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GKN Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Partner on 3D Printed F135 Engine Case

July 28, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

GKN Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney partner on 3D printing F135 engine case.
First demonstrator component expected in 2027, certified product by 2028.
Project aims to improve supply chain resilience and production efficiency.
F135 engine powers F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate a significant shift in aerospace manufacturing, as additive technologies could enhance supply chain resilience and reduce production lead times. The successful certification of 3D printed components in a military engine application suggests a potential breakthrough in the adoption of additive manufacturing in the industry, which could benefit other manufacturers and operators.

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What Happened

Additive Manufacturing Breakthrough For F-35 Engine Component

GKN Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have signed a Technology Development Agreement to 3D print a full-scale F135 engine case, a component of the F-35 Lightning II’s engine. The project, backed by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, aims to improve supply chain resilience and production efficiency. The partners expect to produce a first demonstrator component in 2027 and a certified product by the end of 2028. This development was reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: July 20, 2026

Companies Mentioned