F-15EX is the most advanced Eagle variant based on the F-15QA as a replacement for the legacy F-15C/D.
The Eagle II is the first USAF F-15 to boast digital fly-by-wire flight controls, Large Area Display (LAD) glass-cockpit, and incorporate APG-82 AESA radar, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and EPAWSS self-defensive suite from the outset. The aircraft pioneers Open Mission System (OMS) software to enable rapid upgrades and capability enhancement, as well as the latest Suite 9.1 software in common with upgraded legacy aircraft.
F-15EX promises higher speed, longer range, increased payload (including two additional weapon stations), and lower operating costs than previous variants. Due to insufficient FY22 procurement, the F-15C/D fleet has continued flying beyond its designed service life, posing a serious risk of structural failure. Similar infrastructure, support, and training requirements will permit existing F-15 units to quickly transition to the F-15EX.
The F-15EX incorporates two-seats enabling future crew/mission expansion. FY21 efforts focus on integrating F-15EX-unique software into the next Suite 9.2 build, ramping up production capability, preparing the two initial aircraft for flight testing, and continuing capability enhancement such as passive IRST targeting for highly contested engagements.
USAF awarded Boeing a $1.2 billion contract for the first eight of up to 144 new-build F-15EX on July 13, 2020, and FY21 funds procure an additional 12 aircraft. Two aircraft are slated for delivery in FY21, followed by six more in 2023, and upwards of 76 over the next five years.
Aircraft serial number 20-0001 made the type’s first flight from St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport on Feb. 2 and was delivered to Eglin Mar. 11. The first jet will conduct accelerated developmental testing with AFMC while the second will fly operational tests with ACC.
Contractors: Boeing; BAE Systems (EPAWSS); Raytheon (AESA).
First Flight: Feb. 2, 2021.
Delivered: Mar. 11, 2021-present.
IOC: 2023 (planned).
Production: Two.
Inventory: N/A.
Operator: ACC, AFMC. Planned: ANG.
Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla. Planned: Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field) and Portland Arpt., Ore.
Active Variant: •F-15EX. Future F-15C/D replacement based on the F-15QA developed for Qatar.
Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.5 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 81,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two General Electric F100-PW-229 turbofans with afterburners, each 29,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, range approx. 2,762 miles (air refuelable).
Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (500 rd); combination of up to 12 AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or combination of up to 24 air-to-ground munitions.
Accommodation: Pilot and (optional) second aircrew member on ACES 5 zero/zero ejection seats.