GE Engine For LCA Mark II To Be Certified By End 2015

GE Aviation is expecting certification of the F414 engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark II fighter by this year-end, Mr Nalin Jain, CEO of GE Transportation and Aviation told Defenseworld.net.

GE F414 engine contract which was signed in 2011, features improved Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), single Crystal blade design, single engine safety features and other electronic advances.

The LCA Mk II will feature advanced equipment, such as the active electronic scanned array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics and electronic warfare suite, while also being capable of carrying a larger payload than the Mk I LCA.

GE’s F404 engine already powers LCA Tejas Mark I fighter.

Nalin Jain briefed on GE aviation’s contracts with the Indian government. “We had collaborated with Aeronautic Development Agency (ADA) for the demonstration program of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, started back in 1985.”

GE Aviation is also involved with the Indian Navy programs. To date, it has delivered 11 LM2500 gas turbines to HAL for the navy, which powers INS Satpura, INS Sahyadri and INS Shivalik stealth frigates as well as INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.  

Nalin Jain added that the company is also exploring the helicopter side of the civil aviation sector as well.

At Aero India, General Aviation will showcase live demonstration of 3D printed aircraft engine parts and other products.