Meet the F-15EX Eagle II Fighter
The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez)
The US Air Force’s F-15EX, the Eagle II, is the latest iteration of the iconic F-15 Eagle Mission Design Series and the newest addition to the US Air Force fighter inventory, redefining its role in the modern fight as a forward-edge battle manager, quarterbacking the air superiority pulse.
Many experts argue that while not a stealth fighter, it would give Russia or China trouble in any combat scenario.
The F-15EX is the most advanced variant of the multirole, all-weather, and day-and-night-capable F-15 aircraft family, featuring affordability, speed, range, heavy-weapon payload capacity, a digital backbone, and an open architecture.
The F-15EX provides the capability to carry a large number of missiles in support of the F-35 Lightning, as well as to deliver firepower for destroying threats detected by the F-35 during combat operations.
However, the 4th-generation fighter still lacks stealth capability and will have to remain, for the most part, outside enemy airspace until overcoming defenses.
Initially, the Air Force didn’t want the F-15EX model, following a policy since 2004 not to buy any “new-old” airplanes and concentrate on fifth-generation machines.
However, the Air Force never received the 381 F-22s it had planned to replace its F-15C/D models and carry out the air superiority mission through 2040; ultimately, it received only 186 Raptors due to the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Here are eight key facts about the F-15EX.
Modernized Avionics and Sensors
A F-15EX assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies behind a KC-135 assigned to the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2021. In-air refueling allows fighter aircraft to stay airborne for longer periods of time without having to land to refuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Mary Begy)
The F-15EX features a modernized avionics suite. The advanced radar systems and state-of-the-art avionics, including the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS), a new advanced electronic warfare suite, allow the F-15EX to operate in highly contested airspace.
Just a year ago, Boeing secured a $61 million upgrade for the avionics package of the F-15EX, which will enhance the F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ACDP II) to Full Rate Production 1.
Open Mission Systems (OMS)
Image Credit: US Air Force.
The F-15EX Open Mission System (OMS) suite enables rapid upgrades and enhanced capabilities for the F-15EX fighter jet. This includes features like advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and a powerful radar.
The OMS architecture also enables the F-15EX to act as a networked battlespace manager, facilitating rapid integration with other aircraft and systems.
Enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW)
An F-15E Strike Eagle stands static on the flightline before morning takeoffs at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 5, 2021. The 48th Fighter Wing conducts daily flying operations in order to ensure the Liberty Wing can deliver unique air combat capabilities when called upon by its NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Madeline Herzog)
The F-15EX features an enhanced electronic warfare system known as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS). EPAWSS is an all-digital radar warning, geolocation, and situational awareness platform designed to detect and counter threats in dense, contested electromagnetic environments.
It provides radio frequency (RF) electronic countermeasures (ECM) and is smaller and lighter than previous EW systems.
Increased Weapons Capability
F-15EX Eagle II. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The F-15EX “weapons truck” can carry a larger payload of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and hypersonic weapons. The F-15EX has an expanded missile carriage capacity of 12 air-to-air missiles, compared to the standard F-15 aircraft’s eight air-to-air missile capacity, or it can carry 12 air-to-surface missiles.
It can launch a hypersonic missile up to 22ft long, providing an advantage in future near-peer conflicts. A single pilot can operate the aircraft, and it has a payload capacity of 13,300kg. It will also be able to operate with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) uncrewed “loyal wingman” aircraft.
Longer Range and Endurance
F-15EX Eagle II’s from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, both out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly in formation during aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 370th Flight Test Squadron out of Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 14. The Eagle II’s participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
With conformal fuel tanks and external fuel tanks, the F-15EX offers a significant range advantage, allowing for longer-duration missions. Its ferry range increased to 2,992 miles from 2,400. Its combat range is 792 miles.
Networked Battlespace Manager
An F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to the 142nd Wing, taxis on the flightline before take-off during the official Unveiling Ceremony for the new fighter jet at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on July 12, 2024. The 142nd Wing will be replacing the F-15 C/D model Eagles with the new F-15EX Eagle II models. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
The F-15EX can act as a networked battlespace manager, sensing, passing, and targeting information for enhanced situational awareness and coordination. The F-15EX’s role as a networked battlespace manager, particularly with its CCA integration, represents a significant advancement in capability.
Two-Seat Configuration
Lt. Col. Richard Turner, 40th Flight Test Squadron commander, pilots the F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th FLTS and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
The F-15EX features a two-seat cockpit that enhances its capability to serve as a command and control node in future high-end combat scenarios.
This configuration enables a dedicated weapons systems operator (WSO) to oversee operations, providing crucial support as threats and missions become increasingly complex.
Traditionally filled by a WSO, this role can adapt to address emerging challenges, evolving into that of an operator and battlespace manager. This flexibility positions the F-15EX as a vital asset in modern air warfare.
More Cost-Effective Solution
Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire, 40th Flight Test Squadron, marshals the F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, to a stop at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. March 11, 2021. The F-15EX will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
The F-15EX is a cost-effective choice for modernizing fighter fleets, particularly compared to developing entirely new aircraft or upgrading older models.
It leverages the existing F-15 production infrastructure, resulting in lower procurement costs and potentially lower maintenance and operational costs. While the F-15EX’s unit price (around $80 million) has lower flight hour costs of $27,000 per flight hour rather than the F-35’s $35,000 per hour.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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