General Electric F414

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F414
Type Turbofan
National origin United States
Manufacturer GE Aerospace
First run May 20, 1993[1]
Major applications
Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen
Number built 1,600+[2]
Developed from General Electric F404

The General Electric F414 is an American

kN) thrust class produced by GE Aerospace (formerly GE Aviation). The F414 originated from GE's widely used F404 turbofan, enlarged and improved for use in the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The engine was developed from the F412 non-afterburning turbofan planned for the A-12 Avenger II
, before it was canceled.

Design and development

Origins

GE evolved the

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. GE successfully pitched the F414 as a low-risk derivative of the F404, rather than a riskier new engine. The F414 engine was originally envisioned as not using any materials or processes not used in the F404, and was designed to fit in the same footprint as the F404.[3]

The F414 uses the core and full-authority digital engine control (

fueldraulic" system to control the area of the convergent-divergent nozzle in the afterburner section. The nozzle actuators use engine fuel whereas the F404 uses an engine hydraulic system. "Fueldraulic" actuators for afterburner nozzles have been used since the 1960s on the Pratt & Whitney J58[5] and Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour,[6] for example. They are also used to swivel the VTOL nozzle for the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem.[7]

Further development

The F414 continues to be improved, both through internal GE efforts and federally funded development programs. By 2006 GE had tested an Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) with an advanced core. The EDE engine provided a 15% thrust increase or longer life without the thrust increase. It has a six-stage high-pressure compressor (down from 7 stages in the standard F414) and an advanced high-pressure turbine.[8] The new compressor should be about 3% more efficient. The new high-pressure turbine uses new materials and a new way of delivering cooling air to the blades. These changes should increase the turbine temperature capability by about 150 °F (83 °C).[9] The EDE is designed to have better foreign object damage resistance, and a reduced fuel burn rate.[10][11]

The EDE program continued with the testing of an advanced two stage blade-disk or "blisk" fan. The first advanced fan was produced using traditional methods, but future blisk fans will be made using translational friction welding with the goal of reducing manufacturing costs.[9] GE touts that this latest variant yields either a 20% increase in thrust or threefold increase in hot-section durability over the current F414.[8] This version is called the Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) and was partially funded through the federal Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (or IHPTET) program.[10][12]

Other possible F414 improvements include efforts to reduce engine noise by using either mechanical or fluidic

chevrons and efforts to reduce emissions with a new trapped vortex combustor.[9] Chevrons would reduce engine noise by inducing mixing between the cooler, slower bypass air and the hotter, faster core exhaust air. Mechanical chevrons would come in the form of triangular cutouts (or extensions) at the end of the nozzle, resulting in a "sharktooth" pattern. Fluidic chevrons would operate by injecting differential air flows around the exhaust to achieve the same ends as the mechanical variety. A new combustor would likely aim to reduce emissions by burning a higher percentage of the oxygen, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen available to bond with nitrogen forming the pollutant NOx
.

As of 2009, the F414-EDE was being developed and tested, under a United States Navy contract for a reduced

specific fuel consumption (SFC) demonstrator engine.[13][14] In addition, General Electric has tested F414 engines equipped with a second low-pressure turbine stage made from ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The F414 represents the first successful use of a CMC in a rotating engine part. The tests proved CMCs are strong enough to endure the heat and rotational stress inside the turbine. The advantage CMC offers is a weight one third that of metal alloy and the ability to operate without cooling air, making the engine more aerodynamically efficient and fuel efficient. The new turbine is not yet ready for a production aircraft, however, as further design changes are needed to make it more robust.[15]

As of 2023, over 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered.[2]

India

India's

Full Authority Digital Electronics Control (FADEC) system.[16] The engines are to be delivered by 2013.[17] By 2023, 8 units of F414 has been delivered for the development of Tejas Mk2.[18][19]

In June 2023, a

Memorandum of Understanding was signed between GE and HAL to co-produce the engines in India. GE Aerospace was also reported to be working on receiving export authorization from the US Government. The engine has also been selected for the prototype development, testing and certification of the HAL AMCA program.[19] On 18 November 2023, Dr. Samir V. Kamat of Defence Research and Development Organisation announced that the United States has provided the necessary permits, opening the door for GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to jointly produce the General Electric F414 engine in India for HAL Tejas Mark 2, HAL TEDBF and HAL AMCA.[20]

