Bombardier has awarded a multi-million dollar contract to UK aerostructures supplier GKN Aerospace to design, develop and supply the integrated rudder and elevator for the new Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 ultra-long-range business jets.

GKN announced Farnborough that the composite structures will be developed and manufactured at its Cowes, Isle of Wight facility. Deliveries are scheduled to begin this year and will continue through to 2026.

GKN is already a major supplier for the Global 7000 and 8000 programmes, which are earmarked for service entry in 2016 and 2017 respectively. In 2012 the company was contracted by Bombardier to design and build the clean sheet twinjets' composite winglets and ailerons along with transparencies - including the cockpit and passenger cabin windows.

The Global 7000 will have a top cruise speed of Mach 0.90 and a range of 7,300nm (13,500km) at M0.85 carrying 10 passengers. The Global 8000 offers a maximum range of 7,900nm at M0.85, carrying eight passengers. Both models feature an all-new, high-speed transonic wing and will be powered by 16,500lb-thrust (73kN) GE Aviation Passport engines.

The 33.7m (111ft) cockpit and cabin mock-up of the Global 7000 is currently on display at TAG Farnborough for potential customers to view.

Source: Flight Daily News