The US Air Force has awarded GE Aerospace a $5-billion contract to develop F110-GE-129 engines for foreign military sales.
The F110-GE-129 engine was launched in 1992 and since then has powered combat aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon operated by international allies.
Under the deal, the firm will partner with the military to deliver the solution, spares, and corresponding services to “meet the evolving needs of allied operators.”
The contract is expected to sustain the “operational readiness” of the covered fighter jets employed globally.
GE’s F110 family of engines has achieved over 11 million flight hours to date.
“We are honored to reach this agreement with the US Air Force, ensuring the F110-GE-129 remains the engine of choice for the world’s F-15 and F-16 fleets,” GE Aerospace Defense & Systems CEO and President Amy Gowder stated.
“This contract underscores the enduring trust in the F110’s performance, reliability, and value for our customers and their critical missions.”
About the F110-GE-129 System
GE Aerospace’s F110-GE-129 engine is a turbofan-type solution with a thrust of 29,000 pounds (13,154 kilograms).
It measures 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and has a maximum diameter of 46.5 inches (118 centimeters).
The engine can process airflow up to 270 pounds (122.4 kilograms) per second during flights.
Alongside the American-made F-15 and F-16 platforms, the F110-GE-129 is integrated into the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero currently in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Latest Projects
GE Aerospace accepted a separate contract last February to maintain the engines in the Indian Air Force AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
The company signed another deal in January to supply engines for the Polish Armed Forces’ Apache Guardian rotorcraft fleet.
In 2023, GE joined efforts to develop an engine for the US Army’s incoming Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft as well as the American military’s KC-135 recapitalization program.
