SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has announced a significant milestone in the development of the Tejas Mk1A program. The first F404-IN20 engine, which will power the advanced variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), has been successfully assembled and is currently undergoing ground testing at GE Aviation’s facility in the United States. Dr. Sunil confirmed that the engine is expected to be delivered to HAL by March, enabling its integration into the Tejas Mk1A. Following initial trials, the aircraft is slated for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in April, marking a crucial step in bolstering India’s aerial combat capabilities.
The F404-IN20 engine, manufactured by GE Aviation, is a critical component of the Tejas Mk1A, providing enhanced thrust and performance compared to its predecessors. Its successful assembly and testing are pivotal for meeting the IAF’s operational requirements and ensuring the timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A into service.
Dr. Sunil also addressed the challenges faced in the engine supply chain, attributing delays to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis had severely impacted the supply chain, necessitating a reestablishment of production and logistics networks. India’s order for 99 F404-IN20 engines in 2021 came at a time when GE Aviation was still recovering from these disruptions. However, Dr. Sunil highlighted that GE has since partnered with new supply chain collaborators to streamline production and address previous bottlenecks.
With the revamped supply chain now in place, GE Aviation has assured HAL and the IAF that issues related to engine spares and components will no longer pose a challenge. This assurance comes at a critical juncture, as HAL and the IAF have decided to place an order for an additional 120 F404-IN20 engines in a second batch, surpassing the quantity of the previous order. The timely delivery of the F404-IN20 engines is essential to maintaining the program’s momentum and ensuring that the IAF receives a steady supply of these advanced fighters.
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