From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 17: HAL has placed an order of for USD 716 million (Rs 5375 crore) for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support services with GE Aviation, USA to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
The contract was signed at the HAL Corporate Office in Bengaluru on Tuesday. “This is largest ever deal and the purchase order placed by HAL for LCA.’’ said R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
The Company is working closely with GE for its support to pursue the export potential of LCA and also to supply spares to the global supply chain of GE 404 engines, he added.
Chris Cyr, Vice President, Business Development & Sales, GE Aviation who interacted virtually said his company is proud of 16-year-long partnership with HAL and is happy to extend the relationship with this new order.“The F404 family of engines has proven itself in operations all over the world and we have committed to deliver all 99 engines and support services by 2029,’’ he said.
The indigenously built Tejas aircraft is one of the best in its class globally, powered by F404-GE-IN20 engines and has been in service since 2004. Ordering of the engines, marks a major milestone in the execution of 83 LCA contract with IAF.
The co-operation will be further enhanced with the manufacturing of GE F414 engines in India for the upcoming LCA MkII programme. The highest thrust variant of the F404 family, the F404-GE-IN20 incorporates GE’s latest hot section materials and technologies as well as FADEC for reliable power and outstanding operational characteristics.
The F404 family engines have logged in more than 14 million engine flight hours, and has powered 15 different production and prototype aircraft.