Double Feat for Saudi Arabian Aerospace Industry

March 27, 2015

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Critical equipment made for new Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) aircraft is being manufactured in the Middle East for the first time.

In another significant step for the Saudi Arabian Aerospace  Industry,  critical avionics components are being produced locally by Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) for use on BAE Systems Hawk T-165 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft; the world’s best-selling aircraft of its kind.

The production of the components, which are integral to the six Multi-Functional Displays found in each Hawk cockpit, also represents the first time Saudi components have been fitted to an aircraft in production in the UK.

AEC made the components in co-operation with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) General Electric (GE). This successful transfer of capability marks another significant milestone in BAE Systems’ commitment to Saudi Industrialisation and the development of a Saudi Arabian Aerospace Industry.

“These successful activities are an important step forward in supporting Industrialisation and the local economy here in the Kingdom,” said Andy Carr, CEO and Managing Director – BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. “The manufacturing experience at AEC will also support a sovereign, sustainable in- service support capability locally, reducing logistical time-scales for Hawk operations in Saudi Arabia.”

Dr Ghassan Shibl, CEO of AEC, said: “As a locally based company we are delighted to be playing an important role in the production of Hawk aircraft destined for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Having last year become the first Typhoon repair company outside Europe, we’re delighted to build upon our close relationship with BAE Systems and make new contributions to Saudi Arabia’s Aerospace Industry.”

The first jets will be flown later this year with deliveries to the RSAF beginning in 2016, as part of a 2012 aircrew training modernisation programme.

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)