composites
As one of the aerospace industry’s leading independent suppliers of composite structures, GKN Aerospace supports customers in developing new applications for lightweight composite materials to help reduce emissions and advance efficiency and performance.
A key focus for GKN Aerospace as a First Tier design and build partner is to refine conventional production techniques and define new automated and repeatable manufacturing processes. The methodologies are designed to deliver high-quality composite components which achieve rigorous consistency levels (including very large and complex structures), while reducing time and costs in the manufacturing cycle.
GKN Aerospace’s state-of-the-art production technologies are applied in the manufacture of composite structures, such as the A400M wing spar and the A350 wing spar. We apply the latest automated manufacturing techniques in production including Automated Tape Laying and Fibre Placement. We have also pioneered the development and applications of new materials through processes that include Resin Film Infusion (RFI) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
Today, GKN Aerospace is supporting the industry in defining new applications for composites to meet the requirements of advanced aerostructures and engines. We operate large-scale facilities across the world with the most recent addition being the Wings System Division in Filton, where GKN Aerospace will complement the existing assembly expertise with its advanced composite technologies. Our capabilities in composite wing applications are developed through our innovation program and collaboration with customers, materials and equipment providers, and universities and research institutes.