GKN To Build HondaJet Fuselage

GKN Aerospace has been selected to build the entire fuselage for the HondaJet, the UK-based aerostructures specialist said today at a press conference in London. It will build the all-composite fuselage in two sections before they are combined. Production fuselage sections are due to start being delivered in the second quarter of next year to Honda Aircraft for final assembly at its Greensboro, N.C. facility. GKN chief executive Marcus Bryson said that the group had been working with Honda for four or five years before being confirmed as its production partner. Meanwhile, GKN is continuing its future wing technology research program with Gulfstream Aerospace. The partners are looking at future metal wings for business jets, focusing on friction stir welding techniques to improve cost efficiency.