Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace and partners complete ASCEND

The ASCEND consortium has driven significant advancements in high-rate composite technologies through cross-sector collaboration across UK industry, with completion of the programme positioning the UK at the forefront of advanced, sustainable composite technologies for next-generation aircraft and future mobility solutions.



Image courtesy GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace, in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and other UK partners, proudly announces the successful completion of the ASCEND (Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development) programme. This four-year, £39.6 million initiative has significantly advanced the UK's high-rate composite manufacturing capabilities, focusing on high-rate production, Industry 4.0, and sustainable composite manufacturing.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The ASCEND programme, funded by a £20m commitment from industry and a £19.6m commitment from the UK Government via ATI, aimed to accelerate the adoption of composite technologies, industrialise new technologies, and meet future high-volume requirements. The collaboration brought together expertise from across the UK supply chain to develop advanced materials and automation equipment required for lightweight structures in the sustainable air mobility, aerospace and automotive industries.

Key developments:

  • Collaborative Innovation: The programme brought together 16 partners from the UK's composites supply chain, each contributing their unique expertise to advance automation, material processing, and tooling. GKN Aerospace led the consortium alongside Assyst Bullmer, Airborne, Cygnet Texkimp, Des Composites, FAR-UK Ltd, Hexcel Composites, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, NCC (National Composites Centre), Rafinex, Sigmatex (UK), and Syensqo, with collaboration and investment support from Axillium Research.
  • Technological Advancements: Significant progress was made in developing new methods, materials and processes, such as composite topology optimisation with Rafinex, fast-cure prepreg technology systems from HEXCEL and Syensqo, joining mechanisms and cross sector bonding technologies with FAR and HIVE.
  • Automation and Digital Integration: The development of automated systems from Loop Technology and GKN Aerospace's RTM cell and Airborne's Automated Ply Placement technology, showcased the potential for high-rate, high-quality composite manufacturing.
  • Sustainability: NCC developed a Sustainability Maturity Level framework to assess and improve the environmental impact of composite manufacturing.
  • Demonstrator Projects: The programme's success was highlighted by two flagship projects: GKN Aerospace's bladed wingtip and McLaren's rear floor component, both demonstrating the integration of aerospace precision with automotive production rates.
Advertisement
Teledyne

The consortium, led from GKN Aerospace’s £32 million Global Technology Centre in Bristol, supported up to 130 jobs through 2023 and 2024. GKN Aerospace utilised its long-term experience and in-depth knowledge of composite engineering for integrated airframe structures throughout the project.

John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace, said: “GKN Aerospace has deep knowledge and expertise in composite technology, and we are proud to have led this consortium. Through ASCEND, we accelerated the development of next-generation lightweight, cost-effective advanced composite technologies - critical for the aerospace and automotive industries in their transition to more energy-efficient aircraft and vehicles. Successfully developing and demonstrating high-rate manufacturing capabilities across the UK supply chain has reinforced our position as an industry leader and underscored our commitment to sustainability.

"With the support of the Aerospace Technology Institute, which continues to play a vital role in advancing the UK’s position in next-generation aircraft, we have delivered key technological breakthroughs while achieving benchmark levels of price, quality, and repeatability.”

The ASCEND programme not only achieved its technological goals but also established a new paradigm for cross-sector collaboration, creating a robust supply chain and skilled workforce to support future innovations in composite manufacturing. The programme's legacy extends far beyond its immediate achievements, positioning the UK composites industry for sustained growth and innovation in the decades ahead.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Stansted unveils new brand

Aerospace

Stansted unveils new brand

4 July 2025

London Stansted Airport has unveiled a new brand as it continues to welcome record-breaking passenger numbers and progresses plans to increase capacity and transform the airport experience.

RTX

Aerospace

RTX's Collins Aerospace opens Wolverhampton facility

4 July 2025

RTX's Collins Aerospace has expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering centre of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

4 July 2025

Bristol Airport has announced the launch of a new Supply Chain Sustainability Charter, designed to inspire and support more sustainable practices across its business supply chain.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

4 July 2025

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow are expanding their strategic partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
Teledyne