Fokker Aerospace Group and TNO strengthen European market leadership position in rocket engine ignition systems

23 May 2005

Fokker Aerospace Group and TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) have signed a principles agreement to strengthen their activities in rocket engine ignition systems. The parties have reached agreement on the transfer by Fokker Aerospace Group of its rocket engine ignition system activities to the Aerospace Propulsion Products (APP) joint venture. These activities were formerly part of the Stork operating company Stork Product Engineering. It has additionally been agreed that TNO and Fokker will provide APP with new technology in the area of rocket engine ignition systems and related systems such as gas generators.

APP is a joint venture between Fokker and TNO, established in 1989 for the production of the ignition systems for the Ariane 5 Vulcain engine. Since then these activities have been extended by the production of igniters for the Vega small launcher and for fast gas generators for use in systems to suppress dust explosions. The company also plays a leading role in the development of HNF, a powerful oxidiser for use in solid fuel rocket motors.
 
The transfer of the activities of Stork Product Engineering to APP means that the complete capacity for the development, qualification and production of rocket engine ignition systems is now located within a single company. In this way Fokker and TNO will strengthen the position of APP as European market leader, at the same time creating the basis for the development and commercial introduction of spin-off products such as gas generators.
 
TNO is a leading, independent knowledge organisation with a turnover in 2004 of  EUR 494 million. On the basis of its expertise and research, TNO makes a significant contribution to the competitive strength of companies and organisations, to the economy and to the quality of the community as a whole. TNO holds a unique position as a result of its versatility and the ability to integrate its knowledge. Around 5,000 professionals work at TNO. The organisation's operations are based on 5 core areas: TNO Quality of Life, TNO Defence, Security and Safety, TNO Science and Industry, TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, and TNO Information and Communication technology.
 
Fokker Aerospace Group develops and produces advanced components and systems for the aviation and aerospace industry, and supplies integrated services and products to aircraft owners and operators. The group achieved a turnover of € 495 million in 2004 with 3,182 employees out of the total Stork turnover of €1.82 billion.

 

Press information:
-TNO :   Maarten Lörtzer,  tel. +31 (0) 15 269 49 75
-Stork : Dick Kors,           tel. +31 (0) 35 69 57 575
-APP :   Frans Zee / Edwin Vermeulen, tel. +31 (0) 168 388 188