Aussie ingenuity powers increased fighter-engine work

Australian business TAE Aerospace has significantly increased its share of maintenance work on the F414 engines that power the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

FILE PHOTO: A RAAF EA-18G Growler. Photo by Sergeant Guy Young.

Officer in Command Air Combat Electronic Attack System Program Office Group Captain Adam Spinks said TAE Aerospace had increased its proportion of deeper maintenance work from 25 per cent to 85 per cent in five years.

“This is a remarkable achievement for an innovative local business and acknowledges the industry capability that exists across the country,” Group Captain Spinks said.

“TAE Aerospace holds additional contracts to maintain the engines for the M1 Abram tanks and F-35A Lightning II aircraft.”

Group Captain Spinks said TAE Aerospace had been innovative in the maintenance of the F414 engines, developing repairs for components that otherwise would have been thrown away when they failed.

He said this led to reduced costs and improved engine availability for Air Force.

TAE Aerospace chief executive officer Andrew Sanderson said the expansion of the company’s F414 engine maintenance capability was a significant milestone.

“Our expansion of into F414 works is timely considering the withdrawal of the F404 engines for the F/A-18 and A/B fleets,” Mr Sanderson said.

“We’ve been working in partnership with GE for more than 11 years now on support contracts for both aircraft engines right here in Australia.

“Building on this strong relationship, the opportunity to now commence F414 engine component repair work in support of the US Navy is a significant step for us.

“We are now be able to export our repair know-how, skills and quality of support to the US Navy, which demonstrates our capabilities as a global aerospace engine maintenance provider.”

He said TAE Aerospace would employ up to 10 new staff to conduct the new work and prepare for future opportunities.

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