Lockheed Martin accepts delivery of the 1000th nacelle for the C-130J military airlifter

GKN Aerospace has delivered the 1000th nacelle for the Lockheed Martin C-130J military airlifter in a highly successful 17 year production activity - and with production rates set to increase from 18 aircraft sets a year in 2008 to near double that in 2011.

To meet this significant production rate increase GKN Aerospace has moved manufacture to an entirely new, state of the art production line at the Company's site on the Isle of Wight, UK.

In recognition of the landmark 1000th nacelle delivery and of the success of the ongoing relationship between GKN Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin VP for C-130 programmes, visited GKN Aerospace and toured the new C-130J production line on Thursday August 19th, 2010.

Speaking to the GKN Aerospace team during his visit, Reynolds commented: "As the launch nation and operator for the C-130J, the United Kingdom and the Royal Air Force hold a special place in the history of the C-130 programme. It is therefore fitting that we should be celebrating this major milestone and the enduring relationship between Lockheed Martin and UK technology. GKN Aerospace is a proven and valued supplier and we look forward to the growth and prosperity that the worldwide demand for the Super Hercules will bring to GKN Aerospace".

Jeff Armitage, VP and Managing Director Nacelles at GKN Aerospace explained: "The 2009 five year contract extension from Lockheed Martin enabled us to invest in an advanced new production line and to implement the very latest in lean and supply-chain-management initiatives. As a direct result we have been able to achieve the significant production rate increases and price reductions required by our customer and the programme."

GKN Aerospace has been the sole source supplier to Lockheed Martin of the robust integrated nacelle system for the C-130J since December 1993, having been a leading member of the UK Industrial Support Group and responsible for the design change from the C-130H nacelle to the C-130J.