GKN Aerospace and USAF launch TITAN-AM for aerostructures
GKN Aerospace has announced the launch of TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialisation and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), an $8.4 million programme in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The initiative is focused on advancing and industrialising its laser wire Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology to enable next-generation aerostructures.
The TITAN-AM programme aims to address five critical areas required to enable laser wire DED for aerospace structural applications:
- Industrialisation of laser wire DED processes for large-scale titanium aerostructure components
- Development of robust titanium material datasets to ensure structural performance and reliability
- Advanced simulation capabilities to optimise structural design and manufacturing outcomes
- Non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques tailored for Additive Manufacturing processes
- Demonstration of the technology on selected aerospace structural components
The programme will be executed at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation and collaboration with US defence and aerospace partners.
“TITAN-AM represents a significant step forward in Additive Manufacturing for aerospace structures,” stated David Bond, CTO Airframes for GKN Aerospace. “By combining our deep manufacturing expertise with AFRL’s vision, we aim to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology and demonstrate its value on operational titanium structural components.”
The collaboration is said to reinforce the company’s commitment to advancing Additive Manufacturing technologies that aim to deliver lighter, stronger and more sustainable structural solutions for defence and commercial aerospace platforms. By leveraging LMD, TITAN-AM aims to reduce material waste, shorten production lead times and increase design freedom for complex aerostructures.
GKN Aerospace is already in serial production of major additively manufactured structures currently in service, including the fan case mount ring for the Pratt & Whitney GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine family. These components are produced using Additive Manufacturing in Sweden and the USA, and are used on aircraft including the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.
