GKN Aerospace has completed the engineering, manufacture and full prototype integration of flight-ready wings, fins and control surfaces for the UK’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) prototype, Brontanax.
The components were developed from a clean-sheet design within an accelerated timeline, with BAE Systems drawing on GKN Aerospace’s advanced composite manufacturing and assembly capabilities to meet the programme’s technical requirements. The milestone highlights GKN Aerospace’s role in advancing the UK’s next-generation sovereign air combat capabilities.
Rupert Dix, SVP Defence, GKN Aerospace said: “This is the latest example of GKN Aerospace’s ability to turn complex, clean-sheet designs into flight-ready reality at an unprecedented pace. By combining our advanced engineering with cutting-edge manufacturing, we are actively shaping the future of next-generation combat air power for the UK and our global allies.”
The programme required an agile approach to product development and supply chain management, combining composite manufacturing, novel tooling design and complex product assembly across GKN Aerospace’s global network. The full range of flight-ready components was delivered within an accelerated timeframe.
Manufacturing was carried out at GKN Aerospace’s composite design and assembly facility at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, reinforcing the company’s capability to rapidly deliver novel, airworthy prototypes alongside established production programmes.
Mark Wilson, Head of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, BAE Systems added:
“The rapid progression from concept to prototype integration is a remarkable achievement. GKN Aerospace’s industrial expertise, agility and commitment to collaboration have been pivotal in delivering high-quality, flight-ready structures within an extraordinarily compressed timeline.”
The programme underlines GKN Aerospace’s commitment to applying its sovereign industrial capabilities and expertise to support the current and future requirements of the UK defence sector and its global customers.
