F-15

Abstract

These development efforts include F-15 Radar Enhancements Electronic Protection (EP) capabilities, Operational Flight Program (OFP) upgrades, Flight Testing, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Technical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS)and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO(SATURN). Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. The Radar Enhancements (EP) will upgrade the digital Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar capabilities to counter sophisticated electronic threats. Prior OFP's introduced EP into the C/D-model fleet. Initial EP capability for APG-82(V)1 equipped E model aircraft took place in Suite 8E. Suite 9 and beyond will add additional EP capability to both the F-15E and F-15C. For the F-15 to maintain operational effectiveness, the program must continuously provide the platforms with improved capabilities. To accomplish this there is an on-going need to develop software and hardware upgrades and to flight test new capabilities and systems. The OFP funding line is transiting the Air Force to an annual software release to counter the speed of technology and maintain a competitive advantage. Additionally, the OFP provides the path for integration for other activities into operations. At any one time, there will normally be three OFP upgrades in work: one in requirements definition/pricing, one in code writing and test, and one in flight test and release preparation. The Flight Test funding line allows the Air Force to fund the on-going test effort. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system will provide air to air detection, tracking and ranging capability for F-15C/D in a radar-contested environment. Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO(SATURN) will provide Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capable Air Force F-15C/D/E aircraft the ability to communicate on the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation in support of a NORTHCOM Airspace Control Alert (ACA) requirement. SATURN will replace the Have Quick II and comply with the NSA lease key mandated dates. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) provides Air Traffic Control position and other secondary surveillance data and must be installed on all CONUS aircraft by 2020 IAW FAA mandate. Data Transfer Module II (DTM II) is an upgraded replacement for the obsolete and outdated data transfer device currently in the F-15. DTM is 30 years old and out of storage capacity. DTM II will provide improved mission planning capability, updated interfaces, replace an aging map system, and meet growing security requirements. Advanced Crew Station contains high resolution digital color large area displays; these will replace the current antiquated monochrome displays. These upgraded displays enable accurate distinction and identification of targets, decrease risk of frat/missed targeting, and enable full utilization of radar capability that significantly enhances situational awareness. ALQ-128a will replace the legacy ALC-128 design and includes development and integration of a re-designed ALQ-128a Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS). 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. Funding supports procurement of two (2) F-15EX aircraft and associated support equipment, training system upgrades and materials, depot stand-up planning, initial spares, and other related items to manufacture the aircraft, provide operational conversion (from F-15C/D to F-15EX) support, and meet logistics and sustainment requirements. 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 676020_0207134F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy
• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
• Space