As of August 2024, the deal for licensed production of the engines is expected to be signed in the next six months (i.e. end of FY2024-25) while General Electric Co. has submitted techno-commercial bids. The bid submission is to be followed by negotiations of

Bangalore. Meanwhile, environmental and pollution clearances for the project is being cleared. The facility will start production within two years of contract signing and delivery within three years of the same. While the initial production target of the engine is 99 units for Tejas Mk 2 program, which is subjected to grow.[21]

As of September 2024, the Indian Government is to form a negotiating committee for finalising the deal with representatives from the

GTRE. A majority of the workshare maybe outsourced to the private sector.[22] on 24 September 2024, the Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) and DSP-83 (Non-Transfer and Use Certificate), which are mandatory requirements for ToT, was signed by the Indian Defence Ministry, GE and other stakeholders as per reports. The deal negotiation is to start soon as of November 2024 and the contract is to be signed by mid-2025.[23]

On 3 December 2024, HAL formed a Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) and the negotiations are ongoing, with high-level visits taking place from both sides since then. As of 31 December, CNC discussions will proceed in 4 phases. As per a report, "Terms and conditions associated with the ToT including Technical Documentation, Technical Assistance, and Training are being discussed along with the terms and conditions associated with supplies including delivery schedule, statement of work, price escalation formula, warranty, option clause etc." The deal is expected to be signed by March 2025. The contract value is expected to be at $1 billion at 2023 Price Level and could be further negotiated.[24][25][26]

As of late January 2025, a team from HAL is scheduled to visit the United States to advance the negotiations and conclude the deal by March 2025.[27][28] By February, final techno-commercial negotiations of the deal is underway.[29]

Variants

A F/A-18F Super Hornet, powered by the F414-GE-400
F414-GE-400
Version used for the Boeing
F-117 Nighthawk.[30]
F414-EDE
"Enhanced Durability Engine" (EDE), includes an improved high-pressure turbine (HPT) and high-pressure compressor (HPC). The HPT is redesigned to withstand slightly higher temperatures and includes aerodynamic changes. The HPC has been redesigned to 6 stages, down from 7. These changes aimed at reducing SFC by 2% and component durability three times higher.[31]
F414-EPE
"Enhanced Performance Engine" (EPE) or also marketed as "F414 Enhanced Engine", includes a new core and a redesigned fan and compressor. Offers up to a 20 percent thrust boost, increasing it to 26,400 lbf (117 kN), giving an almost 11:1 thrust/weight ratio.[32][33]
F414M
Used by the EADS Mako/HEAT. Derated thrust to 12,500 lbf (55.6 kN) dry and 16,850 lbf (75 kN) wet.[34] Proposed for international versions of the Korean T-50 series of trainers and fighter aircraft, but later superseded by a new offer with a standard F414.[8][35]
F414-G
Produced for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen Demonstrator. Slightly modified for use in a single engine Gripen, instead of a twin-engine aircraft like the F/A-18. With it, the Gripen Demonstrator reached Mach 1.2 in supercruise (without afterburner).[36]
F414BJ
Proposed version for the Dassault Falcon SSBJ. Would produce around 12,000 lbf (53 kN) of thrust without use of afterburner.[37][38]
F414-GE-INS6
Variant selected for use on HAL Tejas Mk2. Proposed for HAL TEDBF and initial variants of HAL AMCA.
F414-GE-39E (GE RM16)
New version of the F414G for the Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen.[39][40][41]
F414-GE-400K
Variant of the F414-GE-400 co-developed by General Electric and Hanwha Aerospace for the South Korean KAI KF-21 Boramae, to be manufactured jointly and assembled locally in South Korea by Hanwha Aerospace.[42][43]
F414-GE-100
A version custom made to drive NASA's
X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology X-plane. Derived from the F414-GE-39E modifications include different control software, fuel piping and lack of mounting rails. Two units were made.[44]

Applications

Specifications

F414-GE-400

Data from GE Aviation,[45] Deagal.com,[46] and MTU Aero Engines[47]

