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, LAD glass-cockpit with touch-screen interface, 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 29,500 lb payload (including two additional weapon stations), and lower operating costs than previous variants. The type also boasts the longest stand-off air-to-air engagement range of any fighter in the USAF inventory.
Due to insufficient F-22 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.
USAF awarded Boeing a $1.2 billion contract for the first eight new-build F-15EX on July 13, 2020. FY21 funded 12 aircraft and FY22 funded 12 airframes plus a congressional add of five aircraft. FY23 and FY24 fund 24 airframes to speed phase-out of the F-15C/D, though the Air Force now plans to purchase 104 aircraft rather than the originally planned 144.
The first aircraft was delivered to Eglin on March 11, 2021, and aircraft EX3 and EX4 arrived at Eglin a year late due to supply chain issues on Dec. 20, 2023. A further two airframes will round out the six-strong test fleet.
USAF must receive the first two operational aircraft slated for the ANG at Portland to meet its revised IOC target of July 2024, with the required 44-jet fleet for FOC planned for 2027. FY24 funds stand up depot maintenance, upgrade initial aircraft to operational standards, and buy initial conformal fuel tank sets.
Capability development includes IR Search and Track integration for discrete targeting, Auto Ground Collision Avoidance (AGCAS), ejection seat improvements, advanced INS/GPS, and improved mission planning/debrief.
The F-15EX completed combined developmental and operational testing in August 2023, participating in 19 Large Force Employment Exercises against fourth- and limited fifth-generation threats. Tests included AIM-9X and AIM-120 live fire as well as employment of SDB I, GBU-38 JDAM, and JASSM. Testers are currently evaluating the aircraft’s self-defensive capabilities ahead of Full Operational Testing and Evaluation (FOT&E) which will evaluate the aircraft against more capable fifth-generation threats in complex scenarios.
USAF announced plans to replace legacy F-15s at Fresno and New Orleans as well as backfilling Kadena with a permanent force of 36 F-15EX.
Contractors: Boeing; BAE Systems (EPAWSS); Raytheon (AESA).
First Flight: Feb. 2, 2021.
Delivered: Mar. 11, 2021-present.
IOC: July 2023 (originally planned).
Production: 104 (planned)
Inventory: Two.
Operator: ACC, AFMC. Planned: ANG.
Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla. Planned: Fresno ANGB, Calif.; Kadena AB, Japan; Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field); NAS JRB New Orleans, La.; 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.