GKN Aerospace to double F-35 canopy production capacity

GKN Aerospace has announced plans to double the F-35 canopy production capacity at its Garden Grove, California site, resulting in the creation of more than 100 new jobs. A customer investment of up to US$150 million will fund state-of-the-art tools and equipment for the new production line, addressing the ongoing demand for the F-35 Lightning II over the next decade. Since the inception of the programme, GKN Aerospace has supplied F-35s worldwide with its unique high-performance cockpit canopies.

The expansion is scheduled for completion by January 2027, with the new production line set to be constructed near GKN Aerospace’s current Garden Grove facility. This development will generate skilled roles across various disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering. Presently, GKN Aerospace employs approximately 540 people at its Garden Grove site, which is renowned for designing, manufacturing and providing aftermarket support for advanced military and commercial transparencies.

Shawn Black, President of GKN Aerospace’s Defence Airframe business, stated: “We’re proud and honoured to support the F-35 for the next decade. This investment is a crucial step, enabling us to provide the growing international F-35 fleet with the very latest transparencies technology, to help keep servicemen and women safe around the world. The agreements will also see more than 100 highly-skilled jobs created at GKN Aerospace, as well as supporting thousands more jobs in the global supply chain. This investment is a win for GKN Aerospace, the F-35 programme and the many countries it supports, and the team can’t wait to ramp up our production and deliver.”

Since the beginning of the programme, GKN Aerospace has supplied the F-35 with cockpit canopies, critical engine components, electrical wiring interconnection systems and advanced composite aerostructures. The company also holds contracts to deliver in-flight opening doors, flaperons and arresting gear.