The F-15EX Eagle II is making waves as Boeing races to meet surging demand, with Israel recently ordering 50 units in a massive $20 billion deal.¹ As the newest member of the legendary F-15 family, which boasts an undefeated 104-0 kill ratio in air-to-air combat, the Eagle II represents a fascinating blend of proven design and cutting-edge technology.
These are 11 of the reasons why this fighter is so remarkable.
1. Record-Breaking Speed Demon
Capable of reaching Mach 2.5 (about 1,650 mph), the F-15EX holds the title of world’s fastest active fighter jet. With a combat radius of 800 miles, it can strike deep into enemy territory while maintaining impressive loiter time.
2. Arsenal on Wings
Sporting 12 missile hardpoints, the Eagle II can carry an astounding 30,000 pounds of weapons – nearly half the payload capacity of the massive B-52 Stratofortress bomber. The aircraft can be configured to carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles when using the proposed AMBER rack system. (ref)
3. Revolutionary Electronic Warfare
The Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) gives the F-15EX advanced electronic warfare capabilities, allowing it to deceive radar and sonar while maintaining full weapons capacity. The system completed operational testing in April 2024.
4. Digital Brain Upgrade
Featuring an open systems architecture and advanced cockpit with touchscreen interfaces, the F-15EX incorporates digital fly-by-wire controls – a first for any USAF F-15. This modern backbone enables rapid software updates and future capability enhancements.
5. Historic Guard Deployment
Making history in June 2024, the Oregon Air National Guard became the first Guard unit to receive a new weapons system before active-duty forces. (ref) The 142nd Wing will eventually operate 18 F-15EXs.
6. Drone Commander Potential
While designed to operate with a single pilot, the second seat enables future roles like coordinating unmanned combat aircraft. Boeing is exploring using the F-15EX as a control platform for drone swarms.
Recent simulations have demonstrated successful control of up to six autonomous drones simultaneously.
7. Extended Service Life
Built with a revised structure, the F-15EX boasts a service life of 20,000 flight hours. The airframe incorporates lessons learned from decades of F-15 operations and improvements.
Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques reduce maintenance requirements by 50% compared to legacy F-15s.
8. Advanced Targeting
Equipped with the APG-82 AESA radar and Legion Pod with IRST21 infrared search and track sensor, the Eagle II can detect and engage threats passively without emitting detectable radar signals.
9. Multi-Mission Flexibility
Beyond air superiority, the F-15EX can serve as an electronic warfare platform, missile truck for stealth fighters, and potentially even a tactical refueling tanker. This versatility helps justify its $80-90 million price tag.
10. Production Powerhouse
Manufactured at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, the F-15EX has attracted international interest with Indonesia planning to acquire 24 aircraft. The USAF plans to purchase at least 98 units.
11. Rapid Integration
Unlike other new fighters that require years of transition time, units can convert from older F-15s to the EX variant in just months, thanks to commonality in ground equipment and basic flight characteristics.
Source:
1. Defense and Security Monitor
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
