GE signs MoU with HAL to produce F414 jet engines for IAF

GE Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DPSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce F414 jet engines for the Indian Air Force.

The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the U.S. government to receive the necessary export authorization for this.

The effort is part of the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program.

Noteworthy, this agreement signed will advance GE Aerospace’s earlier commitment to build 99 engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 program.

At present, GE manufactured F404 engine are powering the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk1A aircraft and GE Aerospace’s selection for the prototype development, testing and certification of the AMCA program with its F414-INS6 engine.

In addition, GE will continue to collaborate with Indian government on the AMCA Mk2 engine program.

With more than five million flight hours and eight nations with F414-powered aircraft in operation or on order, the F414 continues to exceed goals for reliability and time on wing. To date, more than 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered globally.

GE Aerospace has operated in India for more than four decades with wide engagement in the industry including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing.

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.

Subsequently GE Aerospace’s F404 and F414 have been part of development and production programs of LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programs.

In total, 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.

Besides, GE’s presence in India includes its research and technology centre, the John F Welch Technology Centre at Bengaluru, which opened in 2000 and its Multi-modal Factory at Pune, which opened in 2015.

About F414 jet engines

The General Electric F414 is an American afterburning turbofan engine in the 22,000-pound (98 kN) thrust class produced by GE Aerospace (formerly GE Aviation).

The F414 originated from GE’s widely used F404 turbofan, enlarged and improved for use in the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The engine was developed from the F412 non-afterburning turbofan planned for the A-12 Avenger II, before it was canceled.

Advanced technology features such as a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) improve operational characteristics of the F414 engine, while advanced materials and cooling techniques improve performance and extend component life.

The F414 Enhanced Engine incorporates additional technical advancements that can be retrofitted into the F414 to provide improved component capability for a significant reduction in ownership costs, or up to a 20 percent increase in thrust with improved specific fuel consumption.

The engine is designed to maximize time-on-wing, simplify maintenance and keep Life Cycle Costs low. Its six-module engine architecture is reliable, easy to maintain, and interchangeable.

With no scheduled overhauls and on-condition maintenance, the F414 maximizes engine availability. As of now, eight nations have F414-powered aircraft in operation or on order.

Engine Specifications

GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed base of more than 40,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight. For more information, visit us at www.GEAerospace.com.

Source: http://www.GEAerospace.com.