GKN Fokker Aerospace UK Suppliers Showroom

GKN Aerospace, partners successfully complete MANTA program

SNAPSHOT: Four morphing control surface technologies were demonstrated including thermoplastic composites, a fluid-driven trailing edge, combined flap/aileron and an air intake flap.

GKN Aerospace, Anduril UK sign partnership for U.K.'s future UAVs

Accelerated UAV and rotorcraft tech for U.K. defense programs will be supported through composite aerostructures, EWIS design and integration, a ground-based demonstrator, flight testing and Archer Aviation’s eVTOL expertise.

Technology trailblazers recognized at ATI Aerospace Technology & Innovation Awards 2025

Awards for Airbus, Darvick, GKN Aerospace, iCOMAT, Safran Electrical and Power and Sora Aviation highlight work that is shaping net-zero aviation in the U.K.

Carbon ThreeSixty supports GKN-led ASPIRE program

Carbon ThreeSixty’s rCF stitched deltoid noodles and TFP process will contribute to the £12 million program’s wingtip demonstrator and optimized composite flap.

What you might have missed at Paris Air Show 2025

A surge in defense spending, partnerships in hydrogen propulsion and new combat aircraft agreements, many backed by composites industry leaders, culminated the 55th Paris Air Show.

Composites end markets: Aviation and advanced air mobility (2025)

Despite persistent supply chain issues, markets were set for healthy growth before Trump policies and tariffs, yet long-term trends favor composites in new platforms. Meanwhile, advanced air mobility shakes out and moves forward.

ASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability

GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.

U.K. partners successfully complete ASCEND program

The ASCEND consortium, led by GKN Aerospace and McLaren Automotive, drove significant advancements in high-rate composites technologies for future aircraft and mobility through cross-sector collaboration.

GKN opens $55 million aeroengine repair facility in North America

Enhanced support is now available for next-gen engine components and legacy systems, including GE LEAP and Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan models.

GKN Aerospace revitalizes defense supply chain with C-27J nacelle deliveries

Successful engagement of more than 40 suppliers reestablishes the company’s composite and assembly manufacturing capabilities, secures business continuity for the next 5 years with Leonardo Aircraft.

Bombardier begins manufacture of Global 8000 business jet

Ultra-long range business jet featuring CMC-intensive engine and a range of 8,000 nautical miles is set to enter service in second half of 2025 as it remains on track for flight testing.

ACoSaLUS project develops fully automated FPP layup for legacy sandwich parts

Joint R&D project results show 7 times improvement in layup rates, reduced material deployment and development of novel layup features when using FPP for aerospace production.

Bell V-280 Valor gains clearance for EMD phase, prototype building

FLRAA aircraft featuring composite structures from GKN, Spirit and Unitech moves into design maturation and prototyping for anticipated 2026 flight schedule.

GKN Aerospace inaugurates Chihuahua facility expansion, enhances composite structures assembly capacity

Enhanced production to support North American customers including HondaJet and Gulfstream.

Farnborough Airshow 2024 brings together aerospace innovation, collaboration

The week-long international airshow provided a hub for new announcements made by Boom Supersonic, Airbus, Boeing, GKN, GE, ZeroAvia, Eve, Bell, VoltAero, Eve and Lilium. CW has compiled several below.

GKN Aerospace commits to Airbus SusWingS program

Program will focus on sustainable, next-gen wing solutions, including in wing design and manufacturing and advancements in carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials.

GKN delivers composite wing, booms for Supernal eVTOL

Key deliveries include the complete composite wing assembly in June and booms anticipated by end of July, in anticipation of upcoming flights and 2028 commercial service.

Vertical Aerospace releases new VX4 prototype, begins initial testing

Initial powered ground tests are underway for the U.K.-built composite eVTOL vehicle, ahead of a more robust flight program with CAA Permit to Fly approval.

ITHEC 2024 finalizes conference program, features CW panel on TPC certification for future airframes

The International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites on Oct. 9-10, 2024 features top speakers and sessions on novel TPC technologies and applications in automotive, aerospace, hydrogen and more.

Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)

The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.

GKN Aerospace expands LEAP engine support with Safran

Strengthened long-term partnership will initially cover new shafts and spare part production for the composites-intensive LEAP-1A variant.

From the CW Archives: I see thermoplastics in your future

Thermoplastics are evolving quickly into larger structures and clearly will have a significant role to play in the next commercial aircraft program — whenever that’s announced. This edition of “From the CW Archives” looks back on a thermoplastics pioneer.

Top 10 CompositesWorld products of 2023

A variety of novel materials, processes targeting the composites industry’s light weight, sustainability and more rapid production efforts made CW’s top 10 most popular product pieces of 2023 based on Google Analytics.

Top 10 CompositesWorld news items of 2023

Explore 2023’s standout moments in the composites industry with CW's compilation of the top 10 news articles, determined by Google Analytics.

Manufacturing tech for scalable Type V hydrogen tank fabrication, CFRP lifecycle management

Cygnet Texkimp’s Multi Roll Stack and composite recycling technology catalyze ASCEND program’s mission to optimize aerospace, automotive hydrogen storage and CFRP sustainability.

Welding is not bonding

Discussion of the issues in our understanding of thermoplastic composite welded structures and certification of the latest materials and welding technologies for future airframes.

Aerospace Xelerated startup program announces year-round model

Unlike its previous model of annual cohorts, the Boeing-led accelerator program will scout, select and match startups throughout the year for the development of scalable, sustainable solutions for aerospace.

GKN enhances aeroengine agreement with GE Aerospace

Extended deal sees new tech development and implementation for the GEnx, increased engine fan case supply and GKN’s addition to the repair network.

Engine vane demonstrates potential for gapped, unidirectional dry fiber for infusion

GKN Aerospace and its partners developed an aircraft demonstrator component made with TeXtreme’s latest Gapped UD material, proving out a dry, infusible tape meant to compare in performance to UD prepreg.

CEAD grows large-scale 3D printing presence with new facility opening

From garage startup to global 3D printing company, CEAD’s 3,000-square-meter facility, featuring Flexbot, extruders and more, opens up the potential for new R&D, partner collaborations and future company growth.

Modular, robotic cells enable high-rate RTM using any material format

Airborne’s automated ply placement systems at Airbus, GKN Aerospace and Teijin Automotive Technologies aim to maximize flexibility and intelligent automation.

GKN explores LH2 fuel systems with Marshall, Parker Aerospace

MOU partnership will encompass all areas of hydrogen fuel cell system development to achieve a complete hydrogen propulsion system for zero-emission mid-range aircraft.

GKN Aerospace, Airbus Helicopters progress industrial partnership

A signed MOU covers multiple projects and work packages related to the H225M helicopter’s engineering, EWIS design and manufacturing, MRO, composites design and more.

Paris Air Show 2023 highlights

The Paris Air Show, one of the largest aerospace trade shows in the world, returned for the first time since 2019 and proved that the global aviation industry industry is very much alive and kicking.

Airborne to deliver automated preforming line to GKN Aerospace

Automated cell combines ply placement, preform trimming, a ply cutter and a hot drape former for 3D preform production, to be initially deployed to fulfill ASCEND project objectives.

3D-printed CFRP tools for serial production of composite landing flaps

GKN Aerospace Munich and CEAD develop printed tooling with short and continuous fiber that reduces cost and increases sustainability for composites production.

GKN, Materialise further additively manufactured aviation parts certification

Per a letter of intent (LOI), the alliance will push the boundaries of additive production of functional and flight-critical aerostructures, with a focus on eVTOL aircraft.

Embraer, GKN collaborate on potential H2 flight demonstrator

Partnership agreement will focus on feasibility studies, hydrogen R&D programs and explore the potential development of a demonstrator, all to advance aerospace decarbonization efforts.

GKN Aerospace, Joby Aviation sign aerostructures agreement

GKN Aerospace will manufacture thermoplastic composite flight control surfaces for Joby’s all-electric, four-passenger, composites-intensive ride-sharing aircraft.

