GKN Wins Nacelle Systems Contract for Citation Longitude Business Jet

GKN Aerospace has won a contract from Cessna, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, to supply the nacelle systems to house the HTF7700L turbofan engines that will power Cessna’s new Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet.

The new nacelle system will be a development of a GKN Aerospace nacelle that has been in service for 12 years and is now flying on over 600 business jets. By adapting this proven design, the company is able to offer Cessna a bespoke nacelle whilst minimising the time to market readiness, risk and cost for the Citation Longitude programme.

John Pritchard, CEO, GKN Aerospace, Aerostructures - Europe, said, “This new contract win introduces an important new customer to one of our established areas of expertise - engine nacelle systems. We are proud to be contributing to Cessna’s Longitude programme, launched this week at the NBAA show, and to be able to count this highly respected general aviation aircraft manufacturer amongst our customers.”

The nacelles will be manufactured at the company’s facility on the Isle of Wight in the UK, with integration of the propulsion system taking place at GKN Aerospace’s purpose-built facility in Phoenix, Arizona.