BAE Systems Delivers Hornets Ahead Of Schedule

F-18 Hornet RAAF. (Foto: Australia DoD)

23 November 2010, NEWCASTLE, Australia –- BAE Systems has underlined its commitment to total performance by delivering the two most recent F/A-18 Hornets under the RAAF’s Deeper Maintenance Support Contract ahead of schedule and under budget.

The BAE Systems Australia Fast Jet Support maintenance team and partner L-3 MAS Canada delivered the first Hornet three working days ahead of schedule, followed by the second Hornet being delivered ten working days early at its Williamtown facility.

The Company, in co-operation with the DMO’s Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office, is implementing the Smart Maintenance concept as part of Defence’s Strategic Reform Program (SRP).

Commander of the RAAF Air Combat Group Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld said: “Air Force appreciates the endeavours and achievements of BAE Systems in supporting
SRP.

“We look forward to all of our industry partners assisting, on a sustainable basis, to the improved delivery of effective capability at lower cost to the Commonwealth of Australia. These early results from BAE Systems are encouraging and I congratulate them and applaud their initiatives.”

BAE Systems’ Aerospace Business Unit began introducing ‘Lean’ processes in 2009 and these recent successes reflect a continuing improvement in aircraft availability and reduced cost.

Director Aerospace John Monaghan, said: “We have worked very hard at every level — from the technicians on the line to our lead management team — to achieve the Commonwealth’s SRP objectives.

“Lean is taken very seriously and the implementation of Lean concepts is central to that process.

“We are striving along with our contract partners in L-3 MAS Canada to hone and refine our methods through phase based servicing, consultation, workforce engagement and constant improvement, using integrated monitoring, review and evaluation of our maintenance processes at every step.

“Even though we have carried out the work ahead of schedule, we have not compromised the safety of our personnel or airworthiness”

Since 2009, BAE Systems and partner L-3 MAS Canada have provided deeper maintenance and modification support for all 71 Australian F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

BAE Systems