GKN

UK-based GKN Aerospace has announced a long-term agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to supply titanium rotating parts for PW1100G-JM and PW1400G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) engines.

The first products under the contract are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The production period for the entire programme is until 2028.

GKN’s Aerospace Engine Systems facility in Trollhättan, Sweden will manufacture critical rotating parts.

KHI procurement department of gas turbine division senior manager Akio Onzuka said: "This agreement allows the companies to work closely together over the long-term to extend the support we offer our customers.

"The agreement also allows KHI to draw on GKN Aerospace’s technological expertise and track record in this area to minimise both risk and cost on these key programmes."

"This agreement allows the companies to work closely together over the long-term to extend the support we offer our customers."

GKN Aerospace Trollhättan general manager Joakim Andersson said: "This agreement establishes a long-term relationship with KHI, an important new customer for us, and increases our footprint and visibility in Japan, which is a key future market.

"We are already closely involved with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine programmes and are a risk and revenue sharing partner (RRSP) on both these engines.

"As a result, we are able to supply KHI from a sound base of proven technology and certified parts, which lowers any risk, streamlines development and contains costs.

"With all our processes, technologies and manufacturing skills based in-house, we can also meet demanding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) production schedules."

The company is a risk and revenue sharing partner (RRSP) with Pratt & Whitney.

Under RRSP, it produces intermediate compressor cases and turbine exhaust cases for Pratt & Whitney’s entire geared turbo fan family, including PW1100G-JM, PW1400G-JM, PW1200G, PW1500G, PW1700G and PW1900G.

It also produces other metallic and composite parts for Pratt & Whitney under individual RRSP agreements.


Image: GKN Aerospace inspector completes dimensional inspection of the PW1100G-JM shaft assembly. Photo: courtesy of GKN Aerospace.