GKN Aerospace wins multi-million pound contract for Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 rudder and elevator

GKN Aerospace has been selected by Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast to design, develop and supply the composite integrated rudder and elevator for the new Global 7000* and Global 8000* ultra long-range business jets. The multi-million pound contract adds to already significant GKN Aerospace work packages on these aircraft.

These composite structures will be developed and manufactured at the company's Cowes facility on the Isle of Wight, UK. First deliveries to Bombardier in Belfast will take place in 2014 and will continue through to 2026.

For the Global 7000 and the Global 8000 aircraft, GKN Aerospace is already contracted to:
• Design, develop and produce the transparencies, including the high performance cockpit windows and ultra-large passenger cabin windows (announced in July 2012).
• Design, build and supply the advanced composite winglets and ailerons (announced in August 2012).

GKN Aerospace will exploit its extensive expertise in complex composite design and manufacture to provide a lightweight, integrated rudder and elevator structure that meets programme performance and weight requirements.

Neil McManus, CEO, GKN Aerospace - Europe and Special Products states: "Our engineering expertise across composites and transparencies will make a vital contribution to meeting the remarkable range and emissions goals of the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft" He added: "This latest contract win illustrates both our growing relationship with Bombardier Aerospace, which includes the supply of critical structures for the CSeries* aircraft's advanced composite wings, and also our increasing participation in the business aviation market."

Launched in 2010, the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft will have the ability to reach more destinations non-stop than ever before, delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility and comfort.

GKN Aerospace is among the leading independent suppliers of complex composite structures to the aerospace market. In transparencies, GKN Aerospace windows exceed industry performance benchmarks across the board and are the reliable, high performance/ low risk product of choice for the full range of aircraft in today's market - from supersonic military applications to the latest business jets. In addition to these contracts for the Global* family of aircraft, the company supplies the aileron and winglet for the Bombardier* CSeries aircraft.