Hexcel launches novel RTM resin, rapid-cure prepreg for aerospace

HexPly M51 prepreg and HiFlow HF610F-2 resin add to Hexcel’s delivery of faster cure cycles and thus higher production build rates.

GKN Aerospace to provide aerospace expertise for Supernal eVTOL vehicle

GKN’s supply of lightweight aerostructures, EWIS and maturation of high-rate manufacturing technologies will lay the foundation for scaled AAM manufacturing.

Plyable recognized as Boeing Aerospace Xelerated portfolio member

Composite tooling automation platform is a cohort 1 graduate from Boeing-backed accelerator program for digital startups that can move the aerospace industry forward.

Deutsche Aircraft begins final assembly facility construction for D328eco turboprop

In addition to the Industry 4.0 and eco-friendly facility being built at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the composite D328eco, said to be leading the turboprop resurgence, will be built with sustainability in mind.

ACoSaLUS project updates for automated sandwich panel layup

Cevotec and project partners have made significant progress in line with 2023 completion, including improvement of automated handling, patch vision inspection, and the laminate design and patch placement process.

GKN Aerospace opens new Netherlands-based Global Technology Center

The Hoogeveen facility provides an R&D space focused on lightweight thermoplastic composites and advanced electrical cabling systems for next-gen aircraft.

Airborne delivers composite upper stage tank for EU ENVOL project

Nine-member consortium targets development of low-cost, green vertical orbital launcher with manufacture of an ultra-lightweight composite tank design in an automated manufacturing environment.

ATLAM combines composite tape laying, large-scale thermoplastic 3D printing in one printhead

CEAD, GKN Aerospace Deutschland and TU Munich enable additive manufacturing of large composite tools and parts with low CTE and high mechanical properties.

Solvay, GKN Aerospace renew collaboration agreement

Both companies aim to expand the use of thermoplastic composite materials on high-rate aerospace structures.

Velocity Composites completes first kits from advanced manufacturing facility in Alabama

Full-rate production for GKN Aerospace should begin before next financial year, site will serve as hub for other launch customers as composites grow in wind energy, urban air mobility and electric vehicles.

Sumitomo Bakelite Europe conference highlights importance of composites for electric mobility

Composites for Future Mobility Conference attracts more than 50 delegates from OEMs, Tier suppliers and research institutions which are finding numerous composite opportunities in electric motors, UAM.

MFFD thermoplastic floor beams — OOA consolidation for next-gen TPC aerostructures

GKN Fokker and Mikrosam develop AFP for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s floor beams and OOA consolidation of 6-meter spars for TPC rudders, elevators and tails.

Demonstrating functionalized, cost-effective composites using additive extrusion

Hybrid thermoset/thermoplastic composite part with 3D-printed functionalization demonstrates technology possibilities and EmpowerAX open platform offering expertise from members throughout the process chain.

CW presents "CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for large structures"

Attend this May 18th interactive webinar sponsored by Altair, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Toray and Collins Aerospace which will explore the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition into thermoplastics.

PEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding

Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.

CAELESTIS R&D project explores predictive design, manufacturing for aerospace

Over 42 months, 11 partners will work together to develop an end-to-end digital thread to effectively enable dataflow across the entire aircraft value chain, accelerating the optimization of disruptive aircraft and engine configurations.

GKN Aerospace to expand composites facility in Chihuahua, Mexico

An 80-000-square-foot expansion serves to meet future demands for advanced, complex composites manufacturing and assembly for the business jet industry.

ASCEND program update: Designing next-gen, high-rate auto and aerospace composites

GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K.-based partners share goals and progress aiming at high-rate, Industry 4.0-enabled, sustainable materials and processes.

Fabrum supplies lightweight composite LH2 tanks for aviation, launches consortium with Airbus, other partners

New Zealand company works with FSE, GKN Aerospace to test LH2 storage and delivery system, advances zero emissions flight via Hydrogen Consortium and $23 million Series A funding.

STUNNING project completes lower half of MFFD

Clean Sky project has delivered the 8 × 4 meter welded aerostructure component, aided by advanced thermoplastic composite technologies and smart robotics.

