G600

Gulfstream Aerospace has awarded a contract to GKN Aerospace to provide wing skins for its G500 and G600 business jets.

Under the deal, GKN will produce upper and lower wing skins for the ultra-long jets at its machined structures plant in Kansas, US.

The upper wing skins will be produced without fasteners and joints to reduce its weight and maintenance, while the lower wing skins will incorporate several panels and complex design features.

GKN Aerospace North America aero-structures CEO Daniele Cagnatel said: "Our success here is founded on the depth of expertise we have in long bed machining and wing skin manufacture.

"At the latest count, we have produced more 5,000 wing skins at our Wellington facility, including skins for Gulfstream’s award-winning G550 aircraft."

Gulfstream selected PPG Aerospace, Triumph Aerostructures – Vought Aircraft Division, Esterline and GE Aviation to supply various components for the G500 and G600 aircraft last year.

"At the latest count, we have produced more 5,000 wing skins at our Wellington facility."

Esterline will provide flight deck solutions; Triumph and PPG Aerospace will supply wing structural components and window assemblies, respectively.

GE Aviation will provide avionics and power systems for the Gulfstream business jets.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series engines, the G500 and G600 aircraft will feature Symmetry Flight Deck with active control sidesticks and touchscreen avionics interfaces.

The aircraft will have maximum operating speed of M0.925 with cabin altitude of 4,850ft at FL510.

The G500 is scheduled to enter service in 2018, while the G600 is planned for 2019.

Image: GKN will produce upper and lower wing skins for the G500 and G600 jets. Photo: courtesy of GKN plc.