GE Aerospace and Poland’s WZL-2 will explore the possibility of local maintenance, repair and overhaul for the F110-GE-129 engine that powers the Boeing F-15EX fighter.

The pair have signed a memorandum of understanding under which GE Aerospace and WZL-2 – Poland’s Military Aviation Works – will look at requirements to support intermediate and depot maintenance for the engine locally, says GE Aerospace.

Areas covered will include the tooling, machining, training, and test cell modifications required for maintenance of the powerplant.

“The F110 engine is a proven fighter jet engine with more than 40 years of continuous production and innovation,” says Sean Keith, F110 product director at GE Aerospace.

“As the sole engine qualified for Boeing’s F-15 Advanced Eagle family of aircraft, including the F-15EX, the F110-GE-129 engine is designed for ease of maintenance with Shop Replacement Units (SRUs). The SRUs enable 90% of maintenance to be performed in country, reducing aircraft downtime and lowering lifecycle costs.”

Poland is considering the potential acquisition of 32-48 F-15EXs.

In early October, Polish air force officers visited Boeing to obtain more information about the type F-15EX. The visit included two sorties in the type.

The F-15EX is the most advanced version of the venerable fighter and is entering service with the US Air Force. A key selling point is its massive 13,400kg (29,500lb) payload, meaning it can carry 12 air-to-air missiles or three long-range air-to-ground cruise missiles.