First F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A Undergoing Ground Testing by GE, Delivery to HAL Expected by Next Month

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has reached a critical milestone in the development of the Tejas Mk1A program. Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, announced that the first F404-IN20 engine, designed to power the upgraded Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), has been assembled and is currently undergoing rigorous ground testing at GE Aviation's facilities in the United States.

This advanced engine is expected to be delivered to HAL by March (Next Month), paving the way for its integration into the Tejas Mk1A airframe. Following initial trials, the aircraft is scheduled to be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in April. This delivery represents a significant step towards enhancing India's indigenous fighter jet capabilities.

The F404-IN20 engine, produced by GE Aviation, is a key component of the Tejas Mk1A, offering improved thrust and overall performance compared to the engines powering earlier versions of the Tejas. The successful assembly and testing of this engine are crucial for fulfilling the IAF's operational requirements and ensuring the Tejas Mk1A enters service on schedule.

Dr. Sunil acknowledged the challenges faced in the engine supply chain, particularly the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis significantly impacted production and logistics networks. India's order for 99 F404-IN20 engines in 2021 coincided with GE Aviation's recovery from these disruptions. However, Dr. Sunil emphasized that GE has since established new partnerships within their supply chain to optimize production and overcome previous bottlenecks.

With the revitalized supply chain in place, GE Aviation has assured HAL and the IAF that issues related to engine spares and components will be effectively addressed. This assurance is particularly important as HAL and the IAF have decided to place a follow-on order for an additional 120 F404-IN20 engines, exceeding the quantity of the initial order. The timely delivery of these engines is vital for maintaining the program's momentum and ensuring a consistent supply of these advanced fighters to the IAF.

The Tejas Mk1A program is a cornerstone of India's efforts to develop a robust domestic defence industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The successful development and delivery of the F404-IN20 engine signifies a major achievement for both HAL and GE Aviation, and underscores the growing strength of India's aerospace capabilities.

 

[Yogindra]

The thrust and performance of F404 IN 20 engine is same as that engines supplied earlier for 40 LCA Mk1aircraft and also for next batch of 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft. Article says the present engine is improved version for Mk1A. This may not correct.

 

[Prashant]

When are they ordering additional 100+ engines for the 97 follow up order?

 

[R. Singh]

If it is enhanced GE-404 generating 90+ kn thrust the delay is acceptable otherwise not We must make 95 KN engine jointly developed with Rolls Royce for 97 Tejas and future orders if IAF accept twin engine ORCA !

 

[sanket]

Only one engine is being shifted after an 18-month delay. Shame on GE, who is an aero-giant with tons of experience. In an international contract, delivering a single engine, that too after so many months of delay? At least GE should have delivered 3 to 4 engines at first shipment. GE should take care of at least supplying 16 engines per year and then ramp up the production rate to beyond 30 as another 120 engine follow-on order will be placed shortly. And Trump uncle is talking big about defence ties and trade business. First, complete the 2021 order signed and the next follow-on order of 120 engines, then talk about F-35 sales.

 

[beencensured]

Only one engine is being shifted after an 18-month delay. Shame on GE, who is an aero-giant with tons of experience. In an international contract, delivering a single engine, that too after so many months of delay? At least GE should have delivered 3 to 4 engines at first shipment. GE should take care of at least supplying 16 engines per year and then ramp up the production rate to beyond 30 as another 120 engine follow-on order will be placed shortly. And Trump uncle is talking big about defence ties and trade business. First, complete the 2021 order signed and the next follow-on order of 120 engines, then talk about F-35 sales.

They of little faith only commission, dare not test Kaveri engine, waiting for flight for more than seven years since French Audit and demand of scientist.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Only one engine is being shifted after an 18-month delay. Shame on GE, who is an aero-giant with tons of experience. In an international contract, delivering a single engine, that too after so many months of delay? At least GE should have delivered 3 to 4 engines at first shipment. GE should take care of at least supplying 16 engines per year and then ramp up the production rate to beyond 30 as another 120 engine follow-on order will be placed shortly. And Trump uncle is talking big about defence ties and trade business. First, complete the 2021 order signed and the next follow-on order of 120 engines, then talk about F-35 sales.

Does India have any option rather than trust the US? We need F-35s because our indigenous platforms also need US engines. India should have invested money in jet engine development, and just one failure and the government canceled the Kaveri program. It was a blunder.

 

[ramdas]

I shudder to imagine AMCA delivery timelines. It's going to take 10-15 years for AMCA rollout. That means IAF will have 5th gen fighters when other countries have progressed to 7th gen technology. Without stealth technology, these LCA MKIA, MKII variants are going to be cannon fodder.

 

[sanket]

Does India have any option rather than trust the US? We need F-35s because our indigenous platforms also need US engines. India should have invested money in jet engine development, and just one failure and the government canceled the Kaveri program. It was a blunder.

Who said Kaveri is stopped? In fact, I was the first who broke this news about Kaveri being developed indigenously and fine-tuned to produce 85 to 90 kN thrust. It will take at least 8 to 9 years to become ready. Data & test results are awaited to come from Russia where it has been sent (dry variant) for high altitude tests & the afterburner section is also tasked to be developed by Brahmos Aerospace. Get updated yourself then.