General characteristics

  • Type: Afterburning turbofan
  • Length: 154 in (391 cm)
  • Diameter: 35 in (89 cm) overall, 31 in (79 cm) inlet
  • Dry weight: 2,445 lb (1,110 kg) max weight

Components

Performance

See also

Related development

Comparable engines

Related lists

References

  1. ^ "GE marks F414 progress; endurance tests near" (1993). Aviation Week and Space Technology. Vol. 139, No. 1; p. 31
  2. ^ a b Waldron, Greg (June 23, 2023). "HAL to build F414 engines in India after GE Aerospace pact". flightglobal.com. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Confident GE heads to F414 CDR next month" (1994). Aerospace Daily. Vol 169, No. 34; p. 270.
  4. ^ "GE wins F-18E/F study" (1991). Flight International. 4 September 1991.
  5. ^ "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 1, Page 1-12".
  6. ISBN 0 531 03250 7
    , p.707
  7. ^ Kandebo, Stanley (1992). "GE Component Test Program to Reduce Risk in F414 Engine Development". Aviation Week and Space Technology. Vol. 136, No. 26; p. 64.
  8. ^ a b c "GE F110 and F404/F414 Fighter Engines Expand Capability and Global Presence" Archived 2009-02-02 at the Wayback Machine. GE Aviation, July 17, 2006.
  9. ^ a b c Kandebo, Stanley W. "Enhanced F414 Readies for Tests" (2004). Aviation Week and Space Technology. Vol. 160, No. 1; p. 58.
  10. ^ a b Norris, Guy. "GE Eyes More Powerful Engine For Super Hornets, Growlers"[permanent dead link‍]. Aviation Week, 14 May 2009.
  11. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing's Super Hornet seeks export sale to launch 20% thrust upgrade". Flight International, 12 May 2009.
  12. ^ "F414 Growth Demonstrator Engine Completes Testing" (press release). GE. December 12, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  13. ^ "New Orders, Tech Insertions Mark Increased GE Fighter Engine Presence" Archived 2009-09-09 at the Wayback Machine. GE Press Release. June 15, 2009. Retrieved 13 Aug 2009.
  14. ^ "Recovery: Specific Fuel Consumption Reduction Demonstration". Federal Business Opportunities. 2009. Solicitation Number: N00019-09-G-0009. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  15. ^ Norris, Guy. "CMCs advance", Aviation Week & Space Technology, February 2–15, 2015, p. 28.
  16. ^ Hoyle, Craig (October 1, 2010). "India picks GE's F414 for Tejas MkII fighter". Flight International. Archived from the original on October 4, 2010.
  17. ^ "Tejas, India's Light Combat Aircraft, History". tejas.gov.in. Archived from the original on September 25, 2014.
  18. ^ "In key decision during PM Modi's US visit, GE Aerospace to co-produce F414 engines in India for Tejas Mk2 fighter jets". ANI. June 22, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  19. ^ a b "GE Aerospace signs MOU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force". geaerospace.com. June 22, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
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  21. ISSN 0013-0389
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  22. ISSN 0013-0389
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  24. ISSN 0013-0389
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  25. ^ "HAL is negotiating price with US for supply of GE F-414-INS6 engines". BusinessLine. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  26. ISSN 0013-0389
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  27. ^ "India, US push for swift closure of GE-414 fighter jet engine pact, eyes March deadline - The Economic Times". Economic Times. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  28. ^ "Indian team to visit US for GE-414 engine deal talks, aims to finalise it by March". India Today. January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
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  30. ^ Morrocco, John (1994). "Lockheed returns to Navy with new F-117N design". Aviation Week and Space Technology. Vol. 140, No. 10; p. 26.
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  32. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "GE Brings Good Things To Hornet, Gripen" Archived 2012-04-17 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week Ares Blog, 21 April 2011.
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  42. ^ "Hanwha Techwin Signs Agreement with GE to Locally Manufacture F414 Engines for KF-X Aircrafts [sic]". Hanwha. July 12, 2016. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
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  44. ^ Banke, Jim (August 20, 2020). "NASA Takes Delivery of GE Jet Engine for X-59". Nasa.gov. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
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  46. ^ "Fighter aircraft engines, F414 GE 400". Dégel.
  47. ^ "F414". MTU Aero Engines (mtu.de). Retrieved July 24, 2019.
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