Velocity Composites enters U.S. market with $100 million GKN Aerospace agreement

The composite material kits supplier expands into international markets with the development of its first U.S. manufacturing facility and a new agreement to support GKN aerostructures development.

One-piece, one-shot, 17-meter wing spar for high-rate aircraft manufacture

GKN Aerospace has spent the last five years developing materials strategies and resin transfer molding (RTM) for an aircraft trailing edge wing spar for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.

Gulfstream expands G400 business jet manufacturing facilities

A $150.7 million investment ensures streamlined, efficient operations for next-gen composite fleet production, meets increasing demand.

Demonstrating composite LH2 tanks for commercial aircraft

Toray Advanced Composites and NLR discuss the Netherlands consortium and its 4-year project to build demonstrator liquid hydrogen tanks, focusing on thermoset and thermoplastic composites.

Plyable secures $3.2 million investment to advance custom composite marketplace solution

Funding from Maven Capital Partners, Solvay Ventures and VC Forward Partners backs growth of time- and cost-saving digital composite tooling product.

Thermoplastic composites welding: Process control, certification, crack arresters and surface prep

More widespread use of welded composite structures within a decade? Yes, but further developments are needed.

Thermoplastic composites welding advances for more sustainable airframes

Multiple demonstrators help various welding technologies approach TRL 6 in the quest for lighter weight, lower cost.

Collins Aerospace demonstrates new thermoplastic composites capabilities

Collins Aerospace in Almere has produced a 7-meter raceway for the Clean Sky 2 MFFD lower fuselage using novel CCM and tooling technology while the Riverside facility in the U.S. advances AFP and welding as part of global strategy for more sustainable airframes.

Plant tour: ÉireComposites, Galway, Ireland

An in-house testing business and R&D focus has led to innovative materials use and projects in a range of markets, from civil aerospace to renewable energy to marine.

Vertical Aerospace completes VX4 eVTOL build, begins flight test program

Over the summer the composite VX4 prototype is to undergo an intensive flight program, including a series of ground tests, for its targeted 2025 entry into service.

2022 Farnborough International Air Show highlights

Farnborough, as usual, provided a platform for a variety of announcements in the aerospace, defense and advanced air mobility spaces from companies like GKN Aerospace, Joby, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Boom Supersonic and others.

Launch of Hydrogen South West consortium accelerates transition to net-zero future

Nine organizations, including GKN Aerospace and Airbus, join forces to drive the development of a hydrogen infrastructure system in the U.K. and beyond.

Airborne automated, digital manufacturing projects backed by €16 million in EIB financing

Airborne is involved in several projects with global partners to develop and commercialize new composites automation opportunities in electric mobility, New Space, aerospace and hydrogen markets.

GA-ASI installs first composite V-tail from GKN Aerospace onto MQ-9B RPA

V-tails from GKN Aerospace’s Cowes facility is standard on MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

FACC joins international consortium for thermoplastics research

FACC joins Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace and GKN Aerospace under the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC).

Leonardo, Vertical Aerospace to jointly develop VX4 eVTOL carbon fiber fuselage

Leonardo lends its composite aerostructures expertise, honed on numerous civil and defense aerospace programs, for initial six certification aircraft.

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

Workshare includes design and manufacture of sustainable, thermoplastic composite rudder, elevators and floorboards, as well as metal-bonded fuselage panels and machined wing skins.

What CW's analytics have to say about 2021 composites trends

A look back on the most-read CW stories in 2021 tells us much about what to expect in 2022.

Airborne participates in three technology development projects for new mobility solutions

Airborne will develop new digital and automated composites manufacturing technologies to advance maturation of UAM, civil aviation and automotive projects.

Toray Advanced Composites leads research consortium for LH2 composite tank developments

Dutch industries, institutes join Toray Advanced Composites for the manufacture of a civil aviation-focused lightweight composite tank which can withstand very low temperatures.

The NCC offers SMEs opportunities to develop digital capabilities

Free Digital Factory learning modules are to cover data engineering, digital technologies and Industry 4.0 to enhance general digital skills.

