- A big agreement is expected to be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official State visit to the United States.
- At least 11 essential jet engine technology are likely to be transferred as a result of the agreement.
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Deal on GE-414 Engine
- General Electric (GE), an American multinational firm, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian company, are anticipated to reach an agreement.
- The agreement calls for the licenced production of GE’s F414 engine for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.
- The F414 engine is part of GE’s military aircraft engine suite and has been used by the US Navy for more than 30 years.
- It has delivered over 1,600 engines and accumulated over 5 million engine flight hours across numerous missions.
The F414 Engine’s Features and Advancements
- The F414 engine has a thrust rating of 22,000 lb or 98 kN and contains cutting-edge technologies such as Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC).
- The engine’s use of modern materials and cooling techniques improves performance and extends component life, according to GE.
The Importance of Jets Powered by F414
- Eight countries, including the United States, have F414-powered aircraft, including the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA18G Growler, as well as Saab’s Gripen E/F fighters.
- The manufacturer’s website says that F414 engines could be used in upcoming platforms like as the Korean KF-X.
IndiaF414-INS6 is the specific version
- The F414-INS6 engine was chosen by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the LCA Tejas Mk2.
- The GE-404-IN20 engine, a version of the GE-404 engine developed in the 1970s, is now used in the LCA Tejas.
Future Prospects:
- F414 engines for India’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), may be considered for prototypes and the initial batch.
- Although AMCA is a possible recipient of the engine, it may face competition from other engine makers.
The Importance of the Transaction
- Only a few countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, have the necessary technology and metallurgy to manufacture combat aircraft engines.
- Despite India’s efforts to establish self-sufficiency in essential technologies, the country has yet to master the manufacturing of such engines.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-ada-to-roll-tejas-mark-ii-prototype-with-f-414-engine-by-2024-end-101687323394817.html