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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to address the ongoing delays in the supply of the high-thrust F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft, General Electric (GE) has proposed an interim solution to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). GE suggests using the lower thrust F404-GE-102 engines, which are currently manufactured by Samsung Techwin for the Korean KAI/LMTAS T-50 advanced trainer/light fighter.
The F404-GE-102 engines offer a maximum thrust of 78.7 kN with afterburner, which is slightly less than the 84 kN provided by the F404-IN20 engines specifically designed for the Tejas Mk1A. These engines are suggested as a stopgap measure until the production of the F404-IN20 engines can be ramped up to meet HAL’s requirements. Once the new engines are available, the lower thrust versions could be swapped out.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The supply of 99 F-404 engines by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a 2021 contract has experienced significant delays, with deliveries postponed by nearly 10 months. Despite provisions in the contract that allow for financial penalties due to delayed supply, HAL has decided not to enforce these penalties on GE Aerospace. Sources close to the program have indicated idrw.org that the strategic nature of the project, combined with the necessity for continued collaboration with GE for future engine procurement, influenced this decision.
GE Aerospace has not yet delivered any of the F-404 engines meant for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program. However, the company is set to begin deliveries from this month and has committed to accelerating the delivery schedule over the next few months. By 2026, production is expected to ramp up significantly to meet the growing demands of the Tejas Mk1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII program.
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