ASIM, jul 24
GKN Aerospace has invested £4 million in Airbus’ Sustainable Wing Solutions (SusWingS) R&T programme, part of a larger £15 million project supported by £8 million from the ATI. This two-year initiative focuses on developing high-performance wing technologies and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes, aiming to prepare the UK aerospace industry for a sustainable future. Building on the technologies from the Wing of Tomorrow projects, SusWingS involves collaboration with Airbus, Cranfield University, and the University of Manchester to innovate in wing design and manufacturing, including advancements in single-sided fasteners, carbon fibre composites, and numerical analysis models for structural behavior prediction. The project also aims to minimize environmental impacts by addressing key emissions and sustainability metrics.
John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe at GKN Aerospace, highlighted the long-standing partnership with Airbus and the commitment to developing sustainable wing technologies essential for next-generation aircraft. Over the past two years, GKN Aerospace has delivered three Fixed Trailing Edge assemblies to Airbus, which are now part of full-scale Wing of Tomorrow demonstrators. The SusWingS programme, currently six months in, aims to push the boundaries of aerodynamics, structures, and materials, with completion expected by Q1 2026. This initiative underscores GKN Aerospace’s dedication to pioneering efficient, high-performance technologies to enable the aerospace industry’s transition to a net zero future.
