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
ODU 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
Amentum rectangle

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.

Heathrow hits historic high in August

Aerospace

Heathrow hits historic high in August

11 September 2025

Heathrow made history in August, surpassing eight million passengers in a single month for the first time.

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

11 September 2025

The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.7 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2024, according to new data from ADS, equating to a 55% increase between 2020 and 2024.

LEMO launches rugged OPTIMA D Series connectors

Aerospace Defence

LEMO launches rugged OPTIMA D Series connectors

10 September 2025

Worthing based LEMO has introduced the OPTIMA D Series, a compact and rugged connector platform engineered for performance in demanding environments.

IFA invests in Sheffield site

Aerospace Defence

IFA invests in Sheffield site

9 September 2025

Independent Forging and Alloys (IFA) has today announced plans for a major investment in expanding their manufacturing capability at its production site in Sheffield, UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ATC performance stays on track as summer comes to an end

Aerospace

ATC performance stays on track as summer comes to an end

9 September 2025

UK air traffic in August increased by 2.4% on the same month last year as NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, safely handled 246,442 flights.

Whitetree launches CIaaS at DSEI

Aerospace Defence Security Events

Whitetree launches CIaaS at DSEI

8 September 2025

Whitetree will unveil Competitive Intelligence as a Service (CIaaS) at this year’s DSEI – a new offering designed to help defence, aerospace and critical national infrastructure suppliers gain the edge in high-stakes bids.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle