GE Aerospace to Increase F404 Engine Production to Meet Tejas Mk1A Demand

GE Aerospace is poised to significantly increase investment in its F404 engine production line, driven by substantial anticipated orders from both India and the United States. This move comes as India finalizes a major deal for additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, each powered by the F404-IN20 engine variant.

The investment will primarily focus on upgrading the manufacturing capabilities for critical engine components such as blades and vanes, essential for maximizing engine performance. This will involve acquiring new tooling, refurbishing existing machinery, and adding new equipment to the production line.

India's Tejas Mk1A Deal Fuels Production Surge​

The primary catalyst for this production boost is India's recent commitment to purchase 97 more Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. These aircraft rely on the F404-IN20 engine, the most powerful variant in the F404 family, delivering 19,000 pounds of thrust.

This cutting-edge engine incorporates advanced features like a high-flow fan, a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, and single-crystal turbine blades.

Previously, production of the F404-IN20 had slowed due to a lack of orders. However, India's renewed interest has revitalized the production line. GE is now working diligently to increase output to meet India's demand, aiming to ramp up production gradually to ensure a steady supply.

USAF's T-7A Red Hawk Program Further Boosts Demand​

In addition to India's order, GE also anticipates major orders for the F404 engine from the United States Air Force (USAF) for its Boeing T-7A Red Hawk training program.

The T-7A utilizes the F404-GE-103 variant, which, while offering slightly less thrust than the F404-IN20 at 17,700 pounds, remains a robust and reliable choice for training aircraft.

F404 Engine: A Proven Powerhouse​

The F404 engine family has a long and distinguished history, powering a wide range of aircraft worldwide. Its reputation for reliability, performance, and adaptability has made it a preferred choice for both fighter jets and training aircraft.

GE's increased investment in the F404 production line underscores the engine's enduring relevance in the global aerospace industry.

Additional Information​

According to open-source information, the F404 engine has accumulated over 12 million flight hours as of 2010, highlighting its proven track record.

Furthermore, GE Aerospace has a long-standing partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas fighter jet, further solidifying its commitment to meeting India's aerospace needs.

 

[NSR]

India intends to produce 200 Tejas Mk IAs at least and many more if exports materializes or if Tejas Mk2 gets delayed.
Also every Tejas IA fighter needs at least 2+ engines during its lifetime.

So India must work hard to sew up a local licensed production line of GE F-404INS6 with as much TOT as they getting for GE F-414 as USA needs to build them in many hundreds for its own T-7A Red Hawk trainer fighter.

Hurry up and get a deal and offer to produce some parts very cost effective way.

 

[Shafted mohammed]

India does not have a chance as American government wants to squeeze india. The price is 3 times as the money earned would be given as arms aid to Pakistan. If Biden looses and if the new government eases sanctions then India might the GE engines otherwise india can go for their own engines.

 

[Pramkumar]

Depending on GE is only to delay the production better India should go for the Kaveri engine as the main engine for LCA

 

[Anant]

Depending on GE is only to delay the production better India should go for the Kaveri engine as the main engine for LCA

The Kaveri doesn't have an afterburner yet, and hasn't been cleared for operational use. Do you want to delay the Tejas by another decade?

 

[Anant]

India does not have a chance as American government wants to squeeze india. The price is 3 times as the money earned would be given as arms aid to Pakistan. If Biden looses and if the new government eases sanctions then India might the GE engines otherwise india can go for their own engines.

Own engines? Which engine, exactly? The Kaveri is still several years away from being cleared for operational use.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Better India also ink deal ti make GE-404 engines along with GE-414 for uninterrupted production of Tejas fighters !

 

[RalphRearden]

Now compare this approach with the Babus of HAL....they would start planning after getting the orders and then saying...Sar...we need 3 years to get everything in place after order is signed to start delivering

bunch of moron running around seeking recognition for tightening nuts and bolts

 

[Akshat]

India does not have a chance as American government wants to squeeze india. The price is 3 times as the money earned would be given as arms aid to Pakistan. If Biden looses and if the new government eases sanctions then India might the GE engines otherwise india can go for their own engines.

