The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has ordered 91 F110-GE-129C engines to re-engine 41 twin-engine Boeing F-15S aircraft. This order follows the 2007 Royal Saudi selection of 65 F110 engines to re-engine 29 F-15S aircraft.
The combined value of the two Royal Saudi orders–156 F110 engines and the logistics support package–exceeds $750 million, with engine deliveries beginning later this year.
In selecting the GE engine, the RSAF cited the F110’s high performance, safety and reliability and cost-effective operation.
“We welcome the opportunity to support the Royal Saudi Air Force and its front-line fighters,” said Al DiLibero General Manager, Evendale Turbofan and Turbojet Department at GE Aviation. “This selection reinforces the growing acceptance of the F-15/F110 combination among international operators.”
The F110-GE-129 engine model to power the RSAF aircraft incorporates GE’s Service Life Extension (SLEP) hardware, which includes highly successful 3D aero technology derived from the CFM56* commercial engine family plus upgrades to the combustor and high-pressure turbine. The enhancements can help provide up to a 25 percent improvement in cost-per-flying hour, a significant on-wing increase and elimination of special inspections.
For more than 20 years, GE’s F110 family has been the best-selling engine on single-engine F-16C/Ds worldwide, including in the Middle East. Recently, the F110 engine has made important progress in powering the twin-engine F-15. The F110 was first selected for 40 F-15K aircraft in 2002 by the Republic of Korea Air Force, followed by Government of Singapore selections for 24 F-15SG aircraft. First flight of the Korean F-15K occurred in early 2005.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
* CFM56 engines are produced by CFM international, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.
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The F-15s are old, bordering on archaic. But Saudi Arabia’s only true enemy in the region is Iran, whose air force is shamefully unfit for combat. If they upgrade to the Strike or Silent Eagle variants then they’ll be in good shape for a while longer.