Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet-aircraft.
Critics argue that, while it is true some of the highperformance technologies essential to advanced fighter aircraft would not directly translate, the skills and industrial capabilities required to produce such specialized systems, however, could have considerable applicability to civil aircraft production.
The technology could potentially be used in the high-performance composite polymer materials replacing metal in the new generation of superjumbo aircraft.
Although GE currently makes engines for several U.S. fighters, the future of the high-performance military engine business is the F-35 joint strike fighter, which will replace most of the tactical aircraft in the joint fleet over the next 30 years.