Thanks for the article Mike. I have seen a few variations of the F15 over the years here at Ellington Field near my home here in Texas. Never ceases to amaze me.
The old PW-220 "F-15Es" are pretty much worn out, and the GE-129 "F-15Es" have been rode hard. The USAF needs to fully replace both with the new "EXs", and put the GE-129 F-15E into the USAF Reserve.
The author briefly mentions the new F-15EX Eagle II.
The F-15EX has so far impressed in simulated combat, even against fifth-generation threats, although new enemy long-range missiles could prove a challenge.
Note: I don't know why DOT&E says "the F-15EX has only “a limited capability to employ precision-guided, air-to-surface munitions", because it can use every A2S munition that the legacy F-15E does, and has for decades. Including the new AGM-158C LRASM. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-158C_LRASM
The F-15EX has so far impressed in simulated combat, even against fifth-generation threats, although new enemy long-range missiles could prove a challenge. The F-15EX has so far impressed in simulated combat, even against fifth-generation threats, although new enemy long-range missiles could...
An F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to the 142nd Wing, taxis on the flight line before take-off during the official Unveiling Ceremony for the new fighter jet at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on July 12, 2024.
An F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to the 142nd Wing, takes off during the official Unveiling Ceremony for the new fighter jet at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on July 12, 2024. The 142nd …
The Redhawks of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing are the first in the country to receive the new AN/APG-82-equipped F-15EX Eagle II and they were unveiled to the public last week. The all…
The last I knew the F15 has a won/lost record of 99/0 but I think there are a few more wins since then and still zero losses. They've put maybe trillions of dollars into "advanced" weapons systems but I don't know exactly how you advance from 99/0. Add some A-10's to cover ground troops and it's a really really bad day for enemies.