GKN Aerospace, Joby Aviation sign aerostructures agreement

Joby Aviation (Santa Cruz, Calif., U.S.), which is developing an all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, and GKN Aerospace (Hoogeveen, Netherlands) announced at the Paris Air Show on June 20 that they have signed a multi-year agreement for the supply of thermoplastic flight control surfaces for Joby aircraft. This collaboration, say the companies, marks an important step towards Joby’s goal of using its aircraft to deliver a fast, quiet and convenient air taxi service in cities around the world.

GKN Aerospace has been working closely with Joby on the application of an innovative thermoplastic concept specifically tatilored to the Joby electric vertical takoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The flight control surfaces comprise a lightweight thermoplastic structural assembly manufactured using an advanced out-of-autoclave (OOA) production method. GKN says this cutting-edge manufacturing process will enable high-rate production while delivering on the high-performance requirements of Joby’s aircraft.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, says, “We are excited to be joining forces with GKN Aerospace. Their remarkable experience in aerospace manufacturing, combined with our innovative approach, will play an important role in making sure we deliver the best possible aircraft for this exciting new market.”

Leveraging Joby’s design input as the aircraft integrator, GKN Aerospace will undertake the detailed design of the flight control surfaces. The development and initial production work will be carried out at GKN’s Global Technology Centre in Hoogeveen, before transitioning to GKN Aerospace’s facility in Chihuahua, Mexico. The final products will be delivered directly to Joby’s pilot production line in Marina, California.

GKN says the partnership aligns well with its mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the aerospace industry. The company has already made significant investments in sustainable aviation, including electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Joby Aviation on this transformational project,” John Pritchard, president Civil Airframe at GKN Aerospace, adds. “Joby’s leading position in the advance air mobility sector complements GKN Aerospace’s mission and together we are forging a path towards a more sustainable and efficient future for aviation.”