The UK's GKN has formed a US company to manufacture sensitive carbonfibre components for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
GKN Aerospace Services Structures is an independent subsidiary with a secure facility in Cromwell, Connecticut, and is working on a $3.5 million contract to develop low-observable engine vanes and air inlets for the Lockheed Martin F-35 and its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, using hybrid resin transfer moulding (RTM).
The company, which started operating three months ago, has delivered 100 fan inlet guide vanes to P&W, says president and chief executive Tony Cacace. GKN plans to pursue the production of other composite components for the F135 and F-35, and Cacace believes there may be an opportunity to work with Rolls-Royce on the fan module for General Electric's F136 alternate engine for the JSF. The 24-strong workforce is expected to grow to around 200 within five years as JSF production increases.
GKN had already acquired the advanced RTM business of Connecticut-based Dow-UT and moved production to its St Louis, Missouri, plant. To win the JSF contract, the UK company had to have a US-controlled facility.
Source: Flight International
