The joint venture between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce GE F414 jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received approval from the US Congress.
Noteworthy, in June 2023 GE Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DPSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce F414 jet engines for the IAF in India.
The effort is part of the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program.
Now, this recent approval by US Congress will further pave the way for the joint production of F414 engines in India, a development that carries immense significance for the Indian Air Force and its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology.
Valued at an impressive US$1 billion, this agreement represents a substantial commitment from GE Aerospace.
Further, the company is set to transfer 80 percent of its advanced technology to India, ushering in a new era of indigenous defence production.
Notably, this significant technology transfer is poised to catapult India’s indigenous content for the next-generation fighter jet to approximately 75 percent, a notable leap from the previous program’s 55-60 percent.
Understandably, the deal with GE Aerospace to produce 99 F-414 engines under licence is likely to be signed during the current financial year.
The first lot of engines will be made in India three years thereafter.
About GE 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.
Noteworthy, the 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.
Besides, it 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.
Also, 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
F414-GE-400
F414-GE-39E
F414-INS6
Image and Specifications Courtesy:https://www.geaerospace.com/propulsion/military/f414
