GKN Aerospace has signed a three year contract extension worth over USD 8 M (Initial order value ZAR 89M), covering the technical product support, maintenance and parts supply for the Gripen RM12 Engines of the South African Air Force. The contract covers the period November 2017 to October 2020. The agreement was signed with the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) and will be expanded to the customers requirements during the contract period.
GKN has been supporting the South African Gripen RM 12 engines since 2008 when the first Gripen went into service. Technical product support, maintenance, and parts supply take place in both Sweden and South Africa. GKN is committed to provide safe and affordable operation of the RM12 engines with high availability and is also the type certificate holder of the engine.
GKN Aerospace’s Trollhättan site, in Sweden, has been a supplier of fighter engines since 1930. Together with FMV (Swedish Material Agency) and the Swedish Air Force, GKN has developed unique engine support capabilities for single engine aircraft like the Gripen Fighter.
Hans Krokstrand, Director Commercial Military at Aerospace Engine Systems commented “GKN Aerospace is proud to further expand our relationship with the South African Air Force with this contract extension. Our unique and efficient engine maintenance capabilities have supported the Air Force operations effectively since 2008. We thank ARMSCOR for the confidence and we look forward to continue to work together”.
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has three divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline and GKN Powder Metallurgy, which operate in the aerospace and automotive markets. Over 58,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of £9.4 billion in the year to 31 December 2016.
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies– for use in aircraft ranging from helicopters and business jets to the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems and operates in 14 countries at 54 manufacturing locations employing approximately 18,000 people.
