RUAG Australia achieves manufacturing milestone on uplock actuator system for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program

RUAG Australia achieves manufacturing milestone on uplock actuator system for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program Emmen, Switzerland, and Bayswater, Australia, 13 February 2019. RUAG Australia has confirmed its precision manufacturing and process solutions capabilities with a 2500 units-to-date production milestone. RUAG is the sole global source for the F-35 program uplock actuator system. The uplock actuator system opens and closes the bay doors in seconds to enable the F-35 to drop its payload more quickly and maintain its stealth capability. The component comprises 27 part numbers and is assembled into the bay door’s drive system. Improved competitive excellence, and the resulting reduction in lead time, has enabled RUAG to meet full production volume demand for the F-35 program, in all three aircraft variants. Continuous improvements have been implemented across the supply chain, from raw material procurement to machining, special processing, assembly, testing and, finally, to packaging and shipment to the customer. “This current milestone and record of success, maintaining a 100% on-time delivery with 100% quality, proves the value of the continued investment in our F-35 global supply chain capability,” states Terry Miles, General Manager Operations, RUAG Australia. “It’s this reliable performance of our precision processes, managed by our dedicated and experienced technicians, that ensures the ready availability of the components to our customers worldwide,” adds Terry Miles. The parts produced by RUAG Australia make up four versions of the uplock actuator component, with four actuators on every F-35 aircraft. The full range of 27 part numbers includes the cylinder assembly, a highly complex machined part with over 500 dimensional inspection points, a precision matched valve and guide assembly, and a number of other ancillary components such as rod end assemblies and end caps. All components are manufactured entirely in-house at the RUAG Australia site in Bayswater. “We are keen to retain our position as a gold status and sole source supplier, manufacturer and MRO provider for F-35 components,” confirms Stephan Jezler, Senior Vice President Aviation International, RUAG MRO International. “The unique capabilities at the RUAG Australia Hydraulic Centre of Excellence prove a significant contribution and ensure our production solutions continue to meet the demands of the F-35 program well into the future,” asserts Stephan Jezler. “We are very proud to have achieved this success in this international market.” RUAG Australia is an approved 9100D aerospace company, with additional customer and Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) special processing approvals for plating, non-destructive testing (NDT), surface enhancement and painting. RUAG MRO International is an independent supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide. It also develops and supports simulation and training systems and solutions for international trained security forces. Highly specialized in the support of aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company includes maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacture and integration of subsystems and components in their service portfolio. In addition, as the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for special missions as well as passenger and cargo operations, RUAG focuses on customer support, including OEM services. Moreover, RUAG MRO International develops simulation and training systems technology for live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training. Flexible functions and a broad variety of additional equipment support realistic training scenarios, adapted to mission goals, for both individual and unit instruction.