U.S. Air Force Announces Tender to Procure 461 Engines for F-15EX Fighter Jets

The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to buy 461 engines to power their fleet of F-15EX jets.

In a February 5 Federal Opportunities notice, U.S.A.F. Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) said it wants to acquire up to 461 engines in order to meet propulsion and aircraft production delivery schedules using full and open competition. The engine delivery period is October 2023 through June 2031.

Maiden flight of the F-15EX took place in earlier this month. The service awarded Boeing a contract to build the first lot of eight jets in July 2020. Future plans call for as many as 144 aircraft.

The aircraft is an improvement over the F-15 C/D model in that it is a fly-by-wire, digital aircraft; has a powerful new processor; additional wing hardpoints; a new electronic warfare system; and an updated glass cockpit. It is based on the F-15QA, which Boeing is building for Qatar.

Boeing said the EX can launch hypersonic weapons up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 7,000 pounds, which gives it an edge over the F-35.