GKN Aerospace wins order to upgrade RAF helicopters

THE aerospace division of Midland-based engineering group GKN has secured a major contract to help with the upgrade of the RAF’s helicopter fleet.

GKN Aerospace has been contracted by Eurocopter UK to develop upgraded fuel tanks as part of the RAF’s life extension programme for its fleet of Puma helicopters.

The new self-sealing fuel tanks will enhance the helicopter’s survivability in current theatres of operation, providing extended protection for the crew against weapons such as heavy machine guns, vehicle and aircraft armaments. First deliveries of the new fuel tanks have already begun.

GKN Aerospace was selected because it provides the market’s most rapid self-sealing response to ballistic damage with 7.62mm to 20mm round protection available for all types of fuel containment systems.

The company’s proven, ballistically tolerant technology, although typically integrated at the design phase of a vehicle, can also be retro-fitted or externally fitted at a later stage.

GKN Aerospace currently supplies self-sealing fuel tanks for the UK’s fleet of AW101 and AW159 helicopters and supplies similar technology for a number of fighting vehicles including the Supacat Jackal II high mobility vehicle.

Richard Dove, General Manager, GKN Aerospace – Portsmouth, said: “This contract with Eurocopter UK brings greater commonality to the UK military’s self-sealing fuel tank capability, effectively harmonising technology across platforms and ensuring efficient in-theatre logistic support. Over the long term, the focus for our market-leading self-sealing fuel systems team continues to be the provision of the best through life costs and in-service support to our customers.”