GKN Aerospace is to apply its expertise in designing and manufacturing empennages and thermoplastic components to the Gulfstream G700 programme. Gulfstream’s latest aircraft was unveiled at NBAA 2019 on 21 October.
The rudder and elevators that are part of the empennage, as well as the floorboards, will feature GKN Aerospace’s thermoplastic technology. The company will also produce bonded fuselage panels for the aircraft.
A team of GKN Aerospace engineers has collaborated with the Gulfstream team to take an active role in the design process. Production takes place in facilities in Hoogeveen and Papendrecht in the Netherlands.
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. GKN Aerospace has designed and manufactured empennages for many Gulfstream large and ultra-large cabin aircraft, as well as for business jets made by Cessna, Dassault and HondaJet.
“We are proud to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s latest flagship,” said John Pritchard, CEO for aerostructures and systems, Europe and Asia, at GKN Aerospace. “Our partnership of more than 25 years in all Gulfstream’s business jets is extremely valuable and has led to many breakthroughs in lightweight composite technology. We truly feel part of the Gulfstream family.”
