ADA Launches Tender for Expert Support and Overhaul of Critical GE-F404 and GE-F414 Engines

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), India's leading aerospace design and development agency, has issued a tender seeking comprehensive maintenance, testing, and ongoing support for its fleet of GE-F404 and GE-F414 aircraft engines.

This move is critical to safeguarding the operational readiness of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) fleet and future programs.

Powering India's Air Superiority​

The GE-F404 and GE-F414 engines are the heart of several LCA Tejas variants, including the PV, LSP, and NP series. Moreover, the advanced GE-F414-INS6 engines have been selected to power the upcoming LCA-AF Mk2 and the ambitious indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program.

Currently, ADA oversees the maintenance of 10 GE-F404-F2J3 engines, 17 GE-F404-IN20 engines, and 9 GE-F414-INS6 engines. The agency has established a state-of-the-art MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for GE engines at GTRE, Bangalore, featuring a module replacement shop and a roof-mounted engine test bed.

Scope of the Tender​

The released tender outlines a wide range of maintenance and support requirements, including:

• Intermediate-Level Maintenance Facility: Collaboration with ADA to set up a facility at HAL's Engine Division.
• Movement and Familiarization: Transportation of tools and ground equipment, plus training for maintenance personnel.
• Engine Module and Accessory Maintenance: Adherence to OEM guidelines for module and accessory handling.
• Troubleshooting and FADEC Support: Resolving hardware issues and facilitating software updates for engine control systems.
• Record Keeping and Quality Compliance: Detailed record management and quality assurance.

Strategic Importance​

This initiative by ADA emphasizes the importance of robust maintenance infrastructure for India's growing and increasingly indigenous aerospace capabilities.

By seeking expert support, ADA aims to optimize the performance, longevity, and, most importantly, the operational readiness of its GE aircraft engine fleet. This will not only bolster the IAF's (Indian Air Force) LCA fleet but also lay a strong foundation for the success of the LCA-AF Mk2 and AMCA programs – cornerstones of India's future air combat capabilities.

 

[sanket]

Good Chance for PVT Players to gain aero-Engine knowledge

 

[NSR]

Great idea to have a full-fledged MROs for both GE F-404 and GE F-414 fighter engines.

Once GE F-414 starts manufacturing in India, then India can maintain and overhaul them by itself.

But the problem arises with GE F-404IN20 engines as India want to build almost 200+ Tejas IAs in future.
Each fighter requires at least 2 engines throughout its life.
So India should negotiate for the local manufacturing of F-404 on similar lines as F-414 so Tejas IA program will go forward smoothly.
It is a must if India want to avoid supply-chain shocks.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Good Chance for PVT Players to gain aero-Engine knowledge

Godrej aerospace is good candidate.

 

[sanket]

Godrej aerospace is good candidate.

yes, Even kalyani Group (Bharat Forge).

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

A partnership of HAL , ADA , GTRE with 49%Shares and companies like TATAS, BHARAT FORGE ,BEL. GODREJ being the major partner with 51% Shares should be a good start .

 

[Pad UwU]

Good job of getting a work in screwdriving maintenance.... Believe me it's not a bad thing tho. Only the bad thing is our private sector and government sector is so sh!tty on funding big capital of investment of r&d that's why we are technologically lagging behind.... See our fellow Indian are now becoming foreign citizen of a foreign country because they were treated well in big salaries and position plus the benefits of becoming a future CEO of any company is a milestone.... The western countries evading the brain drain era because of this style of migration.... While us still stuck on our big egos of not adopting to current trend's and won't give big chance to our brigthminded talents inside India

 

[Sandeep]

This makes sense but this deal should of started years ago as we already have around 40 F404 engines installed and will have a further 180 if we decide to order a 100 more Tejas jets. It would be better to get a Indian private company who will design, deliver and setup a full MRO facility to maintain these engines in whatever state so there are no problem with using it.