F-15EX

Abstract

A refresh of the F-15C/D fleet is critical to maintaining combat viability (lethality, survivability, and supportability) in support of the 2018 National Defense Strategy. Older F-15C/D aircraft will be replaced to maintain a viable mix of 4th and 5th-generation fighters for the next 20+ years. The F-15EX will be based on the 2-seat F-15QA (Qatar) configuration upgraded with USAF only capabilities, including the Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) and the Suite 9.1 Operational Flight Program (OFP) software. With two seats, it will be multirole-capable and operable by one or two aircrew. Many F-15C/Ds are beyond their service life and have serious structural risks, wire chafing issues, and obsolete parts. Readiness goals are unachievable due to continuous structural inspections, time-consuming repairs, and on-going modernization efforts. The average F-15C/D is 36 years old with over 8,400 flight hours; the oldest F-15C was delivered in 1979. Logistics, maintenance, and training activities will heavily leverage existing the F-15 infrastructure. Funds may be used to manufacture aircraft, support equipment, and initial spares to support test activities; integrate hardware and software subsystems; upgrade training systems and systems integration labs; develop training materials and technical manuals; pursue other non-recurring engineering activities to reduce integration risks, ramp up the production line capacity, prepare for flight testing, and investigate technology insertion opportunities; resolve Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMSMS) and/or obsolescence issues; fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness; and cover other related requirements to manufacture and sustain the test aircraft. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver F-15 weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
670131_0207146F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

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