GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK have agreed to collaborate on next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions for UK defense programs. The partnership includes advanced composite aerostructures, EWIS design and integration, a ground-based demonstrator and advanced flight testing. Archer is also involved in this collaboration.
The initial aim of the companies involved is to accelerate the development of advanced UAVs and rotorcraft technologies for British defense programs. The aim is to accelerate the development of advanced UAV and rotorcraft technologies for UK defense programs, with British orders expected early next year, such as for an autonomous landing platform (ACP) and the British Army’s NYX project. British Army. Project NYX involves a next-generation unmanned rotorcraft. Archer will be involved in this project with its eVTOL expertise. The aim is also to provide modern capabilities and strengthen the UK’s industrial base at the same time.
“This is an excellent example of aerospace collaboration and innovation at its best. By combining GKN Aerospace’s manufacturing and integration expertise with Anduril’s innovative defense technologies, we can deliver an industry-leading solution to the British Army in a short space of time,” said Dave Bond, Senior Vice President of Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace.
The agreement was signed on December 9th at the GKN Aerospace plant in Cowes. Much of the work under the collaboration will be carried out from this site in the future, using the recent €11.4 million investment in the site to support the growth of new platforms. Modern clean rooms, processing facilities and training facilities are available in Cowes.
Design and integration work falls within the remit of GKN, which can draw on considerable expertise in the fields of aircraft structures, electrical wiring systems (EWIS) and aerospace technology. The Cowes site currently employs almost 1,000 people. More than 100 additional jobs could be created over the next three years as a result of the expected increase in orders.
Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril Industries UK, said they were delighted to be working “with such an established and trusted partner in the UK manufacturing industry”. “GKN Aerospace has long been an important part of the UK industrial landscape and we are proud to be working with them on leading defense capabilities. This puts us in an excellent position to improve the effectiveness and survivability of our armed forces.”
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