The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with GE for the Definition Phase of its Mako family of advanced trainer and light combat aircraft.
EADS selected a derivative of GE's F414-GE-400 fighter engine, which powers the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, for the Definition Phase of the Mako single-engine aircraft family. EADS envisions the Mako family encompassing an advanced trainer, lead-in fighter trainer, and light combat aircraft, all targeted for international sales.
The Definition Phase is expected to continue through 2004. GE and EADS will work together to complete the technical definition of the Mako aircraft and its subsystems, the F414M engine installation, and the definition of the single-engine features for the F414M. Specifications, certification plans, maintenance plans, and other necessary documentation will be defined in preparation for launch of the Development Phase.
GE's highly reliable F414, rated at 22,000 pounds (98kN) thrust with a nine-to-one thrust-to-weight ratio, was the most powerful fighter engine considered for the Mako program. Following qualification in 1998, the F414 production engine has accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours. It entered operational service in 2000 on the U.S. Navy Super Hornet, where it has achieved outstanding success. Single-engine redundancy features will be incorporated into the F414M engine for the Mako program.
The F414's predecessor, the F404, is among the world's most renowned fighter engines and recently reached the 11 million flight-hour mark on more than 3,700 F404 engines in service. The F404 powers military aircraft of the U.S. and several foreign governments, including the F/A-18 Hornet, F-117A Stealth fighter, Sweden's JAS 39 single-engine fighter, and Singapore's A-4SU Super Skyhawk.
EADS is Europe's largest aerospace company, and the second largest worldwide, providing products and services for commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport, and combat aircraft. EADS owns 80 percent of Airbus Industrie, 75 percent of the space company Astrium, 100 percent of the helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter, 43 percent in the Eurofighter program, and 37.5 percent in the missile company MBDA.
