GE-F404 Engine

GE-F404 Engine : Recently, India received the second GE-F404 Engine from the United States, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence indigenisation efforts. The engine is part of the ongoing programme to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A.

• About Tejas LCA Mk1A : An upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

o It includes over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, enhancing combat performance, survivability, and operational efficiency.

o Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems: Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar and Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar

o Electronic Warfare Systems: Features a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS)

- Includes an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability

o Digital Fly-by-Wire System: Uses an upgraded Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and flight stability

o Weapons Capability: Equipped with nine hardpoints to carry a variety of weapons including:

- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles

- Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles

- Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM)

• About GE F404-IN20 Jet Engine: Manufactured by GE Aerospace, powers the Tejas LCA Mk1A.

o Originally selected in 2004, it is a high-thrust variant of the F404 engine family.

o Key features include: Higher-flow fans, Single-crystal turbine blades and Components tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).