GKN Aerospace opens production line for GA-ASI Predator B landing gear
GA-ASI and Fokker are exploring the possibilities to collaborate in the application of advanced composites in the Predator B landing gear.
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GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business (Papendrecht, The Netherlands) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA ASI, Poway, Calif.) have opened the highly automated production line of landing gear systems for Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper RPA, systems in Helmond, the Netherlands.
GA-ASI and Fokker are exploring the possibilities to collaborate in the application of advanced composites in the Predator B landing gear to reduce weight and improve production lead times. GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business is a provider in the design and development of composite components for landing gear.
A program team will manage the execution of the landing gear production supported by highly automated processes. Production volume will be 30 to 50 landing gear per year and the first landing gear will be delivered in Q2 2017.
“We are committed to substantial European industrial involvement on our aircraft systems,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “Fokker’s production of the Predator B landing gear system is just one of the major areas of collaboration with European industry.”
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