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GE's fighter jet engine deal with India advances smoothly
Industry News- Jan 17,24
GE also expresses eagerness to contribute to the development of next-generation engines for India's Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and believes it holds a technological advantage over competitors.
The technology transfer agreement for fighter jet engines, which was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington DC last year, is advancing smoothly, as confirmed by Amy Gowder, President of GE Aerospace Defence & Systems. In an interview, Gowder disclosed that a comprehensive technical proposal for establishing a manufacturing unit in India, in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), will be shared with the state-run company early this year.
Gowder emphasised that the scope of technology transfer to HAL will exceed previous collaborations, and there is contemplation of exporting engines and components from India. GE also expresses eagerness to contribute to the development of next-generation engines for India's Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and believes it holds a technological advantage over competitors.
Regarding the significant agreement to manufacture GE Aviation's F414 INS6 engines in India, with HAL as the lead partner, Gowder mentioned that the technology transfer process is currently in progress. "Early this year, we will present a proposal to them, initiating the formalisation of the agreement with HAL and the government. We will bring over our engineers and supply chain resources to commence co-production. It will take most of this year to get it initiated and operational," she explained.
The timeline for commencing engine production will be contingent on the requirements of the Indian Air Force and Defence Research and Development Organisation. However, the overarching plan is to prepare for deliveries within three years. Valued at nearly $1 billion, the deal will result in an 80% technology transfer for the F414 engines, encompassing coating for the hot end of the engine, crystal blades, and laser drilling technology. These engines are intended to power the Mk2 version of the Light Combat Aircraft and initial batches of the AMCA. Presently, GE's F404 engines are utilised in the under-production LCA Mk1A version and the operational LCA fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
Gowder acknowledged that although GE has experience in technology transfer, this particular transfer is on a larger scale. "We have done this before with Korea and Turkey but never to this degree. So, it is a very special technology transfer for India. They (HAL) will have the most content than any other partner around the world," she stated.
Source: Indiatimes
GE Aerospace
Hindustan Aeronautics
Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft
F414 INS6 engines
Indian Air Force
Defence Research and Development Organisation
Light Combat Aircraft
AMCA
GE Aviation
Amy Gowder
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