Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. (Spirit) and Skyworks Aeronautics (Skyworks) have announced that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue support for Skyworks defence and commercial platforms both in the UK and also the European marketplace.
Spirit’s Northern Ireland and Scotland operations will collaborate on detailed design activity to support Skyworks VertiJet – a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), high-speed and long-range gyrodyne. The Vertijet is expected to fly at projected speeds of up to 400 mph (644 km/h) – two-to-three-times faster than currently operating helicopters.
Sir Michael Ryan, Spirit Vice President for European Space and Defence, stated that the agreement with Skyworks will continue Spirit’s commitment to expand its UK business. “We will be applying our engineering and technology leadership in advanced materials and ultra-light structures to explore the design, testing and integration of lightweight and aerodynamically efficient technologies in support of Skyworks’ aircraft platforms, such as its VertiJet VTOL programme for military and commercial use,” Ryan said.
Skyworks Aeronautics is a world leader in the science and technology of gyronautics, focusing on the design and development of high-performance gyroplanes, using highly advanced technology and modern aerospace science, engineering and design methods. Skyworks Aeronautics has been developing manned and unmanned vertical lift gyroplane technologies for over twenty years.
“Spirit AeroSystems is a prominent leader in the aerospace industry with world-class design and manufacturing capabilities,” said John E. Michel, Skyworks Aeronautics Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We cannot think of a better industry partner to help make the promise and potential of the VertiJet and other Skyworks-related platforms a tangible reality.”
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. is based in Wichita, Kansas, USA, and is the world’s biggest first-tier aerostructures manufacturer. The company builds several important pieces of Boeing aircraft, including the fuselage of the 737, portions of the 787 fuselage, and the cockpit section of the fuselage nearly all of its airliners.
