GE F414 ENGINE
1. Context
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the United States, an important agreement is expected to be announced between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This agreement aims to facilitate the transfer of at least 11 critical jet engine technologies allowing India to manufacture GE's F414 engine under license for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.
2. Background
- Discussions regarding the technology transfer agreement took place between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin earlier this month.
- The agreement was also a key focus during the meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his American Counterpart Jake Sullivan in February, marking the operationalization of the US India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
3. About GE F414 Engine
- The GE F414 engine is a turbofan engine that has been utilized by the US Navy for over three decades.
- With more than 1, 600 engines delivered, it has accumulated over 5 million flight hours across various missions.
- The Engine features advanced technologies such as Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), which digitally controls engine performance, and incorporates advanced materials and cooling techniques to enhance performance and component life.
- The F414 engine powers several aircraft in service or on order across eight nations.
- The US Navy's Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA 18G Growler electronic attack aircraft utilize the F414-GE-400 engines.
- Saab's Gripen E/F fighters are equipped with the F414G, the single-engine variant of the F414-GE-400.
- Additionally, there is potential for F414 engines to power emerging platforms like the Korean KF-X.
.png)
Image source: The Indian Express4. Indian Applications
- For the Indigenous LCA Tejas Mk2, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defense Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has selected the India-Specific version of the engine, the F414-INS6.
- The current LCA Tejas is powered by a GE-404-IN20 engine, which shares design similarities with the F414.
- The F414 engine may also be considered for the prototypes and initial batch of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's future fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
5. Significance of the Agreement
- Only a select few countries have mastered the technology and metallurgy required to manufacture engines for combat aircraft.
- By securing the technology transfer agreement with GE, India aims to overcome its historical challenges in developing advanced fighter aircraft engines.
- This pact marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and strengthens its manufacturing capabilities.
- The agreement has the potential to end India's reliance on other countries for advanced combat jet engine technology.
6. Conclusion
- The expected agreement between GE and HAL for the transfer of critical jet engine technologies is a remarkable development during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US.
- This collaboration will enable India to manufacture the GE F414 engine domestically, further enhancing its indigenous defence capabilities and advancing its goals of self-reliance.
|
For Prelims: India-US relations General Electric (GE), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas Mk2, Full Authority Digital Electronic Control, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA 18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, Korean KF-X, Aeronautical Development Agency, Defense Research Development Organisation, F414-INS6, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft,
For Mains:
1. Analyze the features and applications of the GE F414 engine. How does its technology benefit modern combat aircraft? Discuss its potential applications in the Indian defence sector. (250 Words)
|
Source: The Indian Express
