RTX's Pratt & Whitney and WZL2 sign a letter of intent for F100 sustainment work in Poland

Rhea-AI Summary

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has signed a letter of intent with WZL2 to explore expanded maintenance repair and overhaul capabilities for Polish Air Force needs. The collaboration builds on their existing relationship, as Polish employees at Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów built the original F100 engines for Poland's F-16 fleet between 2005 and 2008. The facility currently produces F100 static structures and critical rotating parts. This expansion aims to provide full-cycle F100 engine maintenance in Poland, potentially supporting both F-16 and F-15EX aircraft if the latter is selected by the Polish Air Force.

Positive

• Potential expansion of maintenance capabilities in Poland
• Existing infrastructure and expertise reduces implementation risks
• Strategic positioning for potential F-15EX contract

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

This letter of intent between RTX's Pratt & Whitney and WZL2 represents a strategic but preliminary step in expanding F100 engine maintenance capabilities in Poland. While it builds on existing relationships, the real significance lies in its potential connection to Poland's future F-15EX procurement decision.

The timing is noteworthy as Poland evaluates the F-15EX platform. RTX is positioning the F100 engine as the optimal choice by emphasizing:

• Existing maintenance infrastructure and expertise in Poland
• Cost efficiencies through shared sustainment with F-16 fleet
• Lower operational risks due to familiarity

However, this remains a preliminary agreement without firm commitments or financial terms. The true business impact depends on Poland's fighter jet selection and subsequent formal contracts. For RTX investors, this represents positive positioning but not immediate material impact.

Expanded capabilities will support increased Polish Air Force needs

RZESZÓW, Poland, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, signed a letter of intent with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr. 2 S.A., also known as WZL2, to explore expanded maintenance repair and overhaul capabilities for increased Polish Air Force needs.

"We are identifying ways to increase F100 engine sustainment work in Poland to ensure our Polish ally has the propulsion power they need," said Piotr Owsicki, general director of Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów. "We plan to use existing knowledge and experience, as well as infrastructure testing facilities, to provide the full cycle of F100 engine maintenance in country."

Between 2005 and 2008, the original F100 engines powering the Polish Air Force's F-16 fleet were built by Polish employees at the Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów facility. Today, nearly 20 years later, the facility produces F100 static structures and critical rotating parts in support of new F100 engines and worldwide sustainment.

"Our cooperation with Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów dates back to when they produced the F100 engines for the Polish F-16 fleet," said Mr. Dariusz Sokólski, president of Military Aviation Works No. 2 S.A. "Participation in subsequent projects is a development of WZL2's competencies beyond the repair of F100 engine modules, which in the future will give more opportunities to support the Polish Air Force."

Should the Polish Air Force select the F-15EX to enhance its defense capabilities, the F100 engine is the F-15EX's best propulsion solution. The Polish Air Force's existing familiarity with the F100, coupled with the Polish industry's long-standing F100 MRO capability, will provide the most cost effective and lowest risk path to sustaining the engines and maximizing fleet readiness for both the F-15EX and F-16.

About Pratt & Whitney  

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX

With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-pratt--whitney-and-wzl2-sign-a-letter-of-intent-for-f100-sustainment-work-in-poland-302312387.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the purpose of RTX's letter of intent with WZL2?

The letter of intent aims to explore expanded maintenance repair and overhaul capabilities for F100 engines to support increased Polish Air Force needs.

When did Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów first build F100 engines for Poland?

The original F100 engines for the Polish Air Force's F-16 fleet were built between 2005 and 2008 at the Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów facility.

What current F100 engine components does RTX produce in Poland?

The Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów facility currently produces F100 static structures and critical rotating parts for new engines and worldwide sustainment.