Sweden-based GKN Aerospace said it has penned a deal to supply turbines and nozzles to ArianeGroup.
The contract, GKN said, is to take in the "manufacturing and supply of units for the next 14 Ariane 6 launchers, to be produced from now until 2025" and would contribute to "essential" preparation for the "next phase of launcher exploitation".
ArianeGroup procurement head Stephane Nogatchewsky said the deal means "the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 is getting closer". Earlier reports suggested a late-2023 launch could be on the cards. Ariane6Group is a European Space Agency-backed Airbus-Safran joint venture.
Since the 1970's, GKN Aerospace has made over 1,000 combustion chambers and nozzles as well as over 250 turbines for the ArianeGroup. “Swedish participation is key to the future of the launcher and for the future of European space exploration", said Martin Velander, who directs GKN Aerospace's launcher engine programme.