FARNBOROUGH - The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet powered by GE's F414 engines continues to expand its presence in the U.S. Navy fleet, with over 175 delivered aircraft and 10 active squadrons. This includes aircraft located at Naval Air Stations Lemoore, California, and China Lake, California, as well as Super Hornets deployed aboard ships.
The Super Hornet is a combat-proven upgrade of the F/A-18 Hornet that offers advances in multi-mission capability combined with growth potential. Enhancements for the Super Hornet include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar now in flight-test. In addition, the EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, a derivative of the F/A-18F, is now in development to replace the U.S. Navy's EA-6B Prowler.
In June 2002, the Navy awarded GE a multiyear procurement (MYP) contract for 480 F414-GE-400 engines, bringing orders to a total of over 775 units. To date, more than 450 F414 engines have been delivered in support of the Navy's long-range plan to purchase engines and spares for a total of 552 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft.
In addition to powering the Super Hornet, the F414 has been selected by the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) as the engine for the Definition Phase of its Mako advanced trainer/light combat aircraft. In December 2002, EADS signed a teaming agreement with GEAE for an F414 variant, the single-engine F414M, for the Definition Phase of the Mako program.
During the Definition Phase, GE and EADS are working together to complete the technical definition of the Mako aircraft and its subsystems, including the F414M engine installation, and the single-engine features. EADS envisions the Mako family will encompass an advanced trainer, lead-in fighter trainer, and light combat aircraft, all targeted for international sales. The Mako is a candidate for the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) System.
The F414 is a potential powerplant for growth versions of the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen and India's Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The F414 is also a potential powerplant for the KAI/LMTAS A-50 light fighter, a derivative of the GE F404-powered T-50 advanced trainer.
The F414 for the F/A-18E/F is rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust and is in the 9:1 thrust-to-weight ratio class. GEAE has established a growth roadmap that increases thrust by as much as 20 percent for future applications. Advanced technology components were successfully tested earlier this year for a 15 percent growth version. This configuration included a six stage three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) high-pressure compressor and advanced high-pressure turbine. The new compressor improves airflow and efficiency while the advanced turbine is more efficient and has higher temperature capability
Chuck Nugent, general manager of the F414/F404 Project Department, noted that "these technologies can be used for either increased thrust or to extend component lives at today's thrust levels. As an example, the advanced turbine would increase life from 2000 to 6000 hours." GE plans to continue testing growth versions of the F414, including a new two-stage fan that will further boost performance. Nugent said, "GE is committed to incorporating advanced technology into the F414 to meet anticipated requirements for more thrust and durability."
GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft.