/36) for improvements in retractable undercarriages, which detailed fluid-powered extension and folding sequences. These designs relied on fundamental hydraulic flow principles, illustrated through diagrams of equations like Q=A⋅vQ = A \cdot v, where QQ represents the flow rate, AA the area, and vv the , to ensure precise control and energy efficiency in actuation. Such contributions laid the groundwork for Dowty's wartime production surge, briefly referenced in broader historical contexts of WWII advancements.

Landing Gear and Undercarriages

Dowty Group's and undercarriage developments began in the early with innovative retractable designs primarily for fighters and bombers, building on George H. Dowty's 1924 patent for improvements in mechanisms. By 1931, the company introduced the world's first internally sprung , integrating shock absorbers and directly into the assembly to reduce weight and complexity while enabling retraction into streamlined housings. These early systems evolved from fixed or partially retractable configurations suited to interwar , incorporating oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers that used compressed air and hydraulic oil to dampen impacts, marking a shift toward more reliable absorption of landing forces. Post-World War II, Dowty advanced to tricycle undercarriage configurations for , adapting designs to handle higher speeds and nose-wheel steering requirements. Key products included oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers and retraction struts capable of supporting loads up to 50,000 pounds per unit, as demonstrated in rigorous drop-testing rigs that simulated aircraft weights exceeding 400,000 pounds all-up weight. These components featured emergency extension mechanisms, often gravity-assisted with backup air or hydraulic overrides, ensuring deployment even under power failure. Integration examples include the jet fighter, where Dowty's tricycle gear provided stable high-speed landings and rapid retraction times under 10 seconds to minimize drag during takeoff. Innovations emphasized durability and safety, such as the use of lightweight aluminum alloys for struts and housings to reduce overall weight without compromising strength, alongside locking systems that employed redundant mechanical pins to prevent unintended collapse during extension or retraction. Stress analysis for these systems focused on impact dynamics, calculating forces from deceleration (e.g., via basic Newtonian principles like force equaling mass times acceleration) to ensure oleo-pneumatic compression absorbed vertical loads effectively. By the end of , Dowty had produced over 87,000 units, establishing oleo-pneumatic integration—powered by hydraulic actuators—as a standard for military and .

Propellers and Other Equipment

In 1959, Dowty Group acquired Rotol Airscrews and British Messier, integrating their propeller and undercarriage expertise to form Dowty Rotol and expand into advanced variable-pitch propeller systems for . This acquisition enabled the development of propellers for key commercial airliners, including the four-blade R.410 series constant-speed units supplied for the , which featured hydraulic pitch control for optimized performance across varying flight conditions. These propellers incorporated de-icing systems using electrical heating elements embedded in the blades to prevent accumulation during operations in adverse , alongside feathering mechanisms that allowed blades to align with in the event of , enhancing and . Beyond core propeller manufacturing, Dowty Rotol contributed to ancillary equipment, particularly engine components and accessories tailored for s. The division produced fuel control systems that regulated fuel flow to gas turbine engines, ensuring precise response and power management in applications. These systems, often integrated with hydraulic actuators, supported projects such as early helicopter variants from Westland, where Rotol's pre-acquisition designs achieved efficiency ratings up to 85% by maximizing conversion from engine power. Such efficiencies were critical for extending operational range and reducing fuel consumption in demanding environments. Blade pitch control in Dowty Rotol's propellers relied on hydraulic servos to adjust angles dynamically, maintaining constant rotational speed under load variations—a brief integration with the group's broader hydraulic capabilities. This mechanism balanced demands, governed by the fundamental relation T=PωT = \frac{P}{\omega}, where TT represents , PP is output, and ω\omega is the propeller's , ensuring stable propulsion without excessive mechanical stress.

Organization and Operations

Leadership and Key Figures

George Herbert Dowty (1901–1975), the founder of the Dowty Group, served as its chairman and managing director, driving the company's early innovations in hydraulic systems for aircraft undercarriages and other equipment. An aeronautical engineer by training, Dowty held numerous patents for hydraulic technologies that became foundational to the group's products, including the first internally sprung aircraft wheel in 1939. He was knighted in for his contributions to the aviation industry. Sir Robert Hunt (1918–2004), an engineer with a background in management, joined the Dowty Group in the and became deputy chairman in 1957 before succeeding as chairman from 1975 to 1986 following Dowty's death. Under Hunt's leadership, the group pursued international expansion, including acquisitions and overseas operations that strengthened its global presence in and . His tenure also saw the company maintain its position as a FTSE 100 constituent from 1984 until its acquisition in 1992, reflecting sustained growth and market prominence. Hunt's engineering expertise contributed to advancements in product designs for commercial and military applications. Sir Arnold Hall, a prominent aeronautical and former director of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, served as chairman of the Dowty Group from 1967 to 1975. Hall provided key leadership in , particularly for adapting hydraulic and technologies to the jet era, including contributions to advanced aircraft systems that supported the group's transition to high-speed demands. His role emphasized innovation in R&D, aligning the company's technical capabilities with emerging military and needs. The Dowty Group's board structure evolved from a family-influenced, closely held operation under founder George Dowty to a more formalized governance model following its listing in , when Dowty retained only a minority equity stake. By the , as the organization expanded into a diversified group with multiple subsidiaries, the board incorporated professional engineers and managers like Hunt and Hall, shifting toward institutional oversight to manage growing international operations and acquisitions. This transition supported strategic decision-making amid industrialization. Leadership decisions under Dowty and his successors fueled remarkable workforce expansion, from approximately 45 employees in 1935 to nearly 3,000 by 1940, and further growth to over 20,000 by the late , enabling the group to scale production for global markets in and beyond. This growth, driven by wartime demands and diversification, underscored the impact of visionary management on the company's transformation into a major engineering conglomerate.

