Gulfstream has chosen GKN Aerospace as a supplier for its new G800 and G400 business jets. GKN Aerospace will deploy its capabilities in the design and manufacture of business jet empennages and aerostructures. The agreement pertains to the G800’s empennage, floorboards and fuselage panels, as well as the G400’s rudder and machined wing skins.
GKN Aerospace said the rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature the latest thermoplastic technology, saving at least 10% weight compared with traditional materials. GKN Aerospace will also produce the metal-bonded fuselage panels for the body of the G800, and the aluminium machined wing skins for the G400.
A team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process. Production will ultimately take place in facilities in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen in the Netherlands, Chihuahua in Mexico, and Wellington in the USA.
This agreement is a continuation of the long-term business relationship between Gulfstream and GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business began participating in Gulfstream’s business jet programmes in 1993. Over that time, GKN Aerospace has applied its design and manufacture expertise for the empennages of many large- and ultra-large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft, as well as for other business jet customers. GKN Aerospace’s current involvement with Gulfstream business jets include the empennage, fuselage panels and floorboards on the G650 and G700; and rudder and wing skins on the G500 and G600.
“We are excited to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s next generation of business jets and we truly value this partnership of almost 30 years,” said John Pritchard, president, civil airframe, GKN Aerospace. “Our advanced lightweight thermoplastic technology offers a sustainable solution for aircraft structural components. Together with Gulfstream, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of flight.”
Image: Gulfstream
