Summary

  • F-15EX has 12 missile hard points, maximizing payload capacity and air superiority.
  • The precise targeting pod aids in combat reliability and extended standoff ranges.
  • Defense mechanisms like EPAWSS enhance survivability in highly contested environments.

The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest version of the iconic F-15 Strike Eagle, designed and developed by Boeing. Built to replace the aging F-15s, the aircraft provides a decent and economical alternative to the F-22 Raptors that the US government had planned to get. The type is expected to begin operational service in July.

1

12 missile hard points

It is 50% more than the original F-15

  • Air-to-air missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-260 JATM
  • Air-to-surface missiles: AGM-158 JASSM, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-183 ARRW
  • Bombs: GBU-31 or GBU-38 JDAM, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb

One way to determine the air superiority of a fighter jet is by its ability to carry payload, i.e. weaponry to enable power during combat missions. The F-15EX is equipped with 12 hard points for air-to-air missiles. That is four more than the previous F-15 aircraft.

An F-15EX takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in support of Northern Edge 2021.

Photo: USAF

In January 2023, the first two F-15EX aircraft were used for payload demonstration, particularly its missile carriage capacity and the ability to launch successfully. The F-15EX can carry a combination of air-to-surface missiles, bombs, and other compatible weaponry.

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2

A highly precise targeting pod

Identification, tracking, and guidance

  • Martin Marietta AN/AAS-13/14 LANTIRN
  • Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR pod
  • Lockheed Martin Legion Pod with AN/ASG-34(V)1 with Infrared Search and Track (IRST21) system.

The F-15EX Eagle II is equipped with a highly precise targeting pod, enabling the utmost combat reliability and target precision at different levels of flight. One of the two targeting pod options, the Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), is equivalent to that in the fifth-generation F-35 aircraft.

The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,

Photo: USAF

The efficient system provides positive target identification, global positioning system generation and coordination, autonomous tracking, and precise weapons guidance. The system supports extended standoff ranges, enabling high levels of air superiority compared to previous models.

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3

Defense mechanism

Several countermeasure systems

  • BAE Systems AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS)
  • Combined electronic warfare/electronic countermeasures system
  • BAE Systems AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System

The F-15EX’s air superiority is also measured by the defense mechanisms installed onboard the aircraft. The Eagle II is known for its state-of-the-art electronic systems used to deceive radar, sonar, and other detection systems by blocking targeting signatures and information of the aircraft.

F-15EX Eagle II

Photo: USAF | Simple Flying

According to Boeing,

“By redefining how to achieve and maintain a state of low detectability using innovative electronic warfare tools, the F-15EX does not sacrifice payload for survivability. It serves as a long-range standoff weapons system that is also capable of penetrating and surviving in highly contested environments.”

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4

Long-range shooting capability

Combat range: 687 NM (791 miles, 1,272 km)

  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.5, 1,650 mph (2,655 km/h) at high altitude
  • Ferry range: 2,100 NM (2,400 mi, 3,900 km) with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
  • Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
  • g limits: +9
  • Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s)

The F-15EX has the capability to shoot from a long range. Boeing states that the F-15EX can shoot farther than any other fighter in the United States Air Force (USAF), presenting a huge challenge for its adversaries. Even outside the threat rings, the aircraft’s high-precision equipment makes it much superior to its peers.

 F-15EXs to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base

Photo: US Air Force

With the unique capability of holding 12 large ordinances combined with its speed, range, and agility, the Eagle II can take part in any attack mission. The capabilities of the original 50-year-old F-15 led the company to not only release an advanced version but also offer numerous updates to existing F-15s.

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5

Continuously evolving superiority

Evolving at the speed of relevance

  • Length: 63 ft 9.6 in (19.446 m)
  • Wingspan: 42 ft 9.6 in (13.045 m)
  • Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
  • Empty weight: 34,600 lb (15,694 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,741 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofan
  • Thrust per engine: 17,155 lbf (76.31 kN) thrust each dry, 29,500 lbf (131 kN) with afterburner

The F-15EX’s open mission architecture allows it to evolve at the speed of relevance, particularly in light of current combat requirements and geopolitical situations worldwide. While its adversaries continue to advance, the F-15EX program remains one step ahead of the game.

A Boeing F-15EX Flying in the sky.

Photo: Boeing

According to Boeing,

“Representing the DoD’s first full-rate production program to implement Full Sized Determinant Assembly (FSDA), Boeing’s F-15EX enables rapid modernization to keep pace with adversary and technological maturation while also facilitating national sovereignty development by global allies.”

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What are your thoughts on the air superiority features of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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