Subsidiaries and Facilities

The Dowty Group Ltd was established in 1954 as a to oversee its expanding portfolio of decentralized operations, enabling centralized management of diverse manufacturing activities in , industrial, and sectors. This structure facilitated the coordination of subsidiaries and facilities, supporting the group's growth from a single-entity operation to a multinational enterprise. By the late , the company had formalized this framework to handle increasing production demands and international expansion. Core subsidiaries played a pivotal role in the group's specialization. Dowty Boulton Paul, acquired in 1961 from Boulton Paul Aircraft, focused on aircraft controls and actuation systems, leveraging the acquired entity's expertise in hydraulic and pneumatic components for military and civil aviation applications. Dowty Rotol, formed in 1960 following the acquisition of Rotol Airscrews from Bristol Aeroplane and Rolls-Royce, became the primary division for propeller design and manufacturing, integrating variable-pitch propeller technology into the group's offerings. Dowty Seals, established in 1945, specialized in rubber and bonded sealing components essential for hydraulic and fluid systems across aerospace and industrial uses, producing items like O-rings and washers to meet stringent performance standards. The group's headquarters were located at Arle Court in , , serving as the administrative and strategic center from onward, with production facilities integrated nearby. Additional plants included operations at Staverton for and assembly, and specialized sites for and seals. Overseas facilities expanded significantly, with establishments in , , opened in for North American market support. At its peak in the early , the Dowty Group employed over 16,000 people across more than 40 companies and sites in 11 countries worldwide, reflecting its operational scale and global reach. Specialized divisions, such as Dowty for pumps and actuators and Dowty Equipment for underground support systems, underscored the group's diversification beyond into industrial applications. This decentralized yet coordinated network allowed for efficient production, with annual capacities supporting major contracts in defense and civil sectors.

Acquisition and Legacy

Acquisition by TI Group

In April 1992, TI Group, a British engineering conglomerate, launched a hostile takeover bid for Dowty Group valued at approximately £518 million, aiming to capitalize on synergies between TI's expertise in mechanical seals and systems and Dowty's strengths in hydraulic equipment and components. The acquisition was motivated by the opportunity to bolster TI's position in the international market amid a period of industry consolidation. Prior to the bid, Dowty reported unaudited pre-tax profits of around £33 million for the year ended March 1992, though actual figures were lower due to persistent slowdowns in the sector, including reduced demand for defense and commercial equipment. These market challenges, exacerbated by post-Cold War defense cuts and economic , made Dowty vulnerable to despite its established scale as a FTSE 100 constituent. The transaction received shareholder acceptances for 55.4% of Dowty's shares by early June 1992, securing regulatory clearance from authorities and enabling completion of the by mid-year. Following the acquisition, Dowty was delisted from the London Stock Exchange and integrated into TI's structure as a dedicated division. The Dowty name was initially retained for its operations to maintain brand continuity, while TI oversaw executive transitions, appointing its own leadership to drive reorganization and cost efficiencies.

Restructuring and Modern Successors

Following the acquisition by TI Group in 1992, Dowty underwent substantial restructuring efforts aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency, which included the redundancy of approximately 1,500 jobs by August 1993. As part of this process, TI disposed of non-core assets through a in 1993 of seven companies from Dowty's Electronic Systems Division, forming . In 1994, TI Group transferred Dowty's business into a 50/50 with France's SNECMA, forming Messier-Dowty International, a collaboration that combined Dowty's expertise with SNECMA's Messier-Bugatti operations to create a leading global provider of aircraft systems. By 1998, SNECMA acquired full ownership of Messier-Dowty from TI Group, integrating it into its portfolio and later rebranding it as following the 2005 merger of SNECMA with to form . Concurrently, other Dowty divisions, particularly the propellers business, were absorbed into TI Group's evolving structure and eventually contributed to 's aerospace operations after TI merged with Smiths Industries in December 2000 to form the modern . The legacy of Dowty's innovations endures in contemporary aerospace applications, with its hydraulic systems—now under —integral to the landing gear of the and , ensuring reliable performance in high-pressure environments. Similarly, Dowty Propellers Ltd continues as a heritage-preserved entity under GE Aviation, specializing in advanced composite propeller systems for and commercial aircraft. Preservation efforts further sustain Dowty's historical impact through the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub's ongoing Dowty Archive Project, initiated in 2017 with Heritage Lottery Funding, which catalogs over 90 years of records, oral histories, and artifacts from the company's Gloucestershire operations to document its contributions to global .

References

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  45. https://www.the-independent.com/news/business/dowty-dilutes-ti-earnings-aerospace-and-engineering-group-continues-to-underperform-1459508.html
  46. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/ti-s-dowty-authorised-for-french-connection-1428223.html
  47. https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m368_en.pdf
  48. https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=281
  49. https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=70
  50. https://www.flightglobal.com/787-special-systematic-approach/69720.article
  51. https://www.geaerospace.com/company/businesses/dowty-propellers
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