GKN Aerospace wins Gulfstream contract to supply G500/600 wing skins

New contract grows aerostructures activity in business aviation

GKN Aerospace has been selected by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to supply the wing skins for its latest G500 and G600 ultra-long range business jets. In a long term contract GKN Aerospace is to produce the upper and lower wing skins for the development and production aircraft.

The G500 and G600 upper wing skins are constructed in a single piece, eliminating fasteners and joints, lowering weight and reducing maintenance. The lower wing skins are comprised of several panels and incorporate a number of complex design features. All skins are being manufactured at GKN Aerospace's advanced machined structures facility in Wellington, Kansas, USA, using the country's longest multi-spindle gantry machining centre.

Daniele Cagnatel, Chief Executive Officer, GKN Aerospace - Aerostructures North America said, "Our success here is founded on the depth of expertise we have in long bed machining and wing skin manufacture. At the latest count we have produced over 5000 wing skins at our Wellington facility, including skins for Gulfstream's award-winning G550 aircraft. This important new contract reinforces our relationship with Gulfstream and this is a relationship we aim to foster and grow for the long term. This contract also represents a major development in our strategic drive to increase our presence in the business jet market."