Boeing’s F-15 work for Saudi Arabia is showing that the F-15 design has a great deal of life in it, according to company officials who briefed reporters in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday. The Saudis are acquiring new-build F-15s in the “SA” configuration and also upgrading F-15s already in their inventory to that standard. In addition to advanced electronically scanned array radars, the new F-15s will feature digital fly-by-wire technology, which is not available on earlier Eagle variants, said Steve Winkler, director of Boeing’s F-15 business development. This includes the Air Force’s F-15Cs. FBW allows for greater control and maneuvering of the aircraft and the ability to utilize weapons stations one and nine—hard points previously not utilized due to flight-control concerns, according to the company. This means four more air-to-air or two additional air-to-ground carriage points for the fighter. F-15SA deliveries are slated to begin in 2015. Winkler noted during the May 29 briefing that there are several other unidentified foreign nations interested in the advanced F-15 variant.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
