Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • GKN focusing on tech innovation at Paris Air Show

Defence Events Current Jobs

GKN focusing on tech innovation at Paris Air Show

At the Paris Air Show this month GKN Aerospace will focus on the expanding technological capabilities that are driving company growth.

With the integration of its new Engine Systems operation (formerly Volvo Aero) now well underway, the company has become one of the leading three engine component suppliers to the international aerospace industry and adds this to established market positions among the global top three suppliers of aerostructures, transparencies and fuel and flotation systems.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT

GKN Aerospace supplies both metallic and composite structure and believes the recent pace of innovation in metallics will help establish a long term balance of metal and composite content on the airframe. The company is making a key contribution to this surge in metallics innovation, exploring technologies it has identified as offering greatest potential. These include a variety of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. AM has the potential to transform metal manufacture, dramatically lowering critical ‘buy to fly’ costs by producing complex near-net-shape geometries with little material waste and at little cost in energy and carbon emissions.

GKN Aerospace engineers are also progressing two advanced metal welding processes. Friction stir welding will replace bolted or riveted metallic joints with large panels lowering airframe weight and reducing assembly complexity, whilst linear friction welding (LFW) will produce near net shape engineered blanks, lowering material waste and costly manufacturing time.

Within GKN Aerospace’s advanced composites activity, the company is working on improving every step of the manufacturing process from high rate automated deposition through to alternative curing and joining methods, rapid NDT, surface protection and coatings and automated laser repair of damaged structure.

Advertisement
Cranfield

In its transparencies business, the company’s development activities are focused on the demand for effective dimmable cabin management technology, including full cabin blackout. The company aims to offer a development of its CrystalVue II™ passenger window - which is the window of choice for aircraft manufacturers and airlines worldwide, with over 2.5 million in service today.

Marcus Bryson (right), CEO, GKN Aerospace and Land Systems, said: “GKN Aerospace offers a powerful combination of world class engineering processes and people, and clear differentiating technologies and this drives our growth. We aim to identify and anticipate trends in products, processes and materials, and to understand and evolve those emerging technologies that will bring maximum value to our customers and their current and future airframe and aero-engine programmes.”

Advertisement
Aviation Africa LB Aviation Africa LB
Defence Minister visits Type 31 production facilities

Defence

Defence Minister visits Type 31 production facilities

13 February 2025

Scottish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recently contributed to the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy as the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, visited the home of production for the Royal Navy Type 31 programme, managed by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

ISTEC to integrate weapon systems on 53 Jackal 3 Extenda variants

Defence

ISTEC to integrate weapon systems on 53 Jackal 3 Extenda variants

13 February 2025

Hartford based ISTEC has won a contract to supply the Universal Gun Mounts (UGM), traverse control mechanism and swing arm systems, for 53 Supacat Jackal 3 Extenda variants being built in partnership with Babcock.

DIO awards RAF Digby SLA contract to Galliford Try and Arcadis

Defence

DIO awards RAF Digby SLA contract to Galliford Try and Arcadis

13 February 2025

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire, to Galliford Try and Arcadis.

Allen-Vanguard launching RF multifunction CEMA Platform at IDEX

Defence Events

Allen-Vanguard launching RF multifunction CEMA Platform at IDEX

13 February 2025

Allen-Vanguard is launching its next-generation RF Multi-Function Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Platform at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi next week (17th-21st February).

Advertisement
ODU RT
AERALIS launches European subsidiary

Defence

AERALIS launches European subsidiary

13 February 2025

Jet aircraft designers AERALIS, have inaugurated a European subsidiary, AERALIS France.

Babcock increases support to Ukraine

Defence

Babcock increases support to Ukraine

13 February 2025

Babcock has been awarded a further contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to boost its support to Ukraine through a 15-month extension to continue supporting urgent operational requirements for Ukraine’s military land assets.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT