Honeywell says a newly opened MRO facility in Madrid for the F124 engine that powers the Leonardo M-346 trainer will result in better service for customers through quicker turnaround times.
Operated by its partner, Spanish engine specialist ITP Aero, the new centre will support European customers for the M-346, including Greece and Italy.
Honeywell says there are more than 150 F124 engines in Europe, also including those powering the Aero Vodochody L-159 trainer and light combat aircraft.
Spain, however, has picked the GE Aerospace F404-powered Turkish Aerospace Hurjet for its trainer requirement.
The new facility replaces a previous arrangement that saw F124 engines shipped to either Phoenix in the USA or Taiwan – where it equips the AIDC F-CK-1 fighter – for overhaul.
Mike Vallillo, Honeywell vice-president sales, defence and space international, says the company concluded the current system was “not long-term viable”.
“With more aircraft coming on-line we wanted a centre of excellence in Europe,” he says.
Describing ITP Aero as a “leading industry provider”, Vallillo adds: “We needed a partner that was willing to invest and had that capability.”
ITP Aero was awarded the F124 licence in 2024 and the opening comes after “months of collaboration to build regional capability and infrastructure”, says Honeywell.
Meanwhile, Vallillo says Honeywell sees interest in the F124 as a potential powerplant for future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) platforms.
Although the US company recently unveiled the development of a new CCA engine, the 1,600lb (7.1kN) thrust-class HON1600, Vallillo says the higher-thrust F124 could easily power larger ‘loyal wingman’-type uncrewed air vehicles.
“We are having more than just conversations [about that application],” he says. “We think there’s a sweet spot that engine can address.
“There’s a number of different programmes ongoing globally and we are engaged with OEMs on where [the F124] would be a suitable choice for them.”
