Dowty Fuel Systems headquarters was based at Arle Court, Cheltenham.
Dowty Fuel Systems – Reception Office
The factory was constructed in 1953 and this was where their Design Office, Main Machine Shop and Test Facilities were located.
Dowty Fuel Systems – Arle Court
At Dowty Fuel Systems they designed, developed and produced fuel pumps and complete fuel systems for gas-turbines
Aerial view of Dowty Fuel Systems & Arle Court
Aerial view of Arle Court, with factory buildings of Dowty Hydraulics and Dowty Fuel Systems
Dowty fuel systems were used on many of the worlds most advanced aircraft.
It developed fuel control systems for the iconic Harrier jump jet and power controls for the legendary Concorde supersonic airliner.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3
In 1969 Dowty Fuel Systems had 1000 employees
Dowty Fuel Systems had other facilities at Staverton (“25 Site”) where testing, assembly, repair and overhauls were carried out.
There was also a Jet Test Cell based at Staverton Airport.
Test Cell at Staverton Airport, Gloucester
Dowty Fuel Systems had a large manufacturing facility based at Atworth, Wiltshire called New Mendip Engineering, which Dowty Group bought in 1951 and later changed the name to Dowty Fuel Systems Ltd.
Aerial view of New Mendip Engineering factory at Atworth
However, it was always referred to as “New Mendip” by those who worked there!
The 1960s onwards proved a period of innovation.
The basis of the Dowty fuel system is a spill-type burner of novel design.
Dowty Fuel Systems – Publication
Comments about this page
I completed my Dowty Group Apprenticeship and then worked at Dowty Fuel Systems for 2 years from 1989 to 1991. I worked on CCTS (still have the tie!) and the V2500 /RB211 dedicated engine generators — not just fuel systems! Geoff Smith was the Managing Director at the time.
My Father-in-law Alan Miles was one of the engineers that designed the fuel pump for the Harrier Jump Jet engine!
I can remember working in the calibration sheds for a short time having been loaned by Zener Designs to Dowty Fuels in I think mid 1980’s.
I was a Dowty Apprentice in the late 70s. I’ve lived in Canada now for 32 years but was curious to look down on Arle court with Google Earth. I was shocked to see that the fuel test rigs, machine shop, electronics lab etc have been replaced with an Asda Supermarket. Almost bought a tear to my eye, nice to see these photos of days gone by
The receptionist in photo was aged 18, Johannah Rainey.
She transferred to the machine shop to become secretary to Winston Williamson the following year.
She married a machinist and became Jo McAulay
I have fond recollections when, back in the ’80s, I worked with Tony Peasley, Terry Srawford and other the test cell people on very early development of a digital FAEDEC system for the Pegasus. All this was very interesting and enjoyable, sometimes hair raising! I was employed by Hawker Siddely back then and this led me on to many years of gas turbine control and monitoring work with HSDE. Lunches in the visitors restaurant were always a great treat!
Add a comment about this page