Engine Overview
The performance and reliability of F404 engines have set the standard for modern fighter engines. The engine family powers multiple aircraft performing a broad spectrum of missions from low-level attack to high-altitude interceptors.
The combat-proven F404 has accumulated millions of engine flight hours serving the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force, as well as the military forces of Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, South Africa and India.
In the early 1980s, Northrop installed the F404 in its F-5G single-engine fighter later designated the F-20.
In 1981, the U.S. Air Force flew a non-augmented version of the F404 in Lockheed's F-117A Stealth fighter.
In the late 1980s, GE delivered the first production F404 engine for McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets ahead of schedule. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps had chosen the engine in the mid-1970s to power their basic fleet fighter and attack aircraft.
In addition, Sweden selected the RM12, an upgraded F404 in partnership with Volvo, to power its new, all-purpose fighter, the Gripen.
Today, the F404 is the standard for modern fighter aircraft offering performance, simplicity and multi-mission capability.
