innovation and technology
GKN Aerospace works closely with its major customers, partners and suppliers to understand the demanding technical challenges of today’s aerospace programs. Our substantial investment program in technical innovation is targeted at developing and applying new products and processes that deliver real and practical benefits to the aerospace industry.
Our approach is spearheaded by dedicated research centres (such as our Advanced Composite Facility (ACF), a global centre of excellence for composite research) which enhance the design and production of customer solutions across aerostructures, engine products, transparency systems and advanced materials and integrated systems. GKN Aerospace’s innovation extends to defining new engineering methodologies, production technologies and automated processes to enhance manufacturing, accelerate production cycles and reduce part counts to deliver enhanced value to our customers.
Key innovations, all aimed at progressing the efficiency and performance of aircraft, span the automated manufacture of large composite primary aerostructures, complex metallic forming and machining, and the introduction of electrothermal ice protection technology, new transparency coatings and lightweight emergency fuel and flotation systems.
We are a leader with a first to market reputation. GKN Aerospace designed and manufactured the first major wing spar in composites for the A400M military lifter, the first all-composite fan containment case, for the GEnx engine, and the first all-electric ice protection system for the wings of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner – the first to be used on a civil airliner.
We also designed, developed and produce the passenger windows for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The transparencies are 50 percent larger than typical passenger windows and with advanced construction and coatings.
Technology is at the heart of GKN Aerospace’s unique capabilities which, backed with a significant engineering pedigree, deliver the highest benefits in performance, value and quality.