The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) ordered 99 engines worth Rs 5,375 crore for the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). Tejas LCA has been powered by a single General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engine since its initial flight in January 2001. HAL is proceeding with that engine for its first 123 fighters. As a part of the project, GE Aviation, USA, would provide the support engine services. MoD told the media that the Tejas Mark 1 and 1A both utilise the highest thrust variant of GE’s F404 family, the F404-IN20. It includes the latest technologies and materials of GE and Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). FADEC is an aircraft ignition and engine control system managed by the computer. It is used in military aircraft and modern commercials to manage each aspect of engine performance digitally. It replaces the old technology or analogue electronic controls in the last generation aircraft. It is the biggest purchase by HAL for LCA. HAL is jointly working with GE to build the export potential of the LCA. It is to provide spare parts to the worldwide supply chain of GE 404 engines. According to the media reports, the F404 engines are the most comprehensive in the world, with over 14 million engine flight hours. The F404 powered 15 various production and prototype aircraft. The next GE engine batch would be much bigger and more efficient GE f-414 engines for the Tejas LCA Mark 2 fighter. The F-404 would not be built in India as it is required in a short quantity. However, the F-414 engines are most likely to be put together in India in large numbers. Image Source