Airbus begins assembly of first Wing of Tomorrow prototype

The program brings together more than 100 new technologies and composites innovations, including delivery of the first fixed trailing edge by GKN Aerospace.

Vertical Aerospace partners with GKN Aerospace on wing structure for VA-X4 eVTOL

GKN will deliver wing structures and wiring systems for the composites-intensive, zero-emissions aircraft.

Cevotec's MAI ACoSaLUS project aims for full automation of composite sandwich structure production

Cevotec works with GKN, TU Munich, SGL Carbon and Augsburg University with an aim to fully automate layup of sandwich parts using FPP, achieve 7-10 times improvement in layup speed.

Out-of-autoclave VBO rear spar, thermoplastic ribs target Wing of Tomorrow

French Tier 1 aerospace supplier Daher develops out-of-autoclave materials and process technologies for application in next-gen structures for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.

Fill ACCUBOT spurs GKN Aerospace composite aircraft parts inspection

Flexible and precise multimodal robot system conducts quicker inspection processes, reducing GKN’s geometrical inspections from 11 hours to half an hour.

Eastman Machine, SAM|XL to advance pick-and-place integration with automated cutting

The technology partnership will test and develop smart manufacturing solutions for low-volume, high-variation manufacturing.

GKN Aerospace delivers fully integrated composite structures for all-electric Alice aircraft

Per a May 2020 collaboration, GKN contributes fully integrated wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems for the aircraft’s first flight later this year.

Arlington Capital closes acquisition of Triumph’s composites business, forms Qarbon Aerospace

Private equity firm has acquired Triumph’s composite manufacturing facilities in Milledgeville, Georgia, Red Oak, Texas and Rayong, Thailand.

Axillium to support, manage U.K.’s ASCEND program

Innovation management partner Axillium explains its role in development of the Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development (ASCEND) program launched in the U.K. in March 2021.

Wing of Tomorrow ribs: One-shot, thermoplastic, OOA consolidation

GKN Aerospace’s carbon fiber thermoplastic aircraft rib design accomplishes 45-minute cycle times, reduced weight and competitive costs via a customized press system.

GKN Aerospace to begin full-rate composite V-tail production for GA-ASI aircraft

New contract with GA-ASI to support RAF Protector/MQ-9B aircraft production at GKN’s Cowes, U.K., builds on 10-year company relationship.

GKN Aerospace Future Flight Challenge to accelerate sustainable aerospace technologies

Four-year, £125 million ISCF program covers Skybus, Safe Flight and NAPKIN projects, with a focus on electrification, unmanned commercial flight and more sustainable regional aerospace solutions.

GKN Aerospace, SAMC, AVIC Supply sign JV agreement for advanced aerostructures

The strategic joint venture agreement supports GKN’s growth in the Chinese commercial aerospace market.

Future composite manufacturing - AFP and Additive Manufacturing

TU Munich symposium explores how these technologies are merging and reviews R&D that is creating a path forward.

2020 CW Top Shops recognizes top-performing facilities

CW's second annual Top Shops benchmarking survey helps composites fabricators put their operations into perspective and illuminates top-ranking facilities.

Moving forward on the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD)

Clean Sky 2’s MFFD program continues to move toward its goal of delivering a welded, thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstrator using next-generation manufacturing processes.

GKN, Raytheon reach agreement for composite missile canisters

Per the three-year contract, GKN Aerospace will provide Raytheon with 95 Mk30 missile canisters that are manufactured via a filament winding process followed by vacuum infusion.

3D printing CFRP molds for RTM flaperon, exoskeletons and more

The Chair of Carbon Composites at TU Munich is advancing composite additive manufacturing via large-scale extrusion, continuous fiber printing, integrating heating into tools and more.

Update: Lower wing skin, Wing of Tomorrow

Airbus is evaluating several advanced composites technologies as part of its Wing of Tomorrow program. Among these is liquid resin infusion of the lower wing skin, being developed by Spirit AeroSystems.

