Maj. Dona said their missions with the aircraft include“ any mission traditionally performed by the F-15C or F-15E, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and close air support mission sets. The F-15EX is currently being tested to meet emerging mission sets combining new technology and integrated weapons to bring critical combat capability to the warfighter.”
Maj. Megan Scheele, 40 FLTS, also stationed at Eglin AFB, said the F-15EX’ s greatest strengths are,“… its exceptional firepower and versatility. It boasts the largest weapons capacity of any U. S. fighter, carrying 12 missiles, 50 percent more than previous F-15 variants. In addition to being an air-to-air powerhouse, the F-15EX can carry a wide complement of longrange standoff weapons while enabling an impressive long-range strike capability.”
She added that she is impressed with the new technology in the aircraft, including the“ more powerful General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, complete digital flight control system, brand new Eagle Passive / Active Warning and Survivability System( EPAWSS) defensive suite and powerful APG-82 radar.”
Boeing said that they are working on“… Manned and Unmanned Teaming( MUM-T) with Collaborative Combat Aircraft( CCA), and because of its range, payload, and speed attributes, we expect the EX to lead the way on Long Range Kill Chain( LRKC) missions as well. Which means‘ holding targets in enemy territory at risk from great distances.’”
The aircraft flies with a two-seat configuration, which allows for a mission manager. They added that the two-seat configuration“ … primarily enhances situational awareness and battlefield command capabilities while enabling seamless cooperation with collaborative combat aircraft / unmanned platforms.”
12 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS