Aerosud

Infobox_Company
company_name = Aerosud Aviation
company_
company_type = Private
foundation = Tshwane, South Africa (1990-09-27)
industry = Aerospace and defense
location = flagicon|RSA Tshwane, South Africa
key_people = Johan Steyn, Managing Director
num_employees =
products =
revenue = profit
net_income = profit
homepage = [http://www.aerosud.co.za http://www.aerosud.co.za]

Aerosud is an aircraft designer, formed in 1990 by the then key designers of the South African Rooivalk Combat Support Helicopter, together with similar leaders from the Atlas Cheetah fighter program (Mirage III upgrade) and the Product Support Environment.

The first major contract involved the re-engining of the Dassault Mirage F1 with the Klimov RD-33 engine used in the Mig 29 fighter. [cite news|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=110892|title=New laboratory a public–private initiative |last=Campbell|first=Keith|date=2007-06-22|publisher=Creamer Media's Engineering News|accessdate=2008-08-21] Although overtaken by the decision of the South African Air Force to buy the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, the super fighter was technically very successful and still flies as an Aerosud company demonstrator.

Towards 1995 Aerosud embarked on diversification into the commercial aviation market with the design of galleys and other interior systems. Aerosud since became an internationally recognised supplier for interior systems.

Around 2000 Aerosud embarked upon major expansion of its production capacity. From its premises near Pretoria, South Africa it manufactures around 2000 parts and assemblies a day and supplies these to the assembly lines of Airbus, Boeing [cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q4/nr_011128a.html|title=Boeing And Aerosud Sign Firm Contract To Build Airplane Parts|date=2001-11-28|publisher=Boeing|accessdate=2008-08-17] , BAE Systems [cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/business/trade/export/aerosud-110806.htm|title=SA firm wins Eurofighter contract|date=2006-08-11|publisher=SouthAfrica.info|accessdate=2008-08-17] , and Agusta Westland Helicopters.

In 2006, deeply involved in both Civil and Military Aviation Engineering projects, the companies activities cover design, development, prototyping, manufacture and in service support. Aerosud is the designer and manufacturer of the interiors for the Airbus A400M. [cite web|url=http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/pressreleases_items/09_21_06_south_africa_research.html|title=Airbus partners South Africa on research & technology programmes |date=2006-09-21|publisher=Airbus|accessdate=2008-08-17]

Aerosud has become established leader in the South African aviation industry, and is increasingly being recognised as a respected brand name in the very competitive international marketplace.

References

ee also

External links

* [http://www.aerosud.co.za Official homepage]
* [http://www.cipro.co.za/ccc/EntDet.asp?T1=M1990005814&T2=AEROSUD%20AVIATION&T3=1990/005814/07 Cirpo listing]