The skies above the United States are set to become the proving ground for the newest avian predator in the Air Force’s arsenal: the F-15EX Eagle II.

This state-of-the-art fighter jet, developed by Boeing, represents the latest evolution of the F-15 Eagle Mission Design Series, a storied lineage that has patrolled the heavens since its inception.

The latest iteration of this fighter represents the most sophisticated version within the F-15 aircraft family, equipped for multirole operations in all weather conditions, day or night.

It boasts attributes such as cost-effectiveness, high speed, extensive range, substantial capacity for heavy weapon payloads, a digital infrastructure, and an open architecture design.

The F-15EX enhances the ability to transport a substantial quantity of missiles to assist the F-35 aircraft and deliver firepower to eliminate identified threats identified by the F-35 during combat missions.

The journey of the F-15EX began in 2019 when the Air Force initiated the acquisition process.

By the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020, the program was in full stride, with Boeing landing a hefty $1.2 billion contract to deliver the first eight jets.

The first two jets of this batch have since landed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, showcasing an expanded missile capacity of 12 air-to-air missiles over the standard F-15’s eight, and igniting the anticipation of air crews and military tech enthusiasts alike.

Designed to complement the stealthy F-35, the Eagle II is equipped with the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), bolstering electronic warfare capabilities to both the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II aircraft.

Packed with a digital backbone, open architecture, and advanced systems such as the APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, this jet is not only formidable but also future-proof, ready to integrate emergent technologies seamlessly.

The state-of-the-art twin-seater fighter aircraft measures 19.45 meters in length, 13.05 meters in width, and 5.64 meters in height.

With an empty weight of 14,500 kilograms, the aircraft can reach a maximum take-off weight of 37,000 kilograms.

Powered by two thrusty F110-GE-129 engines, it can soar at blistering speeds up to Mach 2.5.

This is the world’s fastest jet, capable of wielding hypersonic weapons and a full complement of 13,300kg in payload.

The reach of the F-15EX has extended to international allies, with confirmed plans to sell 36 jets to Indonesia as part of a $13.9 billion deal, and a potential offering to Poland under the US Department of Defense foreign military sales program.

Relevant articles:
– F-15EX Fighter Jet, US, airforce-technology.com
– F-15EX Delivery To Operational Units Nears With Maiden Flight Of First Jet Destined To 142nd FW, The Aviationist
– First of new $95 million fighter jets arrives in Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting – OPB
– Boeing’s F-15EX First Flight Clears Path for Deliveries to U.S. Air Force, I-Connect007