Jet engine deal ensures 80% technology transfer to HAL
Context :
General Electric (GE) will transfer 80% of the technology for the American jet engine agreement to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is an “almost done” arrangement. Critical technology will be incorporated. According to a Defence Ministry official, the first engine would be released three years after the contract is complete.
Jet Engine Deal
- Overview of the Agreement: GE and HAL have an ongoing agreement for the production of F414 jet engines for the LCA-MK2 in India. The agreement calls for a sizable technology transfer, with GE giving HAL access to 80% of the engine’s technology.
- Technology Transfer: This transfer marks a considerable improvement over the 58% technology transfer percentage of the previous agreement from 2012. The transfer of technology encompasses several engine production-related topics, including welding, composite materials, laser drilling, fabrication of turbine blades, nozzle guiding vanes, black machining, forging, and casing machining.
- Timeline: Three years after the contract is signed, the first engine is anticipated to be released. The agreement intends to make it possible for the F414-INS6 engine to be completely manufactured in India, with only a small component being produced overseas.
- Why is it important? : Transfer of Technology Is Important The remarkable 80% technology transfer illustrates the extent of American trust that India inspires. It surpasses earlier agreements between the two countries for the transfer of technology, making it a noteworthy accomplishment.
- Approval Process: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are the regulatory frameworks that must be approved by the U.S. Congress for the sale to go through. Through their strategic trade conversation, India and the US have made an effort to overcome regulatory concerns.
- Cost and Quantity: Although the ultimate price of the arrangement hasn’t been decided, it’s anticipated that it will be indexed to the 2012 agreement. According to that deal, the price for 99 engines now should be less than $1 billion. There will probably be 120–130 LCA-MK2 planes constructed.
- Enhanced Capabilities: The LCA-MK2’s capabilities will be greatly improved by the F414 engines. In comparison to the MK1 and MK1A models, the MK2 variant will be longer, have canards, and have a higher payload capacity.
- Additional Co-Development: Talks about co-developing a 110KN engine to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)-MK2 are still ongoing. Although a final choice has not yet been made, GE is also regarded as a contender for this deal.
General Electric F414
- Engine: GE Aerospace (previously GE Aviation) is the designer and manufacturer of the F414 after-burning turbofan engine. This powerful engine, which belongs to the 22,000-pound (98 kN) thrust category, is appropriate for high-performance military aircraft.
- Derivation: The F414 engine is a derivative of the GE F404 turbofan engine. The F404 engine, which has been extensively employed in many different aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, is the foundation for the F414 engine.
- Purpose: The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, an updated and larger version of the F/A-18 Hornet, is the primary application for the F414 engine. The F414 was specially designed to satisfy the Super Hornet’s demands for higher thrust and 7670improved performance.
- Improvements: The F414 engine includes several improvements and upgrades over the F404 engine. These include an afterburner, a bigger fan and core, and increased durability. Increased thrust and better performance as a whole are the results of these advances.
- Afterburner Capability: The F414 engine’s afterburner is a notable feature. A secondary burner known as an afterburner injects and ignites fuel after the engine’s primary combustion chamber. When needed, it gives an extra surge of push, enabling high-speed operations and better manoeuvrability.
Impact on Indian Defence
- Enhanced Performance: A new engine can lead to improved performance in military aircraft. It can offer increased speed, range, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity, thereby enhancing the overall operational capabilities of the defense forces.
- Modernization of Equipment: Integrating a new engine into existing defense platforms can contribute to their modernization. Upgrading engines can extend the lifespan of aging equipment, making them more reliable and capable of meeting current and future operational requirements.
- Strategic Advantages: The adoption of advanced engines can provide India with strategic advantages by enabling its defense forces to operate in a wider range of environments, including high-altitude regions, extreme weather conditions, and challenging terrains. This can enhance India’s military reach and responsiveness.
- Technological Independence: Developing or acquiring advanced engines can reduce India’s dependence on foreign countries for critical defense technologies. This shift toward indigenously developed engines can enhance self-sufficiency and promote indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
- Research and Development: The introduction of a new engine often involves significant research and development efforts. Such initiatives can foster innovation, drive technological advancements, and strengthen the country’s scientific and engineering capabilities. Additionally, collaboration with foreign engine manufacturers can facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.
