RUAG Australia’s submission for Laser Cladding Repair Technology was successful in being selected for further development under Round 20 of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program in Australia.
Round 20 was highly competitive, with seven CTD proposals being selected from a total field of over 130 proposals. The RUAG Australia proposal focused on reducing the cost of ownership for aircraft component maintenance and improving aircraft availability by utilising innovative repair technologies. RUAG Australia thanks the Commonwealth of Australia, in particular the Defence Science and Technology Group and the Defence Materials Technology Centre, for their support and assistance in the development in this rapid repair technology. RUAG Australia looks forward to making a valuable contribution to Australia’s Defence capability, innovation and technical knowledge through this technology.
Laser Cladding is an innovative processing technique used for repairing metal structures. A stream of powder is fed into a focused laser beam as it is scanned across the target surface, leaving behind a deposited coating of the feed stock material that is fused to the substrate. The required geometry is built up layer by layer. This technology yields high quality depositions with high bond strength. Application of this technology has been proven to be effective at restoring damaged components and structures and has been utilised by RUAG Australia on several platforms, including the landing gear of the F/A-18.
The Research and Technology department is located at the RUAG Australia site in Bayswater, Victoria. RUAG Australia has long maintained a commitment to the development and implementation of advanced additive repair technologies. RUAG Australia is dedicated to providing sustainable and cost efficient solutions for their customers through innovation.
RUAG Aviation is a leading supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide.
Servicing aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company’s core competencies include maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacturing and integration of subsystems.
RUAG is an authorised service centre for OEMs of renown, such as Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Bombardier, Cirrus, Cessna, Diamond, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Leonardo-Finmeccanica (AgustaWestland), Piaggio, Sikorsky, Pilatus, Piper, and Mooney, as well as a service centre for 328 Support Services, Hawker Beechcraft, Viking und MD Helicopters. RUAG Aviation is also a partner to the Swiss Armed Forces and other international air forces.
The company is also the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for challenging special missions and passenger and cargo operations.
RUAG Aviation is an approved Part 21/J EASA Design Organisation, Part 21/G EASA Production Organisation, and Part 145 EASA Maintenance Organisation.