RTAF to deploy IFS applications for F-5E/F engines maintenance management

IFS Applications will be deployed to manage the maintenance of the Royal Thai Air Force's fleet of 25 F-5E/F fighter jet engines. Photo USAF

20 March 2015 airforce-technology.com

The Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering (DAE) has selected IFS to manage the maintenance of jet engines of the service's fleet of 25 F-5E/F fighter aircraft.

The company will deploy its IFS Applications 8 suite to maintain RTAF's fleet of fighter planes that includes 47 J85-GE-21B/C jet engines.

This solution is scheduled to replace the existing manual and paper-based processes. It will improve the accuracy of maintenance information available to engineers on the ground, ensuring availability of the aircraft at all times.

Royal Thai Air Force Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering said: "We chose IFS Applications because it offered us a comprehensive and proven industry solution that could help standardise our maintenance processes across the entire fleet.

"We were particularly impressed with the user interface of IFS Applications, and the solution is also being delivered in local language, which is a huge bonus for us in ensuring ease-of-use within the air force."

IFS South-East Asia vice-president Sridharan Arumugam said: "IFS has seen positive double-digit growth across Thailand for the past five or six years, and this is a key region for future growth for the company.

"This is a key aerospace and defence organisation in this region and is a testament to the company's global expertise in this industry."

In addition, the comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution is expected to aid the air force in managing processes with third party suppliers, and improving collaboration to ensure availability of right part at the right time.

First phase of implementation at the Engine Maintenance Division, DAE at Don Muang Air Force Base, near Bangkok, is anticipated to go live in January 2016, and the solution will then be rolled out to the Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani Air Base, which is the home of F-5E/F aircraft.