LYNN, Mass. -- GE Aviation has been awarded a $193 million Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract from the U.S. Navy for the F414-GE-400 turbofan engine. The contract covers repairs and parts for F414 engines and modules at the Navy's Fleet Readiness Center - Southeast (Jacksonville, Fla.).
GE will manage all consumable procurements, coordinate repairs through suppliers and will partner on all depot repair requirements. This multi-year procurement arrangement will run through 2010 and is an availability-based contract providing operational readiness requirements for the F414 fleet.
"This contract, in concert with the 2006 multi-year PBL award for F414 depot component repairs, provides a comprehensive, integrated, cost-wise readiness approach for our Navy customer," said Steve Knopping, GE F414/F404 PBL Director.
"In 2007, the F414 fleet achieved unparalleled safety stock levels, and PBL contracts are a big reason why. The Navy achieves lower acquisition costs with significantly improved readiness while GE continues to expand its work content within the military aftermarket while partnering with government repair facilities."
In addition to the Lynn plant, GE Supply Chain facilities in Hooksett, N.H.; Rutland, Vt.; Wilmington, N.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Madisonville, Ky. will provide parts for this PBL contract.
Twin F414 engines power F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers. The F414 engine for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G is rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust and is in the 9:1 thrust-to-weight ratio class. The U.S. Navy has taken delivery of over 750 F414 engines with over 750,000 engine flight-hours accumulated to date.
The F414 has also been selected as the powerplant for growth versions of the Saab Gripen. In addition, the F414 is being considered for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, KAI/LMTAS A-50 light fighter (a derivative of the T-50 advanced trainer) and other combat aircraft under development.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.