HAL, GE Aerospace to produce F414 engines for AMCA, Tejas; Here's specifications
2 min read 22 Jun 2023, 05:00 PM ISTThe F414-GE-400 combines the proven reliability, maintainability, and operability of its successful F404 predecessor with advanced technologies to provide the combat-proven Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with significant improvements in aircraft performance, survivability, and payload.
PremiumThe Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 22 June signed a memorandum of understanding with United States-based GE Aerospace for the production of fighter jet engines -- Aerospace's F414 engines -- for the Indian Air Force.
According to the agreement, the Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2, which would advance GE Aerospace's earlier commitment to build 99 engines for the IAF as part of the LCA Mk2 program.
Earlier Mint reported that Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have geared up to produce Tejas Mark II fighter by 2027-28 and ADA is ready to roll out the GE-414 powered prototype by 2024 end.
The GE-414 engine will be manufactured in India under 100 percent transfer of technology (TOT) after approval from US Congress. Also, it will power twin-engine advanced multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA-I) and twin-engine deck-based fighters (TEDBF).
Here are the GE-414 engine's specifications:
1) The F414-GE-400 combines the proven reliability, maintainability, and operability of its successful F404 predecessor with advanced technologies to provide the combat-proven Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with up to 35 percent more thrust and significant improvements in aircraft performance, survivability, and payload.
2) Its simple, modular design is reliable and easy to maintain.
3) It comes with Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) that will improve the operational characteristics of the F414 engine. However, advanced materials and cooling techniques improve performance and extend component life.
4) India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) selected the F414-INS6 to power the MKII version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
5) Earlier in 1986, GE began working with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to support the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with F404 engines.
6) Following this, GE Aerospace’s F404 and F414 have been part of the development and production programs of LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programs.
7) A total of 75 F404 engines have been delivered and another 99 are on order for LCA Mk1A. Eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of an ongoing development program for LCA Mk2.
8) To date, more than 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered globally.
9) The ADA had said that it will roll out the Mark II prototype by 2024 end for testing and operational clearance.
10) The HAL Bengaluru division and even the Nashik division may be tasked to take up the job of manufacturing the GE engine and start production in collaboration with GE.
With HT inputs.