GKN Aerospace and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Launch TITAN-AM Programme to Scale Titanium Additive Manufacturing for Aerostructures

GKN Aerospace and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Launch TITAN-AM Programme to Scale Titanium Additive Manufacturing for Aerostructures

(IN BRIEF) GKN Aerospace has launched the $8.4 million TITAN-AM programme in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to advance and industrialise Laser Metal Deposition with Wire technology for large titanium aerostructures. The initiative focuses on improving manufacturing scalability, material reliability, simulation capabilities, and inspection methods while demonstrating real-world aerospace applications. Based at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, the programme aims to enable lighter, stronger, and more sustainable components for defence and commercial aviation. With extensive experience in additive manufacturing and existing production of aerospace components already in service on aircraft like the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2, GKN Aerospace is positioning TITAN-AM as a key step toward accelerating next-generation aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) BIRMINGHAM, 14-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — GKN Aerospace has introduced a new $8.4 million initiative, TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The programme is designed to accelerate the development and large-scale adoption of Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology, targeting its application in next-generation aerospace structures.

The initiative focuses on advancing additive manufacturing capabilities for large titanium aerostructures, aiming to transition LMD-w from a promising technology into an industrialised, production-ready solution. Through this programme, the partners seek to enhance manufacturing efficiency while enabling the creation of lighter and more durable structural components for both defence and commercial aerospace applications.

TITAN-AM will address several key technical and industrial challenges essential for scaling the technology. These include establishing industrial processes capable of producing large titanium aerostructures, developing comprehensive material datasets to ensure performance reliability, and advancing simulation tools to improve both design and manufacturing precision. The programme will also focus on refining non-destructive inspection methods specifically suited to additive manufacturing, as well as demonstrating the technology on selected aerospace components.

All programme activities will be carried out at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, which serves as a central hub for advanced manufacturing research and collaboration with U.S. defence and aerospace stakeholders. This facility will play a critical role in integrating new technologies into practical, scalable production environments.

David Bond highlighted the importance of the programme in advancing additive manufacturing within the aerospace sector, noting that the collaboration brings together extensive industry expertise and research-driven innovation to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology for real-world applications.

With more than two decades of experience in additive manufacturing, GKN Aerospace has established itself as a leader in the development and production of large-scale aerospace structures. The company is already delivering additively manufactured components in active service, including structures used in the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine programme. These components are currently deployed on aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and the Embraer E195-E2, demonstrating the practical viability of additive manufacturing in demanding operational environments.

By advancing LMD-w technology, the TITAN-AM programme aims to reduce material waste, streamline production timelines, and unlock greater design flexibility for complex aerostructures. The initiative underscores a broader commitment to delivering more sustainable and high-performance solutions that meet the evolving requirements of modern aerospace platforms.

Media Contact:

Tel: +44 (0)121 210 9800

SOURCE: GKN Aerospace