GKN Aerospace completes STeM advanced winglet concept

Advances innovative processes that could cut manufacturing costs by 20 percent

GKN Aerospace has completed a two year structures technology maturity (STeM) programme to create an advanced winglet using innovative automated processes. Results show that, were the winglet to enter series production today, these processes could lower manufacturing costs by approximately 20 percent- producing a cost effective winglet with a lower parts count suitable for new or retrofit installation.

From design through to manufacture the winglet has been a vehicle to trial the latest software tools and modelling, manufacturing and testing methods in areas such as structural design, automated manufacture, assembly technologies and analysis tool. A novel design, including a waffle skin construction, has been manufactured and assembled using innovative robotic technologies and new lightweight fixing techniques. The result is a winglet with lower weight, lower parts count, 50 percent fewer fasteners and 25 percent less time per fastening.

Rich Oldfield, Technology Director, GKN Aerospace explains: "We believe many of the processes progressed and proved through this STeM programme will be introduced across the aerospace sector to speed and improve the manufacture of a wide range of items such as engine components, nacelles, small wing box structures, vertical and horizontal tail planes, flying controls and undercarriage doors."

This advanced winglet project is one element in a GBP12m STeM programme led by GKN Aerospace and including Bombardier, Spirit and GE. STeM's aim is to support new concepts in wing design that push the boundaries of aerodynamic performance and contribute to securing work in the UK for the next generation of aircraft. It is a collaborative research and development project funded under the UK centre for aerodynamics programme by the UK government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The STeM winglet project was undertaken by GKN Aerospace and jointly funded by the company and the TSB.

GKN Aerospace leadership of this STeM project follows the completion of a ‘Grand Challenge' in 2011. There, a consortium of 22 companies from across British industry concluded a one year challenge set by the TSB, on behalf of BIS. This challenge required the companies to collaborate to progress innovations in vital composite manufacturing technologies.