GKN Aerospace gains $400m follow on order for the C-130J nacelle.

GKN Aerospace has gained a further follow on contract from Lockheed Martin to supply the integrated nacelle for the C-130J aircraft. This $400m, 5 year contract brings the total value of GKN Aerospace work on the C-103J to over $800m, and takes the Company's contribution to the programme into its 20th year.

Marcus Bryson, Chief Executive Officer, GKN Aerospace comments: "This latest contract reflects our total and ongoing commitment to Lockheed Martin and the C-130J programme. As a result of a team effort at GKN Aerospace and along our entire supply chain we have been able to offer Lockheed Martin improved efficiencies and even greater cost effectiveness in this package of work for the next 5 years. We are now approaching delivery of our 700th nacelle for this highly successful aircraft and expect to be nearing double that number by 2013."

GKN Aerospace has been the sole source provider of the integrated nacelle for the C-130J since it's inception in 1993, having been a leading member of the UK industrial support group and responsible for the design change from the C-130H nacelle system to the C-130J.

The Company is currently completing a 5year contract, awarded in 2003, following successful completion of shorter term contracts covering the first 10 years of the programme. This initial 5 year contract represented one of the first examples of an award of this type of long term contract in the aerospace sector.

The new contract runs from Jan 2009 until December 2013. First deliveries will take place in January 2009 and GKN Aerospace anticipates delivering nacelles at a rate of around 10 per month until the end of 2013.

The C-130J integrated nacelle includes the engine mounting structure, lower pan, scoop, doors and air inlet and also contains all the associated fluid systems including bleed air ducting, fuel, hydraulic and anti-ice systems. GKN Aerospace delivers the nacelle fully assembled with a majority of these systems installed. Lockheed Martin then installs the engine and finishes the systems integration with GKN Aerospace furnished products.

GKN Aerospace has over 20 years of experience in the nacelles market and has a strong position in military turboprop nacelles and at the lower thrust end of the turbofan market providing high performance, lightweight nacelles with fewer components and lower life cycle costs.