GE Aerospace is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its F414 engine, which powers the US Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet.

“With decades of experience under its belt and reputation of offering an outstanding performance, reliability, and versatility, the F414 is still firing on all cylinders,” GE Aerospace said.

Sharing its design with the F404 engine, there have been more 5,600 F404/F414 engines built, which have a combined 18 million engine flight hours.

“For decades, the United States Navy has relied on the power of the F414,” GE Aerospace said. “Today, the engine continues to deliver for the most demanding combat missions for armed forces around the globe.”

F414-powered aircraft

Currently, eight nations have F414-powered aircraft in operation or on order.

Key to the F414 engine’s performance is its rapid engine throttle response and zero throttle restrictions. The engine is rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust and is in the 9:1 thrust-to-weight ratio class.

“The F414 is a remarkable engine with proven operational and combat experience for the warfighter,” said Shawn Warren, vice president and general manager, combat and trainer engines, defense and systems at GE Aerospace.

“We are excited to celebrate another F414 milestone and would like to congratulate everyone involved in the engine’s success.”

GE Aerospace recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force, a major milestone amidst Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the United States and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorization for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 programme.

Image:  GE Aerospace
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter