The U.S. Navy has ordered 16 F414-GE-400 install engines produced by GE Aviation for the F/A-18 fighter aircraft, said Pentagon on 29 December.

According to a statement, General Electric Co. is awarded $70,7 million for modification P00016 to a previously awarded contract (N00019-17-C-0047) for the procurement of 16 F414-GE-400 install engines for the F/A-18 aircraft for the U.S. Navy.  

Work is expected to be completed in December 2020.

According to GE Aviation, the F414 Enhanced Engine is delivering expanded capabilities for next generation combat needs. With up to 18% more thrust and twice the horsepower of its predecessor, the F414 Enhanced Engine is poised to complete missions on time and on task.

The F414-GE-400 combines the proven reliability, maintainability and operability of its successful F404 predecessor with advanced technologies to provide the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with up to 35 percent more thrust and significant improvements in aircraft performance, survivability and payload.

Its simple, modular design is reliable and easy to maintain. F414-GE-400 engines also power Boeing’s EA18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, also operational with the United States Navy. The F414-INS6 was selected by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to power the MKII version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

The F414G, the single-engine variant of the proven F414-GE-400, has been chosen to power Saab’s Gripen E/F aircraft