Boeing F-15EX Eagle II EX3 takes first flight test before delivery to US Air Force.

On November 1, Boeing tweeted a short video showing its F-15EX EX3's first flight test before delivery to US Air Force. The F-15EX is a ready-now replacement for the F-15C that includes a best-in-class payload, range and speed. This is an aircraft with a digital backbone, open system architecture and the capacity to carry hypersonic weapons, making it a key element of the U.S. Air Force’s tactical fighter fleet.

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Flight test of F-15EX Eagle II (Picture source: Boeing)

The Boeing F-15EX, known as the Eagle II represents the pinnacle of the F-15 lineage, meticulously engineered to meet the contemporary demands of air superiority and strike missions. With an airframe spanning 63.8 feet in length, a wingspan of 42.8 feet, and a height of 18.5 feet, it's a formidable presence. Its empty weight rests at around 31,700 pounds, but it can reach a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 81,000 pounds.

Powering this aircraft are two Pratt & Whitney F100-229 turbofan engines, each churning out 29,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner engaged. In terms of performance, it can attain speeds of approximately Mach 2.5, translating to 1,650 mph or 2,655 km/h at altitude. The F-15EX boasts a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, making it a formidable presence even when relying solely on internal fuel. With a service ceiling exceeding 65,000 feet, it can operate comfortably at high altitudes while maneuvering with a G-load limit of +9/-3.5 G.

In the realm of avionics and sensors, the F-15EX shines. It features a state-of-the-art avionics suite, incorporating advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated mission systems for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar significantly bolsters its detection and tracking capabilities. Moreover, advanced communication and data-sharing systems augment situational awareness and ensure seamless interoperability with other aircraft and ground stations.

Armament-wise, the F-15EX is a formidable force, capable of carrying a vast array of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, including AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs, and more. Its numerous weapon stations and substantial payload capacity enable it to configure various lethal armament combinations.

The cockpit of the F-15EX is a haven of advanced displays and controls, featuring a wide-area cockpit display and a digital fly-by-wire system, ensuring the pilot can efficiently manage the aircraft's systems and sensors.

What sets the F-15EX apart is its future service in the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed with modernization in mind, this aircraft extends its service life and maintains its effectiveness in the rapidly evolving operational landscape. Its multirole capabilities excel in both air superiority and ground attack missions, cementing its position as a versatile platform ready to engage a wide spectrum of threats.

Powering this aircraft are two Pratt & Whitney F100-229 turbofan engines, each churning out 29,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner engaged. In terms of performance, it can attain speeds of approximately Mach 2.5, translating to 1,650 mph or 2,655 km/h at altitude (Picture source: Boeing)