Propulsion
GE’s F404 Engine
Powering frontline fighters and trainers around the globe
One of the most versatile engines in its class, GE’s F404 engine is a compelling choice for new armed forces applications around the globe.
Selected to power the new T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer for the U.S. Air Force, the F404 continues to set the standard for performance, simplicity, and capability aboard a growing range of aircraft.
Explore the F404 Engine
GE’s F404-GE-103 features the latest technologies to improve engine durability, simplify maintenance, and enhance single-engine safety to support advanced jet training for the next generation of military pilots.
Single engine safety
- Single engine qualified
- Bird & FOD resistant fan
- Added control system redundancy
- Secondary engine igniter
- Enhanced chip detection
High Pressure Compressor (HPC)
New HPC design and materials
Combustor
Cumbustor liner thermal barrier coating
High Pressure Turbine (HPT)
Single crystal HPT blades & vanes
Low Pressure Turbine (LPT)
Single crystal LPT blades & vanes
Advanced controls
- Dual channel, Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
- Advanced engine analytics capability
Proven design
Combat proven on both the F-117 and the F-18 Hornet, the F404 engine has demonstrated performance and reliability through over 13 million engine flight hours. The F404 engine is the ideal engine to power the next generation of trainer and combat aircraft.
4,000+More than 4,000 F404 engines delivered
Unrestricted operation
The F404 offers unrestricted engine performance on demand with rapid engine throttle response and zero throttle restrictions. Excellent afterburner light-off and stability ensure extra thrust is ready on demand.
13 Million+Over 13 million flight hours flown on F404 fleet
Maintenance focused
The F404 is designed to maximize time on wing, simplify maintenance and keep Life Cycle Costs low. Its six-module engine architecture is reliable, easy to maintain and interchangeable. With no scheduled overhauls and on condition maintenance, the F404 maximizes engine availability.
“This is all about joint warfighting excellence,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein (retired) shortly after the selection of the new trainer. “We need the T-X (T-7A) to optimize training for pilots heading into our growing fleet of fifth-generation aircraft.”
16 Nations16 nations worldwide have F404 powered aircraft in operation or on order
F404 Turbofan Engine FamilyF404-GE-102/103/402
RM12
F404-IN20
Thrust Class
17,700 lb
18,100 lb
19,000 lb
Length
154 in
154 in
154 in
Maximum diameter
35 in
35 in
35 in
Airflow
146 lb/sec
152 lb/sec
153 lb/sec
Pressure Ratio
26:1
27:1
28:1
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Twin engine, supersonic multirole fighter
Country of origin:
USA
Entry to service:
1983
Number Produced:
1,480
Powerplant:
F404-GE-402
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Single engine, supersonic, multirole fighter
Country of origin:
USA
Entry to service:
1996
Number Produced:
270+
Powerplant:
RM12
Boeing T-7A Red Hawk
Single engine, supersonic, advanced jet trainer
Country of origin:
USA
Entry to service:
2024
Number Produced:
350+ expected
Powerplant:
F404-GE-103
KAI T-50/TA-50/FA-50
Single engine, supersonic jet trainer & multirole fighter
Country of origin:
South Korea
Entry to service:
2005
Number Produced:
200+
Powerplant:
F404-GE-102
HAL Tejas Mark 1
Single engine, supersonic, multirole fighter
Country of origin:
India
Entry to service:
2015
Number Produced:
120+
Powerplant:
F404-GE-IN20
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.