GE’s F414 Engines

24-06-2023

1 min read

Prelims: Defence & Security

Overview:

Recently, the American multinational corporation General Electric (GE) announced it has signed an agreement with India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to make GE’s F414 engines for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.

About GE’s F414 Engines:

It is a turbofan engine which has been in use by the US Navy for more than 30 years.
It is featured with advanced technology such as Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) — the latest aircraft ignition and engine control system that controls engine performance digitally.
Only eight nations have F414-powered aircraft in operation in the world.

Key facts about LCA Mk2

It is an advanced version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, which is being used by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
It is capable of integrating all indigenous weapon systems and a number of foreign armaments along with eight Beyond Visual Range Missiles (BVRMs).
No other fighter aircraft of this class is capable of carrying eight BVR missiles simultaneously.
It will have a mission endurance of 120 minutes and is capable of carrying 6.5 tonnes of weapons payload.
It will be equipped with standoff weapon systems. The weaponry will also include an air-to-ground, long-range deep strike missile, SCALP.

Q1) What is Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles?

Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles are a type of guided missile that is capable of engaging targets beyond the direct line of sight of the operator. These missiles are designed to be launched from aircraft, ships, or ground-based systems and are used in air-to-air and surface-to-air engagements.

Source: Why GE’s jet engine for India’s Tejas is a big deal