One project, entitled open fan for environmental low impact of aviation (OFELIA), will develop and test an open fan engine incorporating parts in the compressor and the turbine made by GKN. It is led by Safran Aircraft Engines and 26 European partners.
"The fact that we are involved in this type of demonstrator project is important for the validation of GKN Aerospace's new 3D printing technologies,” said Henrik Runnemalm, GKN vice president.
The second project, known as water-injecting turbofan comprising hybrid-electrics (SWITCH), will research the development of new hybrid-electric and water-improved turbofan technology for future aircraft propulsion systems. Plans are for GKN to make different engine structures such as integrated electrical machines and heat exchangers.
"The project aims to demonstrate the potential of these technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to today's propulsion systems for short- and medium-range aircraft," said Runnemalm. "For GKN Aerospace, this is an important project as we are taking a step towards increased functionality, both thermal and electrical, for the engine structures we are responsible for."
