Eaton and RUAG Aviation Sign Long-Term Agreement to Provide Repair Services and Component Support for Global F-5 Fleet

IRVINE, Calif. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has entered a long-term agreement with RUAG Aviation of Switzerland to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and component support for the worldwide fleet of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s F-5 supersonic fighter aircraft. Nearly 1,500 aircraft are in service in 20 countries around the world. The agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show on June 23.

“Extending Eaton’s relationship with RUAG through this venture will bring enhanced support to the international F-5 community,” said Eric Alden, vice president of customer support for Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “This is also an opportunity for Eaton to expand its global presence as a provider of MRO services for the military aftermarket.”

“By offering existing MRO competence on Eaton components to other F-5 operators worldwide, customers will highly benefit from shorter turnaround times, higher quality levels, and volume-related cost reductions,” said Stephan Jezler, vice president of components and products for RUAG’s Aviation Division. “Customers can now rely on just one source for all their sub-systems needs.”

Eaton’s high levels of component reliability are essential for military customers whose first priority is mission readiness. Eaton’s hydraulic pumps are key components on the F-5, a highly maneuverable fighter jet that relies on a substantial hydraulic power source for many of its advanced capabilities.

Additional Eaton content on the F-5 includes float and vent valves, hydraulic brake cylinders, air pressure regulators and radar air regulators, all of which support hydraulic power, fuel, air and braking systems on the F-5 platform.

RUAG is an international technology group for aerospace and defense with high technological skills. The group’s holding company is located in Berne, Switzerland. RUAG has production sites in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden and the United States. RUAG employs a staff of 7,700 worldwide, with 5,000 employees in Switzerland, including approximately 10 percent trainees/apprentices. For more information, visit www.ruag.com.

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products and integrated systems; engine and airframe fuel pumps; electric motors; aircraft door actuation, flight and flow controls; fluid, fuel and air delivery products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls and displays; power and load management systems; pressure sensors, seals, and fluid health monitoring products and systems. Eaton serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.