U.K. companies join Team Tempest project to advance future air combat

Bombardier, GKN Aerospace, and more have signed agreements to progress design, manufacture and operation of the U.K.’s combat air system technologies.

GKN Aerospace Sweden joins feasibility studies for future fighter engine technology

The participation furthers GKN Aerospace’s growth in the defense market and ensures Sweden’s increased air combat capabilities.

GKN Aerospace receives keys to Global Technology Centre in Bristol

The facility will support GKN’s commitment toward next-gen aircraft technology developments, Industry 4.0 and more.

Recycled thermoplastic composite rotorcraft access panel takes flight

Designed as part of the TPC-Cycle program, the flight-tested panel demonstrates a lighter, cost-effective, sustainable thermoplastic composite application.

Thermoplastic components successfully flight tested on Bell V-280 Valor

The components were manufactured for Bell by GKN Aerospace for the V-280 Valor tiltrotor.

GKN, Eviation collaborate on Alice all-electric aircraft

GKN Aerospace will be involved in the design and manufacture of the aircraft’s wings, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS).

SAMPE North America launches thermoplastics video series

The 17-part educational video series focuses on current and upcoming trends in thermoplastics, including aerospace applications, co-consolidation and more.

Leaders in the composites industry work together to develop ventilators for COVID-19 patients

A U.K.-government funded project collects Meggitt, GKN, Rolls-Royce, Airbus and others to quickly help meet demand.

Rolls-Royce starts manufacture of world's largest fan blades, made with composites, for UltraFan demonstrator

CFRP blades and fan case cut weight for twin-engine aircraft by 700 kilograms

CW's top 10 articles of 2019

It’s time to reflect upon the trends and innovations seen in the composites industry over the past year and contemplate what might be ahead in 2020.

GKN Aerospace named key supplier for Aerion Supersonic business jet

GKN Aerospace will design and develop the empennage and electrical wiring interconnection systems for the AS2.

Mikrosam to supply GKN Fokker with AFP, consolidation equipment for thermoplastic composites

The suite of equipment includes Mikrosam’s latest automated fiber placement (AFP) machine, slitting equipment for thermoplastic prepregs and a custom-engineered thermoplastic consolidating machine.

People in Composites: November 2019

Albany Engineered Composites, GKN Aerospace, Michelman and Sirrus Inc. announce new hires in the composites manufacturing industry.

GKN Aerospace named key supplier for Gulfstream G700

Thermoplastic composites feature prominently in the new G700 business jet design.

GKN Aerospace delivers RTM demonstrator tool for Wing of Tomorrow

The 4-meter mid-scale tool enables large-scale use of resin transfer molding to manufacture a composite wing spar with reduced costs and weight.

Toray Advanced Composites, NCC sign R&D partnership agreement

As a Tier 1 member of the National Composites Centre, Toray Advanced Composites will collaborate with the the NCC on automotive and aerospace R&D programs.

Composites industry events to highlight thermoplastics, defense, space

A roundup of news about events in the composites industry, including the TPRC’s thermoplastics conference and events from Composites UK, ACMA and more.

GKN Fokker to advise design, manufacture of PAL-V flying cars

The PAL-V Liberty features a composite body and rotor.

GKN Aerospace breaks ground on UK Global Technology Centre

Twenty-five partners will also collaborate on the center, which will focus on research for additive manufacturing and advanced composites for aircraft.

Thermoplastic primary aerostructures take another step forward

Employing new manufacturing techniques and the design freedom they create, GKN Fokker has joined forces with Gulfstream to assess thermoplastic composites for primary aircraft structures.

GKN Aerospace manufactures first demonstrator parts for Wing of Tomorrow program

Announced at the Paris Air Show, the company’s composite demonstrator wing components are part of the wing spar.

Thermoplastic composites: Poised to step forward

The evolving role of thermoplastic materials and processes and their future in next-generation commercial aircraft.

GKN Fokker to implement automated kitting solution from Airborne

The automated kitting solution is said to reduce costs by saving man-hours and material scrap, and it enabling a flexible and digital workflow.

