• $8.4 million TITAN-AM programme launched with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to industrialise titanium additive manufacturing for large aerostructures
  • Programme focuses on maturing Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology for next-generation aerostructures
  • Work to be executed at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas
  • Collaboration reinforces GKN Aerospace’s commitment to deliver lighter, stronger and more sustainable structural solutions for defence and commercial aerospace platforms 

Fort Worth, Texas – 13 April 2026: GKN Aerospace today announced the launch of TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), an $8.4 million programme in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The initiative is focused on advancing and industrialising Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology to enable next-generation aerostructures.

The TITAN-AM programme will address five critical areas required to enable LMD-w for aerospace structural applications:

  • Industrialisation of LMD-w processes for large-scale titanium aerostructure components
  • Development of robust titanium material datasets to ensure structural performance and reliability
  • Advanced simulation capabilities to optimise structural design and manufacturing outcomes
  • Non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques tailored for additive manufacturing processes
  • Demonstration of the technology on selected aerospace structural components.

The programme will be executed from GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation and collaboration with U.S. defence and aerospace partners.

David Bond, CTO Airframes for GKN Aerospace said: “TITAN-AM represents a significant step forward in additive manufacturing for aerospace structures. By combining our deep manufacturing expertise with AFRL’s vision, we aim to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology and demonstrate its value on operational titanium structural components.”

GKN Aerospace brings more than 20 years of experience in additive technologies and is recognized as a global leader in large-scale additive manufacturing for aerospace structures.

The collaboration reinforces GKN Aerospace’s commitment to advancing additive manufacturing technologies that deliver lighter, stronger and more sustainable structural solutions for defence and commercial aerospace platforms. By leveraging LMD-w, TITAN-AM aims to reduce material waste, shorten production lead times and increase design freedom for complex aerostructures.

GKN Aerospace is already in serial production of major additively manufactured structures that are flying today, including the fan case mount ring for the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ (Geared Turbofan) engine family. These components are produced using additive manufacturing in Sweden and the United States and are in service on aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.

GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace and defence industry, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Our unrivalled products, systems and services are integral to 90% of today’s major aircraft. These range from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles, to uncrewed military platforms and state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.

Our commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology is evident in the application of lightweight composites, additive fabrication, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and ground-breaking engine systems, reducing both weight and cost in today’s aircraft and engines. GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable technology, developing breakthrough solutions to achieve emission-free flight. Our global technology centres collaborate with industry partners around the world to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight.

Operating in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace employs a workforce of 16,000 employees across more than 30 locations. GKN Aerospace has global sales of £3.6bn and is listed under its parent company name Melrose Industries PLC (LSE:MRO).