We don’t have any engines thanks to the 30+ years and thousands of crores wasted by DRDO

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Amazing, how fast they act on production increase.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We don’t have any engines thanks to the 30+ years and thousands of crores wasted by DRDO

What's the way according to you for indigenous engine?

 

[Akshat]

What's the way according to you for indigenous engine?

Open market oriented towards profits is always the best way for any development in human society. Humans will always find a way if they see profits.

 

[Shanker]

India intends to produce 200 Tejas Mk IAs at least and many more if exports materializes or if Tejas Mk2 gets delayed.
Also every Tejas IA fighter needs at least 2+ engines during its lifetime.

So India must work hard to sew up a local licensed production line of GE F-404INS6 with as much TOT as they getting for GE F-414 as USA needs to build them in many hundreds for its own T-7A Red Hawk trainer fighter.

Hurry up and get a deal and offer to produce some parts very cost effective way.

What about the latest Kaveri Engine, which is claimed to have reached the performance level of GE. I hope it gets ready much before completion of the existing Tejas 1a order.

 

[Sandeep]

This is good news that we will buy another 97 additional engines but it would of been much better to make 200 of those engines in India as it's quite a large order and we would of received a much cheaper price than importing them. The private sector could of manufactured all of these engines in a quick manner and it would of grown our ecosystem. We would of received some of the technology and manufacture some key parts indigenously but also learn hot it works.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Amazing, how fast they act on production increase.

That is the correct approach. Indian bureaucracy policy makers and the top management executives in HAL, ADA and DRDO must be proactive and forward thinking in their forecasts. To be fair may be those guys in HAL, ADA and DRDO could be struggling with some dilemmas but reach out to foreign partners to acquire expertise collaboration. If we are not good in certain areas of expertise we shouldn't be egoistic and shy away from seeking knowledge elsewhere. I may be wrong but it looks like a blind leading a blind this results in indefinite delays in achieving their targets.

 

[Anant]

What about the latest Kaveri Engine, which is claimed to have reached the performance level of GE. I hope it gets ready much before completion of the existing Tejas 1a order.

The afterburner for that engine doesn't exist yet. Without an afterburner, it isn't getting fitted to the Tejas.

 

[Shiva]

1. Is this happening in India and under Indian Goverment policy control?
2. Not clear, will there be any incrase in production rate of the engine due to this investment?
3. Any possibility of achieving bulk production capabilities?

 

[Boomeranger]

What about the latest Kaveri Engine, which is claimed to have reached the performance level of GE. I hope it gets ready much before completion of the existing Tejas 1a order.

Arreyy Baba, it is only 45KN max. DRY thrusts Kavery engine that got this certification. There is NO any full Kaveri engine available currently at all! Rest all news are lies only. Only talks about one new 85KN max. wet thrusts Kaveri engines going on currently...

 

[Boomeranger]

ONLY hope for HAL Tejas absolute success would be if M88-Cauvery Safran-GTRE 120 KN engines deal to be signed very soon!!

 

[Anant]

ONLY hope for HAL Tejas absolute success would be if M88-Cauvery Safran-GTRE 120 KN engines deal to be signed very soon!!

Even if that deal were signed, how does that benefit the Tejas program? The proposed 110-120 kN engine would not be used on the Tejas anyways?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

India intends to produce 200 Tejas Mk IAs at least and many more if exports materializes or if Tejas Mk2 gets delayed.
Also every Tejas IA fighter needs at least 2+ engines during its lifetime.

So India must work hard to sew up a local licensed production line of GE F-404INS6 with as much TOT as they getting for GE F-414 as USA needs to build them in many hundreds for its own T-7A Red Hawk trainer fighter.

Hurry up and get a deal and offer to produce some parts very cost effective way.

I think they are hoping for kaveri derivative to be ready by next decade for mid-life upgrade.