USAF to compete F-15EX engine production

The US Air Force (USAF) is to open up to competition its requirement for engines for the Boeing F-15EX Advanced Eagle combat aircraft.

While the US Air Force has already contracted General Electric to deliver its F110-GE-129 powerplant (pictured) for Lot 1 production of the F-15EX, it has opened up Lots 2 to 8 to competition from other vendors. An RFP is expected in November. (General Electric)

A presolicitation notification posted on the beta.sam.gov government procurement website on 3 September said that a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 461 engines to cover Lots 2 to 8 of aircraft production will be issued in November. Deliveries would begin in June 2023.

“The Department of Defense, United States Air Force (USAF), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Propulsion Acquisition Division (LPAK), anticipates issuing a solicitation for its F-15EX Propulsion Procurement Lots 2-8. The requirement is for a complete propulsion system (e.g. engine and associated components) that is fully integrated into the F-15EX weapon system in order to meet propulsion and aircraft production delivery schedules,” the notification said.

This announcement comes two months after a contract for engines for Lot 1 aircraft production was awarded to General Electric (GE) for the F110-GE-129 powerplant. That award, valued at USD101.3 million, will run through to 30 November 2022, at which time GE and/or another vendor will receive contracts for further production.