The aircraft and defence systems division of RUAG Aviation offers a vast range of capabilities for the military and civil markets. MRO, upgrade, modification and life cycle support for the complete value chain of aircraft, aircraft components, engines, missiles, helicopters and systems as well as software application, simulators and self-protection solutions are among our core competences.
We have already received widespread acclaim from our clients, including the commander of the Swiss air force, who said: "For the (Swiss) air force, high operational readiness is crucial – we are completely confident that our aircraft and helicopters are in the very best hands at RUAG Aviation."
Life cycle support for aircraft and helicopters
Total system life cycle support for aircraft and helicopters incorporates our following strengths:
- Total system support
- Structural components
- Engines and propellers
- Avionics
- Components and equipment
- Simulators and software
- Self-protection systems
- Guided missiles
Aircraft and helicopter MRO, engineering and logistics
The Swiss air force entrusts its entire aircraft and helicopter fleet to us for maintenance, repair and overhauls (MRO), engineering and logistics, for both routine and incidental servicing. We are authorized to provide support services for F-5 and F/A-18 jets, EC-635, Cougar / Super Puma and Alouette III helicopters as well as Pilatus PC-6/7/9 propeller aircraft. As part of our comprehensive quality assurance procedures, all aircraft are test-flown by our own company test pilots before being handed over to the customer.
Aircraft engine and propeller MRO
Customers from all over the world trust RUAG Aviation when it comes to maintenance, overhauls and repairs of fighter jet and helicopter engines, and training and transport aircraft propellers and engines. They know that our specialists always work with the highest precision according to original OEM manuals and using only genuine parts. Our main competences include the following engine types and parts:
- General Electric F404-GE-402 – F/A-18 Hornet C/D
- General Electric J85-GE-21 – F-5 Tiger E/F
- Turbomeca Makila 1A1 and 1A – Super Puma/Cougar
- Pratt & Whitney PT6A turbines
- Artouste IIIB
- Air turbine starters (ATSs) and auxiliary power unites (APUs)
- Dynamic components (transmissions and rotor heads) for Super Puma/Cougar
- Hartzell and McCauley propellers
Our major licenses include:
- F404-GE-402: TA 1146-08 for the Swiss Air Force and other countries
- J85-GE-21: TA 2123-04 for the Swiss Air Force and other countries
- Makila 1A1 and 1A
Avionics and equipment
Our avionics experience includes the F-5 and F/A-18 jets and the Super Puma / Cougar helicopters, among others. Our globally unique testing facilities developed in-house for technologies such as the F/A-18 radar system underline RUAG Aviation’s innovative capacity and outstanding engineering capabilities in this area. The same is true of our practical missim test equipment and our integrated or plugged on self-protection system for helicopters. In-depth expert advice and development of tailored solutions in all areas form an integral part of our service.
A selection of the services in engineering and upgrades we offer include:
- Integration of helicopter self-protection systems
- Development of test equipment for self-protection systems (missim)
- Modification and modernization
- Enhancement and integration strategies for diverse avionics systems
- Hardware and software development
- Configuration management
Software and simulators
Operation, maintenance, development, support, upgrades and engineering for flight simulator systems are among RUAG Aviation’s greatest strengths. Our capabilities cover the F/A-18 simulator and F-5 radar training as well as the Super Puma and Ranger UAV mission simulator. Furthermore, our software engineers have developed several highly complex software applications, including:
- Mission planning and debriefing system (MPDS)
- PT6A data acquisition tool
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
As one of the leading technology companies in the field of UAVs, RUAG Aviation has developed several innovative systems. These include a skid landing system, and OPATS, the first laser-based automatic landing system for UAVs. We also perform all MRO services for the Ranger, the first UAV approved to fly over inhabited areas, together with its associated control stations and launch and landing systems.
Air defence system maintenance and testing
RUAG Aviation has comprehensive maintenance, testing and repair capabilities for the Skyguard 35mm Twin Gun Fire Unit and RAPIER Guided Missile System air defence systems. We also maintain testing facilities, simulators and IT systems and perform specialist training. Thanks to our many years of intensive collaboration with the Swiss Armed Forces and systems suppliers, customers in this market benefit from RUAG Aviation’s multifaceted expertise and valuable experience.
Sidewinder guided missiles
As contractor to the US Air Force, RUAG Aviation is the world’s only provider of depot level MRO work, upgrades, spare parts and other services for the Sidewinder AIM-9P-4/5 guided missile. Although this weapon system is no longer produced, it is still in use in many countries. Regular maintenance is essential for safe and reliable deployment. RUAG Aviation will continue to guarantee this service until 2020 at the earliest.
