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EADS Selects GE F414 Engine For Proposed Mako Trainer/Fighter Aircraft Family

December 09, 2002

EVENDALE, Ohio - The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) 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. GEAE 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. 

"GEAE is thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate on a European-designed high-performance aircraft family," said George Bolln, general manager of the F414/F404 Programs at GE Aircraft Engines. "GEAE has a fantastic record of industrial collaboration on military and commercial aircraft programs in Europe. Consistent with our commitment to EADS, and similar to our approach on other military applications in Europe, some F414M engine work for the Mako program will be provided by European jet engine manufacturers and suppliers. We are convinced that the F414 will greatly complement the performance and cost-of-ownership features inherent in EADS' Mako aircraft concept." 

"We are excited that GE Aircraft Engines and EADS, two world-class companies, are teaming on the Definition Phase of this program," said Ralph Crosby, chairman and chief executive officer of EADS North America. "I consider it significant that a major European designer and manufacturer of military aircraft, following an open and fair competition, selected a U.S. made jet engine. It provides a major boost to true transatlantic cooperation and demonstrates our commitment to the value proposition - bringing the highest quality and best value to our customers." 

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 10 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. 

GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.