GKN Aerospace has successfully completed the first engine run of the state-of-the-art RM16 engine that will power the JAS 39 Gripen E. This landmark enables GKN Aerospace to deliver full RM16 product support to the Swedish Armed Forces, ensuring engine availability for future Swedish Air Force missions. GKN Aerospace has been collaborating with GE and SAAB to build up the necessary infrastructure to support the RM16. The RM16 is based on the General Electric F414 aero-engine that powers the F-18 Super Hornet. FMV selected GKN Aerospace to be the product support and MRO provider for the RM16 in 2020 with the aim to utilize synergies between the RM12 and the RM16 engine as much as possible.
Göran Mårtensson, Director General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, said: “Air defence is a vital part of the Armed Forces’ operational capability as we continue to protect Sweden. GKN Aerospace has long been an important supplier in the aircraft engine domain, and I am convinced that it is both economically and operationally the best solution to retain this capability in Sweden, especially with the current levels of uncertainty around the world.”
Martin Wänblom, VP Operations for GKN Aerospace Sweden said: “Today is an important landmark in our proud history to support the JAS 39 Gripen platform. It’s great that the first RM16 engine test has been a success and we are looking forward to support the Armed Forces and the Gripen System in the coming years.”
GKN Aerospace is OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and a long-term service provider for the RM12 engine and holder of the military type certificate (MTC). The selection reinforces GKN Aerospace’s unique position and extensive experience in aero-engine support. It effectively means that technical support and maintenance for all versions of the Gripen aero-engines will be available in Trollhättan,Sweden. GKN Aerospace is also the OEM and type certificate holder of the Gripen C/D RM12 aero-engine and has been supporting the RM12 aero-engines since the first Gripen aircraft went into service in 1997. GKN Aerospace employs 2200 people in Trollhättan, Sweden, of which about 200 work in its military engines design and support business.
