Propulsion Systems
Based on our diverse range of capabilities and close partnerships with the major aero-engine OEMs, GKN Aerospace is well positioned to lead the industry.
Our manufacturing capability is extensive, including forging, electro chemical milling, high-speed 5-axis machining
Overview
We are a leading Tier One provider of high performance metallic and composite structural engine components. Based on our diverse range of capabilities and close partnerships with the major aero-engine OEM’s GKN Aerospace is well positioned to lead the industry.
Commercial Engine
Fans at the front of the jet or gas turbine draw air into the engine. In fact for most large commercial airliners, a specific type of jet a "turbo-fan" as pictured is used. In this case only some of the the air is pulled through the engine cycle, the oversized fan at the front blows the rest straight out to deliver more thrust when required, but better economy in flight.
Air that is drawn into the engine is compressed through a series of rotating and fixed blades. Known as "rotors" and "stators" these blades can compress the air by 40 times, and this process generates an immense amount of heat.
The compressed and hot air is mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. The mixture is carefully controlled to ensure that there is a constant flame. The burnt gases expand rapidly and move to exit the engine.
Before the expanding gases can exit the engine they flow through the turbine. The turbine consists of further blades and these gases spin them and the central engine shaft as they exit through to the exhaust. The shaft spins the fan blades at the front of the engine drawing in more air air and ensuring the process continues.
Rotatives
We specialize in robust high-precision machining of a range of complex components with safety driven requirements; for example shafts, discs and blades. Additive powderbed solutions are being developed for launcher engine fuel pump components, with the long-term ambition to fully exploit the AM capability as part of our fabrication offer.
Fan Statics
We are engaged in the design, development, certification, manufacture and assembly of metallic and composite fan containment casings as well as fan frames and fan core structures for civil and military aero engines. Our unique AM fabrication technology is being introduced for the fan case mount ring on the PW1500G engine, significantly reducing material waste through a low by-to-fly ratio.
Compressor Statics
We design and manufacture highly complex fabricated core compressor structures. As an example, the Trent XWB intermediate compressor case consists of more than 70 sub-components all welded together using state-of-the-art in TIG, EB and laser welding. AM deposition was introduced on the same compressor structure and has now been certified and flying for more than 10 years. We also offer unique processes for manufacturing of ducts and cases.
Turbine Statics
We provide fabricated turbine structures with engine mounts for the GEnx and GTF engine families, which includes design, make and repair responsibility. We also design and manufacture launcher engine nozzles using the latest technology in laser welding and additive manufacturing.
Military Systems
We take complete responsibility for multi-domestic military propulsion systems. This includes design, development, manufacturing, assembly, certification, maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical product support. We offer our MRO, testing and product support expertise for multiple propulsion systems. We have the capability to lead and partner for system development, supporting customer freedom of choice and self-sufficiency.
Parts Repair
Minimizing downtime is vital for every operator of aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. We tailor our repair and overhaul solutions to fit specific operational needs in close cooperation with our customers around the world.
CONTACTS
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