FARNBOROUGH, England - GE's F414 engine, the powerplant for the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is currently rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust. However, GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) has established a growth roadmap that increases thrust by as much as 25 percent. In addition, GEAE is developing the F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE), in which life cycle costs are significantly reduced without compromising current performance, with built-in growth capability for current and new applications. GEAE intends to make these enhancements available for production F414 engines in 2008.
The EDE package includes a three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) high-pressure compressor, high-pressure turbine and exhaust frame, and lower-emissions combustor. The new compressor improves airflow and efficiency, and time between overhauls is increased from 4000 hours to 6000 hours. The 3-D aero turbine is more efficient, with higher temperature capability, and time between overhauls is increased from 2000 hours to 6000 hours. GEAE is working closely with the Navy to obtain future funding to test the new 3-D aero compressor and turbine in a core engine in 2003.
"Since 1994, GEAE has been pursuing technologies to enhance the F414 engine by leveraging science and technology development activities funded by the U.S. Government and GEAE," said George Bolln, general manager of GEAE's F414/F404 Project. "Our ultimate goal is to establish a solid plan to realize significant ownership cost savings for our customers while also providing an option for future growth."
F414 engines power the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornets at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and Naval Air Station China Lake, California, and deployment of the first operational Super Hornet squadron aboard the carrier USS Lincoln is planned for later this summer. The Navy this month awarded a multi-year procurement (MYP) contract to GEAE for 480 more F414-GE-400 engines and devices, plus spare modules, as part of the Navys long-range procurement plan to purchase a total of 1,096 F414 engines, plus spares, for 548 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters.
In addition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the F414 is being considered as the engine to power the EADS Mako trainer/light combat aircraft. The F414 is also a potential powerplant for growth versions of the Saab/BAE Systems JAS 39 Gripen, KAI/LMTAS T-50 advanced jet trainer/light fighter, and India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.