Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace establish Composite Material JV

Rolls-Royce has established a joint venture company with GKN Aerospace to carry out research and development into the use of composite materials in aero engine fan blades.

Funding for the research and development is expected to be approximately £11 million. Rolls-Royce will fund and own 51% of the venture, with GKN Aerospace responsible for 49%. 

The joint venture activities will build upon the development of composite blade applications undertaken during the EU-funded VITAL programme, and will combine the expertise of Rolls-Royce advanced engine technologies with GKN Aerospace’s composite research and automated manufacturing technologies.

Rolls-Royce Director - Research and Technology Ric Parker said, “Rolls-Royce has been working closely with GKN Aerospace on the latest carbon-composite technologies for some time and we look forward to building on this relationship with the formation of the joint venture. The composite technology research that this organisation will undertake is aimed at delivering light-weight and low-cost fan blades for engines for the next generation of airframe applications.”

GKN Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Marcus Bryson added, “Through our partnership with Rolls-Royce, we will achieve a genuine advance in propulsion system technology that will move us towards a lighter, more environmentally efficient aero-engine.”

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