FARNBOROUGH, England -- Technologies group GKN Aerospace has announced a new permanent surface treatment for in-flight and ground operation, designed to improve rain shedding and abrasion resistance.
The hydrophobic coating, developed by the company's development center in Garden Grove, Calif., is on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.
GKN said its product differs from others in that it only needs to be applied once during a window's lifetime, with trials currently under way by Airbus.
"Our new hydrophobic technology proves to be a unique solution that seamlessly fits the demand of our transparencies customers for less maintenance and reduced weight and costs," said GKN Aerospace CEO Gavin Wesson. "In our view, this technology potentially eliminates the need for windscreen wipers on cockpit windows."
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GKN's Fokker Elmo has also announced it has agreed to a contract extension with Boeing to supply wiring and interconnection systems for Boeing's P8A, 737 and 777 families.
Manufacturing activities associated with the contract extension will be supported by GKN's facilities in the Netherlands, Turkey, China and India.
"We are delighted to be part of these successful aircraft programs and to continue our long-term and successful relationship with Boeing," said John Pritchard, CEO of GKN's Aerostructures and Systems in Europe and Asia. "The extension is a true reflection of Boeing's continued confidence in GKN Fokker Elmo as a quality, well-placed, strategic supplier, and a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of the teams."
