GKN Aerospace named supplier of all Gulfstream G800, G400 business jets

GKN Aerospace will supply flight control structures for the G800 and G400. Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace (Redditch, U.K.) has been selected as a supplier on Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s (Savannah, Ga., U.S.) Gulfstream G800 and Gulfstream G400 business jets unveiled in Oct. 2021. GKN Aerospace will be using its capabilities in the design and manufacture of business jet empennages and aerostructures on the advanced aircraft. For example, the rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature thermoplastic composites. GKN Aerospace is also to produce the metal-bonded fuselage panels for the body of the G800, as well as the aluminum-machined wing skins for the G400.

A team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process. Production will ultimately take place in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen facilities located in the Netherlands, Chihuahua, Mexico and Wellington in the U.S.

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 successful business jet programs in 1993. Over that time, GKN Aerospace says it has built a market-leading position in business jet empennages as proven in the design and manufacture of empennages for many Gulfstream large- and ultra-large cabin aircraft, as well as for other business jets customers. GKN Aerospace’s current involvement in Gulfstream business jets include the empennage, fuselage panels and floorboards on the G650 and G700 aircraft, and rudders and wing skins on the G500 and G600.

“We are excited to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s next generation of business jets and we truly value this partnership of almost 30 years,” notes John Pritchard, president, Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace. “Our advanced lightweight thermoplastic technology offers a sustainable solution for aircraft structural components. Together with Gulfstream, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of flight.”