HAL has placed an order for USD 716 million (Rs 5375 crores) for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support services with GE Aviation, USA to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
“This is the largest ever deal and the purchase order placed by HAL for LCA”, said R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. The Company is working closely with GE for its support to pursue the export potential of LCA and also to supply spares to the global supply chain of GE 404 engines, he added.
LCA Tejas is powered by F404-GE-IN20 engines and has been in service since 2004. Ordering of the engines marks a major milestone in the execution of 83 LCA Mk-1A contract with IAF.
HAL release says that it will be manufacturing the GE F414 engines in India for the upcoming LCA Mk II program.
The highest thrust variant of the F404 family, the F404-GE-IN20 incorporates GE’s latest hot section materials and technologies as well as FADEC for reliable power and outstanding operational characteristics. The F404 family engines have logged in more than 14 million engine flight hours, and have powered 15 different production and prototype aircraft.