GKN Aerospace has manufactured the first demonstrator wing components for Airbus’ ”Wing of tomorrow” research programme. The parts are samples of a section of the wing spar. GKN Aerospace’s wing technology will significantly improve the productivity of the composite manufacturing process. The use of composite components can result in up to 20% weight savings on large commercial aircraft.
GKN Aerospace uses its long term experience and in-depth knowledge of wing trailing edges and advanced composite technology to accelerate the development of new composite assembly automation technologies for wing primary structures.
For Airbus the company manufactures the A380’s fixed trailing edge and the wing leading edges for A380, A330 and A400M. For the A350 XWB GKN Aerospace developed and now supplies the 27m long rear wing spar and the inboard and outboard flaps (including skins, spars, ribs and leading edges).