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Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

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For the game, see F-15 Strike Eagle (video game).

F-15EX Eagle II
An F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flies above Northern California, May 2021.
Role Multirole strike fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Status Active
Primary user United States Air Force
Produced 2020–present
Developed from McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.[1] The aircraft resulted from the U.S. Department of Defense' Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE) study in 2018 to recapitalize the aging F-15C/D fleet due to inadequate numbers of F-22s, delays in the F-35 program, and maintaining diversity in the U.S. fighter industrial base through Boeing's St. Louis division (former McDonnell Douglas). The F-15EX is expected to replace the F-15C/D in performing homeland and air defense missions and also serve as an affordable platform for employing large stand-off weapons to augment the frontline F-22 and F-35.[2] The first aircraft was delivered in 2021 and operational service is expected in July 2024.[3]

Design and development

In 2018, following the OSD CAPE study, the United States Air Force (USAF) and Boeing discussed the F-15X or Advanced F-15, a proposed single-seat variant based on the F-15QA to replace USAF F-15C/Ds. Improvements included the AMBER (Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack) system to carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, infrared search and track, advanced avionics and electronic warfare equipment, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and revised structure with a service life of 20,000 hours.[4][5] Single- and two-seat variants were proposed, called F-15CX and F-15EX respectively, with identical capabilities. The USAF opted for the two-seat variant, which can be flown either by a single pilot or by a pilot and weapon systems officer (WSO) for complex missions and, someday, controlling collaborative combat aircraft. One reason for this decision is that only two–seat F-15 models remained in production.[6][7]

A F-15EX on the assembly line, July 2020

The USAF bought the F-15EX to maintain fleet size as F-22 production ended, the F-35 was delayed, and its F-15s aged. Although it is not expected to survive against modern air defenses by 2028, the F-15EX can perform homeland and airbase defense, enforce no-fly zones against limited air defenses, and deploy standoff weapons.[8] In July 2020, the U.S. Defense Department ordered eight F-15EXs over three years for $1.2 billion.[9][10] In August 2020, the USAF announced plans to replace F-15Cs of Air National Guard units in the Florida and Oregon with F-15EXs.[11] The F-15EX made its maiden flight on 2 February 2021.[12] The first F-15EX was delivered to the USAF in March 2021, and was flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for further testing.[13]

The first delivery of the F-15EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

On 7 April 2021, its official name Eagle II was announced.[14] The FY2021 defense appropriations bill funded F-15EX procurement at $1.23 billion for 12 aircraft, bringing total orders to 20 aircraft.[15] By May 2022, the USAF had ordered 144 F-15EXs. It has proposed reducing its orders to 80.[16] The first operational F-15EXs are not to receive conformal fuel tanks.[17] The Air Force's proposed budget for fiscal 2024 includes funds to buy 24 more F-15EXs,[18] which would bring the planned fleet up to 104 aircraft.[18] On 18 April 2023, the USAF announced that the California and Louisiana Air National Guards would replace their F-15C/D fleets with the F-15EX.[19] On 25 May 2023, it was announced that the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field ANGB, Oregon, would become a Formal Training Unit (FTU) for the F-35A rather than the F-15EX. Basic F-15 training, for both the F-15E and F-15EX, will instead take place at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, from 2026 onwards.[20]

Operational history

Potential operators

Israel

The Israeli Air Force ordered 25 F-15IA fighters and plans to upgrade 25 F-15Is to the F-15IA standard.[21]

Indonesia

In February 2022, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of up to 36 F-15IDs and related equipment to Indonesia.[22] As of 21 November 2022, Indonesia's planned purchase of F-15s is in advanced stages and awaiting final sign-off from the government, as stated by the Indonesian Minister of Defense. Speaking after meeting his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in Jakarta, Prabowo Subianto said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer proposed and he is confident the package is affordable.[23] In June 2023 during a Ministry of Defense press conference it was stated that the contract for the F-15 aircraft is still in the discussion stage with the U.S. government.[24] On 21 August 2023, Boeing and the Indonesian government signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 24 F-15EX fighters.[25]

Poland

At MSPO 2023 in September 2023, Boeing pitched the F-15EX to Poland.[26] However, there were no specifics on price or delivery.[27]

Thailand

The Royal Thai Air Force is seeking multirole fighters to replace the F-16A/Bs it has in service. On 31 December 2021, the RTAF Commander-in-chief announced that the Air Force proposes to buy 8 to 12 F-35 Lightning IIs in 2023. On 12 January 2022, the council of ministers approved the first batch of four F-35As.[28] On 22 May 2023, a Royal Thai Air Force source stated that the United States Department of Defense implied it will turn down Thailand's bid to buy F-35As, and instead offer F-16 Block 70 and F-15EX Eagle II fighters.[29]

Variants

F-15EX
Two-seat variant
F-15IA
The F-15IA (Israel Advanced) is a variant for the Israeli Air Force based on the F-15EX.[30] The Israel Defense Forces approved the plan to acquire 25 new-build F-15IA and upgrade 25 F-15Is to the F-15IA standard in February 2020.[30]
F-15IDN
The F-15IDN (formerly F-15ID) is a proposed export version of the F-15EX for the Indonesian Air Force.[25] In February 2022, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of up to 36 F-15IDs and related equipment to Indonesia worth around $13.9 billion.[22]

Operators

 United States

Specifications (F-15EX)

Data from Air and Space Forces Magazine,[35] USAF Flight Manual (TO 1F-15E-1),[36] General Electric[37][38]

General characteristics

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,434 kn (1,650 mph, 2,656 km/h) / Mach 2.5+ at high altitude
782 kn (900 mph; 1,448 km/h) / M1.2 at low altitude
  • Combat range: 687 nmi (791 mi, 1,272 km)
  • Ferry range: 2,100 nmi (2,400 mi, 3,900 km) with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
  • Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
  • g limits: +9
  • Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s) +
  • Thrust/weight: 0.93

Armament

Avionics

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-15EX.
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