FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW -- GE's substantial portfolio of military combat engines, upgrade initiatives and technology programs has it well positioned for continued growth and an exciting future.
*F414: With nearly 1,200 F414 engines powering F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, the F414 continues to prove itself among the world's most versatile turbofan engines.
The government of Switzerland recently announced plans to purchase 22 F414G-powered Saab Gripen E/F aircraft, also known as Gripen Next Generation, for its F-5 Tiger replacement program. The INS6, an F414 increased-thrust derivative, has been selected for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk II) and is a candidate for several other campaigns, including Brazil and Japan.
GE is on an ambitious path to incorporate new designs and hardware to equip the F414 with increased thrust and improved durability. An F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) features both a new high-pressure turbine and new six-stage, high-pressure compressor to offer significant life-cycle cost savings. The F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) will generate up to 20% more thrust by increasing fan airflow with the EDE hardware configuration.
"The F414 continues to be a mainstay for our U.S. Navy (USN) customer. We are excited about the prospects of advancing the engine's capabilities to ensure it continues to be an attractive engine choice for other potential platforms," said Tony Mathis, general manager of the GE-Lynn Turbofan and Turbojet Project Department.
As a part of the USN Task Force Energy Initiative, GE continues to focus on F414 fuel reduction. These environmental programs build on 2010's "Green Hornet" first-flight featuring an F414-powered Super Hornet with a 50-50 biofuel blend - the first USN fighter to take to the skies with a non-petroleum fuel source.
*F110: More than 3,200 F110 engines have been ordered worldwide since initial selection by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1984, making it the best-selling engine for Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighter jets. In addition to the USAF, 12 international forces fly F110-powered aircraft.
Recently, the Royal Air Force of Oman purchased F110-GE-129D engines to power 12 new Lockheed Martin advanced F-16 Block 50 aircraft, with engine deliveries scheduled to begin in 2013. In addition, the Fuerza Aerea de Chile (FACH) has signed a memorandum of understanding for a Supply Based Logistics contract to support F110-GE-129 engines for its F-16 fleet. Under terms of the agreement, GE will provide spare parts, line- and shop-replaceable units through 2016.
F110 engines are also enjoying strong momentum in the twin-engine Boeing F-15 arena. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has completed re-engining of 71 F-15 aircraft, which involves more than 150 engines and a logistics-support package.
In addition, the USAF has approved the -129 for 6,000 Total Accumulated Cycles (TACs) following GE's qualification for both F-16 (F110-GE-129D) and F-15 (F110-GE-129E) applications.
"The extension of scheduled intervals from 4,300 TACS to 6,000 TACS represents a 40% reduction in scheduled maintenance visits and reinforces GE's commitment to delivering the most cost-effective engines and optimum F110 readiness," said Joe Guenther, general manager of the GE-Evendale Turbofan and Turbojet Project Department.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.