GKN Aerospace has gained a USD360m contract with Pratt and Whitney covering the supply, through to 2020, of the front compressor case, the forward augmenter, the titanium variant of the split fan and the rear augmenter duct for the F135 engine.

GKN Aerospace is now completing development and test hardware with early production configurations due to commence delivery later this year. At that stage the Company will bring manufacture to full scale production, having made a substantial capital investment at the El Cajon, CA facility, installing new state-of-the-art machining centres to support an increased output from the site.

Operating in one of the most severe environments in the aviation world, these titanium structures will combine low weight with maximum hardness and durability, enabling them to perform effectively at extremely high temperatures.

Mike Beck, President and CEO, Engine Products at GKN Aerospace comments: "Manufacture of titanium structures is a sophisticated and complex process - and is a core GKN Aerospace capability. We have made a significant and strategic investment in this area to offer our customers unrivalled expertise that allows the advantages of this low weight, high strength material to be fully exploited. We are also driving the technology forward, developing new manufacturing techniques that are extending, improving and speeding the process for the future."

Beck continues: "For ourselves, Pratt and Whitney and the JSF programme, the long term nature of this partnership allows us to invest in technology and apply lean manufacturing techniques. These will ensure this aircraft benefits from consistently high quality, high performance structures at the most competitive price throughout its entire production life."

GKN Aerospace has a significant involvement with the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with work valued at several million pounds per ship set. In addition to these titanium engine ducts, the Company is responsible for the optically critical cockpit canopy system, the advanced all-composite engine fan inlet case and a wide range of composite and exotic metal components.