Pratt & Whitney and GKN Aerospace are teaming up to explore the use of additive manufacturing (AM) for large structural components for its F135 engine.
The Technology Development Agreement, which was announced during Farnborough Air Show, is being supported by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of producing a large-scale engine case using metal 3D printing. The F135 engine powers the F 35 Lightning II family of supersonic stealth strike fighters and, upon completion, this large-scale 3D printed structure is thought to be among the first of its kind at this scale within military engine applications.
Sébastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President GKN Aerospace said, “I am pleased to see this collaboration bringing together strong industrial capabilities and advanced manufacturing expertise. This initiative reflects our ambition to further develop and industrialise additive technologies for demanding aerospace applications.”
Development will take place at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Kongsberg, Norway, and will use GKN Aerospace’s laser-directed energy deposition with wire process. The goal is to produce a full-scale component while maintaining compatibility and interchangeability with the current engine design.
In a press release, the partners said the initiative represents 'a significant step forward in applying additive manufacturing to large-scale, high-performance aero-engine structures.' A first demonstrator component is expected to be ready by 2027, and the product certified by the end of 2028.
“This agreement reflects our continued focus on advancing technologies that support the long-term needs of the F135 program,” said Chris Johnson, vice president of the F135 Program at Pratt & Whitney. “We appreciate the collaboration with GKN Aerospace as we explore new manufacturing approaches that contribute to future engine readiness.”
