While many exhibitors at Le Bourget will be courting Boeing for a place in the new 7E7 programme, GKN Aerospace has already achieved that milestone by becoming the first UK company to be named on the project.
GKN, a leading independent supplier of advanced composite and alloy aircraft structures, is working with Boeing to develop the materials technologies that are being evaluated for the new 200- to 250-seat commercial aircraft.
TaskedThe firm's technology team has been tasked with developing new structural solutions based on advanced, lightweight, high durability materials. Composites and advanced aluminium alloys are being considered.
GKN director of engineering Graham Chisnall says it is an important move in the company's strategic development. "By joining the 7E7 technology development team we are helping to find exciting solutions for this new generation civil programme."
The team's objective is to find the materials solutions that will allow designers to create the most advanced and efficient commercial aircraft in its class, an aircraft that will set new standards for environmental responsibility and passenger comfort.
GKN was an original member of the technology team working on the aborted Sonic Cruiser programme. Many of the enabling technologies developed with a global industry team during the examination of the Sonic Cruiser concept will be applied to the new aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
