Boeing F-15EX Aircraft Could Be the Game Changer for US Air Force
In the financial year 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced releasing the first installment of a $1.1 billion purchase of fighter F-15EX aircraft. With this budget the US Air Force will initially buy 144 planes, according to the plan.
The F-15EX is a next-gen aircraft based on the most modern eagles. F-15EXs would add radar and other subsystems, making the U.S. defense system unique around the world. Current F-15 aircraft also have stronger air frames and more advanced sensors, processors, and flight control systems in the U.S. fleet, but not as advance as that of F-15EX. According to Boeing, the F-15EX would have 70% of its parts as that of the existing U.S. F-15s.
At present the U.S. Air Force has 453 F-15s of all variants, the last of which was ordered in 2001. Since then, F-15s have been continuously produced for international customers like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.
Right now F-15EX is entering in production for Qatar, which first flew on April 14, 2020.
Why is the Air Force Requesting F-15EXs?
To fulfill the Air Force’s critical requirements, F-15EX is emerges as a cost effective ready solution to complement the USAF fleet. To strengthen the air combat, F-15EX has leveraged $5B+ in technology investments over the past decades and ensured that U.S. remains ahead of current and emerging threats. Boeing F-15EX delivers more payload, capacity, and higher range than any fighter in its class.
Cockpit System:
To enhance the pilot’s understanding of the surrounding environment, new 21st century cockpit systems provide real-time access to the battlefield information, reducing work load with speed decision making and mission management.
Improved Sensors:
Boeing claims that F-15EX improved sensors can provide aggregate sensor data for a 360-degree view of the battle space. Fuse on-board/off-board data enables sequence monitoring of multiple sensors/data sources.
Invincible Payload:
Weapons payload of F-15EX is unbeatable, it can carry up to 29,500 lbs. which is supported by 12 certified air-to-air hard points and 15 certified air-to-ground hard points.
Advanced Engines:
F-15EX have greater capabilities of acceleration with unrivaled speed. Robust twin engines enable the pilot to get to the target faster.
Enhanced Survivability:
Integrated electronic warfare suite improves the protection and enables dominant engagement of new and emerging threats. Fighter F-15EX will able to survive from modern integrated air defense systems and communicate with other sensors to deliver automated IR counter measures for enhanced survivability.
“Gen. James ‘Mike’ Holmes, head of Air Combat Command, told reporters in February that purchasing the F-15EX could be the ‘affordable answer’ to meeting the Air Force’s goal of acquiring 72 new fighter jets each year.”
Although the F-15EX aircraft could keep the U.S. Army readiness at a higher level and meet the capacity need for fourth generation platforms.
