GKN Aerospace signs GBP multi-million agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries

GKN Aerospace has signed a GBP multi-million, long term agreement (LTA) with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to supply titanium rotating parts for the PW1100G-JM and PW1400G-JM, Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engines. This contract covers the planned production period for this programme to 2028, with first deliveries targetted for this year end.

Manufacture of these critical rotating parts will take place at the company’s Aerospace Engine Systems (AES) facility in Trollhättan, Sweden which is equipped to manufacture in titanium to the rigorous standards and tight tolerances required – and to meet the challenging programme ramp-up schedule to full production.

Akio Onzuka, Senior Manager Procurement Department of Gas Turbine Division, KHI comments: "We are pleased to complete this long term agreement with GKN Aerospace covering these key low pressure compressor components for the PW1100G-JM and PW1400G-JM engine programs. This agreement allows the companies to work closely together over the long term to extend the support we offer our customers. The agreement also allows KHI to draw on GKN Aerospace’s technological expertise and track record in this area to minimize both risk and cost on these key programs.”

Joakim Andersson, General Manager of GKN Aerospace – Trollhättan, said: “This agreement establishes a long term relationship with KHI, an important new customer for us, and increases our footprint and visibility in Japan, which is a key future market. We are already closely involved with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine programmes and are a Risk and Revenue Sharing Partner (RRSP) on both these engines. As a result we are able to supply KHI from a sound base of proven technology and certified parts which lowers any risk, streamlines development and contains costs – and with all our processes, technologies and manufacturing skills based in-house, we can also meet demandingOEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production schedules.”

GKN Aerospace is a risk and revenue sharing partner (RRSP) directly with Pratt & Whitney with design and production responsibility for the intermediate compressor cases and the turbine exhaust cases for the entire Geared Turbo Fan family: PW1100G-JM, PW1400G-JM, PW1200G, PW1500G, PW1700G and PW1900G. In addition, production of a number of other metallic and composite parts are included in individual RRSP agreements.