Intends to Build on Very Strong Automotive Reputation and Experience

GTR Composites, a division of UK-based technology group Global Technologies Racing Ltd, has launched a new strategy for expansion and growth in the defence sector, with Eurosatory being the launch point for the initiative.

The company is already established in the defence sector, having developed a successful track record in designing, manufacturing and delivering critically precise composite components for specialist use: including components for the AW101 Merlin helicopter; composite housings for flotation and life raft systems on the Sikorsky S92 helicopter; composite components for 18 models of Martin-Baker ejection seats; and the manufacture of a majority of the composite protected crew pods for the UK MoD’s Foxhound protected vehicle. This latter project saw GTR manufacture over 250 units, eventually becoming the sole supplier. At the time, this programme was an Urgent Operational Requirement, so an incredibly rapid response was required, while maintaining the very best quality, in order to save lives in Afghanistan.

GTR’s high precision composite manufacturing capability is more than a match for the demanding requirements of precision aerospace and military applications. With over 250 highly skilled staff, GTR’s production facilities include ten in-house autoclaves, ranging in sizes up to 3m in diameter and 5.5m in length. This allows GTR to handle both micro components and larger vehicle-sized assemblies.

“For many years we’ve been successfully proving ourselves in our core sector of high-performance motorsport and automotive, [while] at the same time delivering some programmes to other sectors, such as defence. We’ve made the decision to apply some more focus to the defence sector […] we have a highly appropriate capability offering that we know could be applied across the defence sector,” explained Director, Simon Kingdon-Butcher.