GKN Aerospace has launched ASPIRE, a UK-based £12 million research and development programme focused on next-generation composite wing and flap structures. Running from May 2025 to April 2028, the three-year effort will deliver three full-scale composite wingtip variants for structural testing up to Ultimate Load.

Each variant explores a different structural philosophy. The first uses GKN Aerospace’s bonded assembly approach with multiple parts. The second employs a quasi-isotropic co-infused RTM structure that incorporates automated deposition, digital twin integration and Pentaxia’s JouleTool self-heated tooling. The third tests non-standard fibre angles, dry fibre forming and SmaRTM processing.

Technologies under review include iCOMAT’s RTS lightweight structures and Carbon ThreeSixty’s stitched deltoid noodles using recycled fibres and the Lineat AFFT process. Analysis and modelling support is being provided by the University of Bath.

In addition to the wingtips, ASPIRE will also deliver an optimised composite flap. This will use RTS skins from iCOMAT, tailored fibre placed brackets from Carbon ThreeSixty, low-energy moulds and press-cured ribs. One key goal is to reach TRL6 for press-curing the composite ribs.

John Pritchard, president civil airframe at GKN Aerospace, says: “ASPIRE is a perfect example of the power of UK collaboration to drive aerospace innovation. By bringing together specialist SMEs, academic expertise and GKN Aerospace’s industrial leadership, this programme will accelerate the development of high-rate, sustainable composite wing technologies. It strengthens our position as a trusted technology partner for future aircraft platforms and reinforces our commitment to shaping a more efficient and more sustainable aerospace industry.”