GE Statement: F414-powered LCA’s Mission Superiority Enhanced With Indian Expertise

Just received this from GE: India's Aeronautical Development Agency has selected 99 nos. F414-GE-INS6 afterburning engines and kits to power the Mk II version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force.

Commenting on this development, John Flannery, President & CEO, GE India said, "The LCA selection is a big step forward for GE and demonstrates our strong commitment to India. GE Aviation will supply the initial batch of F414-GE-INS6 engines and the rest will be manufactured in India under transfer of technology arrangement."

The F414-GE-INS6 is the highest-rated F414 model and includes state-of-the-art technology to meet India's demanding Air Force and Naval requirements. Technical advances include a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) and added single-engine safety features.

"We are extremely pleased with the ADA's decision, and are confident that India's technical expertise will help enhance the F414-powered LCA's mission superiority well into the 21st century," said Tony Mathis, Vice President of Lynn Military Systems programs.

This selection follows earlier orders of 24 nos. F404-GE-IN20 engines in 2007, plus an initial 2004 purchase of 17 nos. F404-GE-IN20 engines to power a limited series of operational production aircraft and naval prototypes.

With more than one million flight-hours, the F414 engine continues to exceed United States Navy goals for reliability and time on wing. To date, more than 1,000 F414 engines have been delivered, supporting more than 415 aircraft in the fleet.

Eurojet statement here and newsbreak post on the F414 selection here.

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