inlet lip skin

Boeing has awarded a contract to GKN Aerospace to supply engine inlet aluminium lip skins for its 737 MAX and 777X aircraft.

Under the contract, GKN will also be responsible for assembling the 787 Dreamliner Section 47 floor grid.

GKN plans to use spin forming and post-spin processes to produce engine inlet skins.

The processes are being developed by California-based metallic spin forming company Sheets Manufacturing (SMI), and enhanced by GKN’s lean industrialisation techniques. GKN has recently acquired SMI.

GKN will produce the lip skins at its Camarillo facility, and a new manufacturing unit in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where the Boeing 787 Section 47 floor grid will also be assembled.

"The lip skins will generate a laminar flow surface that reduces drag and improves aerodynamic performance."

Designed to offer weight reduction, the lip skins will generate a laminar flow surface that reduces drag and improves aerodynamic performance.

GKN will supply the floor grid assemblies for all the three 787 variants, including the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10, to Boeing South Carolina plant for installation in the fuselage barrel.

GKN Aerospace CEO Kevin Cummings said: "This contract award is a clear reflection of our strong commitment to the application of industry leading technologies in partnership with Boeing Commercial Airplanes."

The company already produces winglets, ice protection systems, windows and window frames, seat tracks, fin roots, engine pylon structures, and other components for Boeing Commercial Airplanes portfolio.

Image: The 737 MAX inlet lip skin on a test aircraft. Photo: courtesy of GKN plc.