GKN Aerospace has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters, marking a significant step in a long-standing partnership. This collaboration follows the recent pre-selection of Airbus Helicopters to deliver 14 H225M helicopters for Special Operations to the MoD of the Netherlands.
Scope of collaboration covers multiple projects and work packages
Vice Admiral de Waard, National Armaments Director of the Netherlands, his successor Vice Admiral Hartman, and the Commissioner of Military Production Dicke attended the signing ceremony. Shawn Black, President – Defence Airframe at GKN Aerospace, and Matthieu Louvot, Executive Vice President Programmes at Airbus Helicopters, sealed the agreement.
Under the MoU, GKN Aerospace will provide essential support in areas such as engineering, electrical wiring interconnections systems (EWIS) design and manufacturing, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities. It will also lead potential innovation projects and aerostructures design and manufacturing, with a particular focus on composite structures. The collaboration will strengthen the aerospace industry in the Netherlands and foster innovation within the Dutch Aerospace eco-system. Airbus Helicopters and GKN Aerospace have a long history of collaboration. They are both partners in NHIndustries, the NH90 manufacturing consortium, together with Leonardo.
Shawn Black, President Defence Airframe of GKN Aerospace, said: « We have been working closely with Airbus Helicopters as partners on the NH90 program since 1992 and have actively supported them during the pre-selection phase with the Dutch MoD. The signing of the MoU represents a significant milestone in our collaboration, reinforcing our partnership and setting the stage for future industrial participation. With our combined expertise and unwavering commitment, we will deliver advanced solutions and provide exceptional support to the Netherlands’ helicopter fleet. »
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace designs, manufactures and delivers an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies – for use in commercial and defense aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to the most advanced fighter aircraft. In line with its mission, GKN Aerospace is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems and innovative engine systems help to reduce emissions and weight on today’s aircraft, while it collaborates with global partners to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures and engine systems, with 15,000 employees across its 38 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.
