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 is 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 F-15 Operational Flight Program (OFP) software. With two seats, it is multirole-capable and operable by one or two aircrew. F-15EX logistics, maintenance, and training will heavily leverage the existing F-15 infrastructure. F-15EX's will replace F-15C/D aircraft, many of which are beyond their service life and have serious structures risks, wire chafing issues, and obsolete parts. The average F-15C/D is 38 years old and approaching the end of its safe service life; the oldest F-15C was delivered in 1979. Readiness goals are unachievable due to continuous structural inspections, time-consuming repairs, and on-going modernization efforts. 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 and cybersecurity risks, ramp up the production line capacity, prepare for and conduct ground and flight testing, and pursue technology insertion opportunities; resolve Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and/or obsolescence issues; fulfill Federal Aviation Administration 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 emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver F-15EX for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY 2021 $5.779M was expended and in FY 2022 $8.412M was forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. The total cost of the F-15EX Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $2,762.3 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. F-15EX is not fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. The Department of the Air Force is assessing all options to address the funding shortfalls for MTA programs including additional funding in a future budget request, performance trades based on technical maturity, or transition to alternative pathways. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 670131_0207146F_7_3600_PB_2023
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