Boeing’ s Robert Novotny, executive director of Fighters Business Development within the Air Dominance Division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is passionate about the Boeing F-15E, also known as the Eagle II.
He leads Boeing’ s customer outreach team for its global F-15 portfolio and has flown the aircraft for almost 30 years in the U. S. Air Force. Novotny said he has 2,500 hours in the F-15C / D aircraft and another 200 hours in the F-15E platforms. Novotny said,“ The F-15 has served our nation and several other allied nations for decades, with an unmatched air combat ratio of over 104 aerial victories to zero losses.”
McDonnell Douglas first manufactured the aircraft 50-plus years ago( Luke Air Force Base in Arizona took delivery in 1974), and sold it to Boeing in 1997.
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Over the years, the aircraft models have evolved from the A, B, C, D, E, and now the EX. Boeing notes each model’ s variants within customer groups in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Singapore, Korea, and Japan.
The F-15EX, the newest aircraft variant, has improved electronics, warfare system, and payload capacity. Boeing states,“ The F-15EX also includes structural improvements for extended life of airframe, digital flight controls for improved aircrew handling and safety, and we are investing in a path towards open mission systems architecture. Additionally, with MUM-T capabilities, the F-15EX can command the battlespace with an even greater strength than ever.”
Testing occurs at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and they participate in larger force exercises( LFEs).
Boeing is pleased with the initial testing and feels they are ahead of the game. They seek zero deficiencies in testing, but are prepared to note, evaluate, and upgrade systems post-testing.
Eglin Air Force Base( AFB), Maj. Nicholas Dona, 40 FLTS, said they have six F-15EX aircraft with jet deliveries to the Combat Air Force in progress. They declared the aircraft IOC for initial operating capability on July 10, 2024. The AFB considered why they flew it, mission usage, and key technology. They also discussed service hours and overall service on the AFB.
Eglin AFB Maj. Brett Hughes, 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron( TES)/ Operational Combined Test Program Combined Test Force( OFP CTF), stated that their experienced pilots have gone through“ conversion training” on the F-15EX.