Second, we don't need F-35s, we need Su-57s. F-35s have several issues. Second, it is not a true 5th-generation fighter. The US will not allow autonomy and sharing of source code for the F-35, plus integrating indigenous or third-party weapons is difficult. Third, not only is the engine delayed, Apache helicopters are also delayed by almost one year. This is how the US deals; it is not a trusted partner.

 

[Santosh munde advocate]

This is the reason why IAF should not purchase F-35.

 

[KVS]

If HAL needs more than 200 engines, why there is no talk about a new production unit for GE404 engines in India apart from HAL's? This unit can even make other aero engines too.
I believe this second unit can be a valuable backup too!

 

[vinod nair]

Why is GE not partnering with an Indian firm to handle disruption in the supply chain?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

For the 97 MK1As, NLCAs, and replacements, order the engines now. Keep some buffer for potential delays and disruptions.

 

[sishir]

Without developing our own engines we are not self reliant. Look at Teja MK 1 we are ready but still waiting for engines to make trials and test run.

 

[Andy13]

With this snail pace, they are looking for follow up orders? Not recommended until they get 2 pm this year and 3 pm next year onwards in guarantee with financial clauses built in.
Imo they should look at alternatives for the follow up 97 order which require minor mods which can be done in 1 year.

 

[GMR]

We "WILL" get ONE engine... ye... yahoo, "Significant milestone" for our biggest Aero OEM... I have tears of happiness.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Second, we don't need F-35s, we need Su-57s. F-35s have several issues. Second, it is not a true 5th-generation fighter. The US will not allow autonomy and sharing of source code for the F-35, plus integrating indigenous or third-party weapons is difficult. Third, not only is the engine delayed, Apache helicopters are also delayed by almost one year. This is how the US deals; it is not a trusted partner.

SU57 is not a true 5th-gen jet and also has Chinese components. The US will not be happy to see this, and India needs the US to develop. The US market is necessary for India. India cannot afford tariffs at this moment. The entire export of India will come under threat. Russia is not the same as before; they are now a Chinese ally.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

We "WILL" get ONE engine... ye... yahoo, "Significant milestone" for our biggest Aero OEM... I have tears of happiness.

One will become two, two will become ten, and ten will become 99 in no time. India should order 200 more engines.

 

[Anant]

This is the reason why IAF should not purchase F-35.

If supply chain disruptions are your reason not to buy stuff, when are we cancelling the orders for the 464 T-90s and two S-400 batteries?

 

[Pankaj]

Second, we don't need F-35s, we need Su-57s. F-35s have several issues. Second, it is not a true 5th-generation fighter. The US will not allow autonomy and sharing of source code for the F-35, plus integrating indigenous or third-party weapons is difficult. Third, not only is the engine delayed, Apache helicopters are also delayed by almost one year. This is how the US deals; it is not a trusted partner.

It's not feasible to go for SU 57 at the moment. We are fully dependent on the US as far as our jet engine program is concerned. We cannot upset the US keeping in mind the engine delivery of Tejas. This may happen only when the Russia-Ukraine war gets over, until then only 1 option, F35 for the 5th gen jet.

 

[Suresh Kamath]

Only one engine is being shifted after an 18-month delay. Shame on GE, who is an aero-giant with tons of experience. In an international contract, delivering a single engine, that too after so many months of delay? At least GE should have delivered 3 to 4 engines at first shipment. GE should take care of at least supplying 16 engines per year and then ramp up the production rate to beyond 30 as another 120 engine follow-on order will be placed shortly. And Trump uncle is talking big about defence ties and trade business. First, complete the 2021 order signed and the next follow-on order of 120 engines, then talk about F-35 sales.

How can we expect GE to give us priority when even HAL doesn't give the IAF the priority it deserves?

 

[skyfall21]

Who said Kaveri is stopped? In fact, I was the first who broke this news about Kaveri being developed indigenously and fine-tuned to produce 85 to 90 kN thrust. It will take at least 8 to 9 years to become ready. Data & test results are awaited to come from Russia where it has been sent (dry variant) for high altitude tests & the afterburner section is also tasked to be developed by Brahmos Aerospace. Get updated yourself then.

Second, we don't need F-35s, we need Su-57s. F-35s have several issues. Second, it is not a true 5th-generation fighter. The US will not allow autonomy and sharing of source code for the F-35, plus integrating indigenous or third-party weapons is difficult. Third, not only is the engine delayed, Apache helicopters are also delayed by almost one year. This is how the US deals; it is not a trusted partner.

Kaveri is s failure beyond any doubt. Su-57 is not a true 5th gen fighter like F 35, agreed that F 35 has problems. India must stick to Rafael or F 21 period.

 

[tlsmani]

So much hype for supply of 1 engine after delay of 18 month.Why write such article. Is it a big achievement to report!

 

[Ravi]

Why is GE not partnering with an Indian firm to handle disruption in the supply chain?

Indian suppliers are not competent to make the hot-section parts for F404-IN20. That's why the GE F414 has to be made fully in India, God knows from when?

 

[bonito]

Logistically it is very costly to ship just one engine both for the supplier and HAL. It would have been better if at least 10 engines were sent and HAL was ready to absorb them.