The modernized F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet in its final configuration made its first flight
Boeing is preparing to deliver the first F-15EX Eagle II fighter in its final configuration. The aircraft recently made its debut flight.
Experts from the US Air Force and Boeing are studying the data obtained during the operational testing of the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet. The information will allow us to make a decision on the full-scale production phase. This is expected to be done by the end of this year.
The #F15EX completes structural and vibration testing – literally shaking up the aircraft – to simulate flight conditions and verify that the airframe and its systems will respond appropriately. Next up ➡️ flight tests. pic.twitter.com/PjEgzrGFFt
– Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) October 26, 2023
The US Air Force has two F-15EX Eagle II test fighters. They are built on the basis of aircraft for the Royal Bahrain Air Force. Boeing plans to deliver the first six fighter jets in their final configuration to the customer by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Four of them will go to Florida, and two more will go to Oregon.
The F-15EX is an important but expensive program of the US Air Force. Recently it became known that the average cost of one aircraft of the first batch will be $90 million, which means it will be $7.5 million more expensive than the F-35A Lightning II.
The modernized fighter has already demonstrated the ability to carry three JASSM missiles and a dozen AMRAAM missiles. In addition, in the future, F-15EX aircraft may become carriers of hypersonic weapons.
Initially, the US Air Force wanted to buy 144 aircraft. The plan was later cut to 80 units. The military service is currently planning to buy 104 fighter jets. It is possible that this figure will change in one direction or another.
