June 16, 2003 -- LE BOURGET - June 16, 2003 - The first operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters powered by GE's F414 engines saw combat action in the Iraqi conflict, less than a year after deployment last July onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The first combat strike of a Super Hornet preceded the war during Operation Southern Watch, southeast of Baghdad. The engines performed flawlessly during air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in all weather conditions.
F414 engines power the U.S. Navy's Super Hornets at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and Naval Air Station China Lake, California. The Super Hornet is an evolutionary upgrade of the combat proven F/A-18 Hornet and offers state-of-the-art advances in multi-mission capability and decades of growth potential.
In June 2002, the Navy 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 Navy's long-range plan to purchase engines and spares for a total of 550 aircraft.
In addition to powering the Navy's newest tactical fighter, the F414 has been selected by the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) to power its Mako advanced trainer/light combat aircraft. In December 2002, EADS signed an exclusive teaming agreement with GEAE for a F414 variant, the single-engine F414M, to power aircraft during the Definition Phase of the Mako program.
"It is very significant that a U.S.-made engine will power a European-designed aircraft," said George Bolln, general manager of GEAE's F414/F404 Project. "We believe it's a great fit-the performance and cost ownership benefits of the F414 will complement the advanced Mako concept. At the same time," continued Bolln, "this program continues the outstanding track record of GEAE industrial cooperation with Europe.'
During the Definition Phase, GEAE and EADS will work together to complete the technical definition of the Mako aircraft and its subsystems, the F414M engine installation, and the single-engine features. EADS envisions the Mako family to encompass an advanced trainer, lead-in fighter trainer, and light combat aircraft - all targeted for international sales.
The F414 is also a potential powerplant for growth versions of the Saab/BAE Systems JAS39 Gripen, and India's Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the Korean Aerospace Industries T-50.
The F414 is rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust for the F/A-18E/F. GEAE has also established a growth roadmap that increases thrust by as much as 25 percent. In addition, GEAE is developing advanced technology components for the F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE), which significantly reduces life cycle cost without compromising current performance levels.
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, while increasing fatigue life from 2000 hours to 6000 hours. These enhancements could be available for production F414 engines in 2009.
Rick Kennedy
GE Aviation
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