Automation of onboard functions will also figure into reducing pilot workload and reduce reaction times against threats. Additionally, survivability will be enhanced by way of an integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) suite to better protect against active search, tracking, and engaging radar / missile systems. The cockpit is set to feature large color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) with touchscreen capability and these will be a critical part of the aircraft, providing pertinent mission information to the pilot for enhanced situational awareness. up to 80% of the original F-15 will be retained and up to 90% of the same support equipment will be reusable in the new design - driving procurement and maintenance costs down considerably. A tricycle undercarriage (retractable) will continue to be featured for ground-running operations. The EX-model will bring about all of the inherent benefits of the agile, versatile, and supersonic Eagle fighter with all-new capabilities added that will further broaden the battlefield reach of this fine fighter.Įxternally, the new aircraft retains the same form-and-function of its predecessors including its single-seat cockpit set aft of a radar-housing nosecone assembly, side-mounted intakes aspirating the side-by-side engine pairing, shoulder-mounted mainplanes, and twin vertical tail fins. Since it is based on the proven framework of the existing F-15, the aircraft will see an expedited development phase in which first-forms will be delivered to the USAF as soon as 2021 for formal evaluation. The EX-model is set to feature next-generation systems, components, and onboard technologies to meet current and near-future battlefield threats around the world. The product is, itself, an evolution of the earlier F-15X (detailed elsewhere on this site) in which an advanced single-seat version of the twin-seat F-15QA (36 units currently destined for the Qatari Air Force) was developed as a successor to their F-15C and F-15D models in service. The F-15EX is being marketed by Boeing as an economical, capable aircraft-hunting platform complete with support for new-generation hypersonic weapons. The F-15E 'Strike Eagle', as its name would suggest, was developed (from the two-seat form) with a focus on precision ground attack. Japan operates the type as the F-15J and its trainer counterpart as the F-15DJ. In time, the line was expanded to include twin-seat trainer B-models followed by improved F-15C (single-seat) and D-model (twin-seat) aircraft. The EX-model is a further evolution of the line that began in the 1970s with the original production A-models.

The single-seat, twin-engine fighter is a mainstay in the USAF inventory (along with the lightweight Lockheed F-16 'Fighting Falcon') with a long and storied history and unparalleled combat record to boot. Since the F-15 remains in widespread service with the USAF, an evolved form of this same platform was selected as a bridging solution. This gap emerged after the early termination of Lockheed F-22 'Raptor' 5th Generation Fighters and emerging delays within the Lockheed F-35 'Lightning II' Strike Fighter program, resulting in a need for an all-modern combat aircraft to be had at a manageable cost. The modern United States Air Force (USAF) finds itself in need of fulfilling a 144-strong fighter gap and the advanced Boeing 'F-15EX' has been selected to fill the requirement.

F 15ex cockpit