GA-ASI and GKN Aerospace expand partnership

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and GKN Aerospace to collaborate on composite tails for GA-ASI’s Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) series.

JEC World 2018: The highlights

JEC World is the composites industry’s largest trade show and did not disappoint this year.

I want to say two words to you: “Thermoplastic tapes”

Thermoplastic tapes are not new to composites, but they soon will join the primary aerostructures material palette and could be their future.

Third Wave Systems models 5-axis machined composite components

Developed under a RIF with the USAF, engineers demonstrated improved production processes for several current warfighter composite components.

Reconfigurable tooling: Revolutionizing composites manufacturing

Shape-changing molds eliminate tooling for large 3D panels while automated assembly fixtures go modular, using metrology to reduce cost and shimming.

Fiber-metal laminates in the spotlight

Interest in FMLs is growing again as aeroengineers search for lightweight solutions adaptable to new narrowbody commercial aircraft.

2017 Paris Air Show is good for composites

There is definitely a lot going on this week at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airfield. Much of it relates to composites. Here’s a brief rundown.

Episode 1: Arnt Offringa, Fokker Technologies, part of GKN Aerospace

The first episode of CW Talks: The Composites Podcast features an interview with Arnt Offringa, head of aerostructures R&T at Fokker Technologies, part of GKN Aerospace, in Hoogeveen, The Netherlands.

Composites industry is growing up—but hurdles still remain

It’s the era of when, not if, for the use of composite materials.

CW Plant Tour: Composite Technology Center, Stade, Germany

A cornerstone of Germany’s CFK Valley, CTC pushes composites forward via automation, recycling, digital thread-based manufacturing and more.

Thermoplastic composites in flight ... for decades

Thermoplastic composite airframe components parts have a surprisingly long history. Here's one of the earliest applications.

GKN Aerospace receives Airbus supplier awards

Three GKN Aerospace operations were recognized with the SQIP (supply chain and quality improvement) award from Airbus.

Thermoplastic composite wings on the horizon?

OUTCOME, a project under the Clean Sky 2 program, aims to industrialize out-of-autoclave thermoplastic primary aerostructure.

JEC World 2016, the full report

CompositesWorld's editors report on the technologies and products that caught our eye at JEC World 2016, in early March.

GKN leads “STeM” program to successful conclusion

Technical achievements are credited to successful partner collaboration.

Resin transfer molding: An update

Fulfilling the promise of OOA composites without sacrificing pressure.

GKN Aerospace, Durham University developing process to measure aircraft wing drag reduction

Project aims to identify GKN Aerospace-developed surface technologies that reduce drag by 25%.

Composites help Bell V-280 toward Future Vertical Lift

Bell’s design for future military helicopter uses hybrid metal-composite construction and Large Cell Carbon Core technology for unitized wing.

Some thoughts on the M&A "heat wave"

CompositesWorld's editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan takes some admittedly educated guesses at the significance of the six momentous acquisitions that were announced in the short space from mid-July through early August in the composites industry.

The matrix (2015)

The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here's a guide to selection.

Composites in commercial aircraft engines, 2014-2023

The drive to boost aircraft operating efficiency continues to fuel adoption of polymer matrix composites in jet engines.

Farnborough 2014 Airshow Report

No longer a novelty at aerospace trade events, composites nevertheless faced competition from conventional materials at this year’s event.

Automated cutting accelerates

Software/hardware advances and peripheral equipment make flatbed cutters essential to automated production scenarios.

GKN Aerospace funds new aero-engine composites technology

GKN-led G5Demo project will pursue new composites technologies at Linköping-based ACAB subsidiary, aimed to cut aero-engine CO2-emissions in half by 2020.

BMI and benzoxazine battle for future OOA aerocomposites

Offering weight, cost and process advantages, these “hot zone” resins are moving down the thermometer and into out-of-autoclave structural applications and autoclavable tooling now dominated by epoxies.

Composites repair

As more composite materials find a place on aircraft, boats, bridges and hundreds of other applications where part replacement is both difficult and expensive, OEM engineers are considering the repairability of structural and secondary composite components during the initial design phase of a project.

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