Mon, Dec 10, 2012
Powerplants For F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers
The U.S. Navy exercised a 2013 contract option for the procurement of 52 GE F414 engines in support of the Navy's planned procurement of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers. This contract option follows the Navy's decision to purchase 82 F414 engines earlier this year. Options for the Navy could increase the total buy to more than 200 engines through 2013. The contract, with all options, is valued at more than $800 million.
"We are proud to support the U.S. Navy and appreciate their continued confidence in the F414," said Tony Mathis, general manager of the GE-Lynn Turbofan and Turbojet Project Department. "GE Aviation is committed to producing the highest quality engines and ensuring that deliveries and support are optimum for the Navy."
The F414 engine powers the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. More than 1,200 F414 engines totaling two million flight hours power more than 500 aircraft in the fleet. The F414 engine is rated at 22,000 pounds (98 kN) thrust and is in the 9:1 thrust-to-weight ratio class.
As a part of the U.S. Navy Task Force Energy Initiative, GE continues to focus on F414 fuel burn reduction. These environmental programs build on 2010's "Green Hornet" first flight featuring an F414-powered Super Hornet with a 50-50 biofuel blend - the first U.S. Navy fighter to take to the skies with a non-petroleum fuel source.
GE also plans to incorporate new designs and hardware to equip the F414 with increased thrust and improved durability. An F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) features both a new high-pressure turbine and new six-stage, high-pressure compressor to offer significant maintenance and fuel savings. The F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) will generate up to 20% more thrust by increasing fan airflow with the EDE hardware configuration.
(Pictured Super Hornet, Growler U.S. Navy photo)
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