GKN Aerospace has been selected as a supplier on Gulfstream’s new G800 and G400 business jets, which will feature sustainable lightweight aerostructures. GKN is using its world-leading capability in the design and manufacture of business jet empennages and aerostructures on advanced aircraft.
The rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature the latest thermoplastic technology. GKN also produces the metal bonded fuselage panels for the body of the new G800 aircraft, as well as the aluminum machined wing skins for the G400.
In October 2021, the private jet manufacturer revealed its G400 and G800 development programs, with plans to begin delivering the large-cabin G800 in 2023 and the super-midsize G400 in 2025.
The Gulfstream G800 can reach nine-tenth of the speed of sound and is capable of flying for over 8,000 nautical miles (9,206 miles/14,816 km). It is powered by a pair of high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and will carry up to 19 passengers. The 12-passenger Gulfstream G400 is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812As and has 4,200 nm (7,778 km) of range.
The team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process. The sustainable thermoplastic used for these aircraft structural components will save at least 10% of the overall weight compared to traditional materials, which helps reduce carbon emissions. Production of the next-generation business jets will ultimately take place in facilities in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen in the Netherlands, Chihuahua in Mexico, and Wellington in the US.
