As the F-15EX takes flight today, it is powered by General Electric F110-129 engines. However, Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, utilized Poland’s International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) to advocate for the selection of their F100 turbofan engine over the GE option.
There are numerous conditional factors involved: Poland must first choose the F-15EX over alternatives like the Eurofighter Typhoon or additional Lockheed Martin F-35s. Following that, Polish officials would need to decide to pursue the Pratt option, rather than sticking with the US-recommended engine supplier.
Josh Goodman, the F100 program director at Pratt & Whitney, explained to reporters that integrating the F100 would only require a “low risk” certification period involving a few flight tests, which would not impact the overall schedule if Poland places an order. “It’s really the engine to airframe interface that needs to be validated or certified; however, no architecture changes to the engine are required,” he stated.
In a competitive context, Goodman claimed that the F100 boasts a “superior thrust to weight ratio” compared to the F110 and offers an architecture that provides additional bleed and horsepower extraction margins, thereby enhancing the F-15’s performance.
Goodman also noted that the groundwork for F100 integration was established during the US Air Force’s F-15EX engine competition. In 2021, Pratt & Whitney lost this competition to General Electric, which secured a $1.6 billion contract for the F110 engine. Since then, the Air Force reduced its original purchase plan from 144 to 98 aircraft unless Congress intervenes. This acquisition effort revolves around procuring 32 new fighter jets, with the F-15EX competing against the Eurofighter Typhoon. Warsaw also has the option to acquire more F-35A fifth-generation jets, building upon a $6.4 billion order for 32 airframes. Consequently, GE currently dominates the F-15EX engine market, complicating Pratt’s case.
However, Goodman argued that Poland could independently procure the aircraft and engine as part of the air dominance acquisition, separating the F110 from any future F-15 Foreign Military Sale (FMS).
Goodman emphasized the potential benefits to Poland in making the switch, highlighting Pratt and Whitney’s significant industrial presence in the country. Their F100 assembly facility in Rzeszów, southeast Poland, has produced all engines for the Polish F-16s and currently manufactures static structures and critical rotating parts for both new powerplants and those requiring maintenance. Although Polish industry is not currently equipped to sustain all components of the F100, Goodman assured that Pratt would work towards achieving this capability, presenting an opportunity for new jobs and increased workshare for the Polish government.
He also mentioned that performance-based logistics packages are being considered, which could include “in-country stocking locations.” When asked about the timeline for a potential contract award, Goodman deferred to the decision makers, noting that various factors, including affordability and capability, play a role in the process. “Our intention is to put our best foot forward, so that when the decision-makers sit around that table, they know the benefits we can bring to the F-15EX airframe,” he concluded.
