GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A
India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has taken a significant step forward with the successful delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine by GE Aerospace. The engine, which was delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday, March 25, marks the end of a two-year delay and paves the way for HAL to ramp up production of the fighter jet.
The F404-IN20 engine is a critical component of the Tejas Mk1A, which is designed to be a highly advanced and capable fighter jet. The engine is capable of delivering a thrust of 13,400 pounds and is equipped with advanced features such as a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system, which provides precise control over engine performance.
The delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a significant milestone for the Tejas Mk1A program, which has faced several delays and setbacks in the past. The program has been ongoing since the 1980s, with the first prototype of the Tejas LCA being rolled out in 1993. However, the program faced significant challenges, including delays in the development of the F404-IN20 engine, which was initially expected to be delivered in 2018.
Despite the delays, HAL has continued to make progress on the Tejas Mk1A program, with the first prototype of the fighter jet being flown in 2015. Since then, the prototype has undergone several test flights, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) having flown the aircraft in 2019.
The delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a significant step forward for the Tejas Mk1A program, as it allows HAL to begin production of the fighter jet. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, with the first squadron expected to be operational by 2023.
The Tejas Mk1A is a significant upgrade over the earlier Tejas LCA, with several new features and capabilities. The fighter jet is equipped with advanced avionics, including a new radar system and a helmet-mounted display system. It also has improved engines, including the F404-IN20, which provides a significant increase in thrust.
The Tejas Mk1A is also equipped with several advanced weapons, including the Derby air-to-air missile and the Spice 2000 precision-guided munition. The fighter jet is also capable of carrying a range of external stores, including bombs, rockets, and missiles.
The delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a significant milestone for GE Aerospace, which has been working on the engine development program for several years. The company has invested heavily in the program, with a team of engineers and technicians working on the development and testing of the engine.
In a statement, GE Aerospace said that the delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a significant milestone for the Tejas Mk1A program. The company said that it is proud to be a part of the program and is committed to supporting the Indian Air Force in its efforts to develop a highly capable and advanced fighter jet.
The delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a significant step forward for the Tejas Mk1A program, as it allows HAL to begin production of the fighter jet. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, with the first squadron expected to be operational by 2023.
The Tejas Mk1A is a significant upgrade over the earlier Tejas LCA, with several new features and capabilities. The fighter jet is equipped with advanced avionics, including a new radar system and a helmet-mounted display system. It also has improved engines, including the F404-IN20, which provides a significant increase in thrust.
The Tejas Mk1A is also equipped with several advanced weapons, including the Derby air-to-air missile and the Spice 2000 precision-guided munition. The fighter jet is also capable of carrying a range of external stores, including bombs, rockets, and missiles.
In conclusion, the delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine by GE Aerospace is a significant milestone for the Tejas Mk1A program. The engine is a critical component of the fighter jet and its delivery marks the end of a two-year delay. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, with the first squadron expected to be operational by 2023.
Source:
https://www.defencexp.com/ge-aerospace-delivers-first-f404-in20-engine-for-tejas-mk1a/
