GKN Aerospace has been awarded a contract by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to enhance and develop the RM12 engine.
The engine provides power to the Swedish fighter aircraft JAS 39 Gripen C/D. GKN Aerospace, FMV, and SAAB have collaborated to facilitate the implementation of the engine upgrade.
Stefan Oscarsson, Vice President of Government & Space for GKN Aerospace Engine’s business, said: “We are extremely proud to contribute to strengthening Swedish defence capabilities. The order means that we at GKN Aerospace continue to strengthen our competence and ability to handle complex, full-engine systems for fighter aircraft for the future.”
GKN Aerospace holds a high level of responsibility as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the RM12 engine and has had a strategic relationship with the Swedish Air Force for 90 years.
The contract is valued at £2 million (SEK 23.6 million) and represents the final phase of a development project initiated by GKN Aerospace in 2019. The engine upgrade involves improving key components within the engine and updating the engine software in the aircraft system.
SAAB and GE Aerospace are providing support for the development work, which will be carried out in collaboration with GKN Aerospace. The upgraded RM12 engine will be tested at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, while SAAB and FMV will oversee flight testing.
The engine upgrade will not only enhance engine performance but also contribute to reducing lifecycle costs for the aircraft’s users. This project will reinforce Sweden’s already prominent engine capability, particularly in preparation for the establishment of product support for the RM16 engine, which powers the JAS 39 Gripen E/F in the future.
