The company is using its expertise in the design and manufacture of business jet empennages and thermoplastic components on the advanced aircraft.
The rudder and elevators that are part of the empennage as well as the floorboards feature the latest thermoplastic technology. GKN Aerospace also produces the bonded fuselage panels for the new fuselage.
A team of GKN Aerospace engineers has collaborated with the Gulfstream team to take an active role in the design process. Production takes place in facilities in Hoogeveen and Papendrecht in the Netherlands.
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 very successful business jet programs in 1993. The company’s market leading position in business jet empennages has been proven in the design and manufacture of empennages for many Gulfstream large and ultra-large cabin aircraft, as well as for business jets of Cessna, Dassault and HondaJet.
John Pritchard, GKN Aerospace’s CEO for aerostructures and systems Europe and Asia, explained: “We are proud to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s latest flagship. Our partnership of more than 25 years in all Gulfstream’s business jets is extremely valuable and has led to many breakthroughs in lightweight composite technology. We truly feel part of the Gulfstream family.’’
