Ruag (chalet A7, H4/G17) has gained a powerful boost to its military engine maintenance business.
General Electric has licensed the Swiss aerospace and defence technology group to maintain the F414 engine, which powers the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft.
The new deal deepens GE's relationship with Ruag, which has for a decade offered maintenance, repair and overhaul services on the J85 engines, which power the Northrop F-5 fighter operated by Ruag's biggest MRO customer, the Swiss air force.
Ruag is also licensed on the F404 engine, which powers the F/A-18 Hornet, another fighter in Swiss service.
There are no limits on Ruag's deals with GE, so it has full access to customers for the engines. However, initially it will rely on subcontracts from the powerplant maker for the F414 work.
The Super Hornet is operated by the USA and Australia. The US Navy operates 269 Super Hornets plus 50 EA-18G Growler variants, with 79 and 64 on order respectively, according to Flightglobal's World Air Forces 2011/2012 special report. The Royal Australian Air Force operates 24 Super Hornets.
Source: Flight Daily News
