GKN Aero to work on Comanche.

Sikorsky has awarded UK company GKN Aerospace Services a contract to develop and manufacture advanced, lightweight, high-strength side panel skins for the RAH-66 Comanche reconnaissance and attack helicopter.

The contract initially covers production of 42 material qualification test panels and three engineering and manufacturing development forward side panels. There is an option for Sikorsky to extend the contract to cover a total of 73 production units, bringing the total value to $1.5 million.

The RAH-66 side panel skins measure 0.9m x 1.22m (3 x 4ft) and will be manufactured from a combination of advanced materials. Initial production pieces are set for delivery in February 2004.