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Magellan MOU to support GE engine under Boeing’s Future Fighter bid


February 8, 2021  By Wings Staff

The GE F414 after-burning turbofan engine is used on the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet. (Photo: GE Aviation)

Magellan Aerospace Corp. signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General Electric Aviation Canada for the purpose of exploring an arrangement whereby GE Canada would support Magellan in establishing and delivering a Canadian-based sustainment solution for the GE F414-GE-400 engine, which powers Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet.

Magellan states this initiative is in support of Boeing’s proposal to provide the Block III Super Hornet to Canada under the ongoing Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) competition – aiming to update the country’s fighter jet fleet with 88 new-generation aircraft.

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Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and with the selection of the Super Hornet for the FFCP, GE Canada and Magellan would develop a domestic program to provide all aircraft engine sustainment services for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its F414 engine fleet.

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The in-country depot level sustainment support for the engines, explains Magellan, includes onsite maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support services, technical services, and engineering support and would be performed in Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario, for the life of the program. This engine sustainment work for Magellan aligns with the objectives outlined in Canada’s ITB requirements under the FFCP competition.

Magellan notes it and GE Canada have fostered a successful relationship spanning more than five decades. Magellan’s Mississauga facility currently provides engine R&O and fleet management services for the F404 engine that powers Canada’s existing fleet of CF-18 Hornet aircraft and is an approved source for F404 and J85 engine repair.

Magellan’s North American facilities, including locations in Mississauga and Winnipeg, provide components for the F414 new engine manufacture and other GE engine programs. Magellan also provides aircraft components to Boeing for all major programs including the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet.

“Providing engine and fleet maintenance support for the RCAF is part of the DNA of Magellan’s Mississauga facility,” said Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Contracts of Magellan Aerospace. “Magellan has been the sole provider of RCAF jet fighter engine support since the 1950s and our workforce takes pride in helping Canada’s air force achieve the highest standards of flight and operational readiness.”

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