The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has awarded a $46m contract to Pratt & Whitney to provide F100-PW-229 enhanced engine package (EEP) engines to power its new fleet of 20 F-16 aircraft.

The contract will cover engines to support initial aircraft production for the EAF’s F-16 block 52 aircraft purchase.

The F100-PW-229 engine will provide the air force with a lower total cost of ownership, whilst increasing the engine depot inspection interval from seven to ten years and providing 30% lifecycle cost reductions over the life of the engine.

The EEP will also reduce the predicted in-flight shutdown rate by about 25%.

Pratt & Whitney will begin delivery of F100-PW-229 EEP engines in 2011.