F-15X: USAF Seems Interested

madrat · by **madrat** » 01 Aug 2020, 22:23

I still think you either rebuild F-15C or you stick to using the existing -E and upgrade some of them. There is no room for -EX. The whole -EX is nonsensical. I'd rather they stick to F-35 and replace F-15C with it for now. B-21 should reduce need for -E where it can move to ANG.

Corsair1963 · by **Corsair1963** » 03 Aug 2020, 03:54

Still don't see the F-15EX's lasting to long. As the US is ready to past another Cov-19 bill spending trillions more. So, sooner or later defense cuts will happen. Then something is going to have to give...

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 03 Aug 2020, 04:34

EX1 - 40 FLTS
EX2 - 85 TES

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display ... or-f-15ex/

Contract J&A per attached.

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 03 Aug 2020, 06:20

The goal of the integrated DT and OT is to ensure the EX meets the needs of the warfighter in its intended operational environment. This enables Eglin AFB’s testers to highlight any system issues early, so they can be fixed before the F-15EX’s increased production and ultimate delivery to the squadrons. The initial phase of tests will take approximately a year and a half.

A year and half for the initial phase of testing?!

Corsair1963 · by **Corsair1963** » 03 Aug 2020, 06:30

The problem is two fold for the F-15EX.

One, it will come on line slowly and the type will become more and more dated as time passes. Two, the US Defense Budget is likely to face substantial budget cuts during the same time period.

In a battle between buying more F-35's or F-15EX's the choice is obvious.

Of course one big factor is who will be in the White House Trump or Biden....

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 03 Aug 2020, 07:30

marauder2048 wrote:
The goal of the integrated DT and OT is to ensure the EX meets the needs of the warfighter in its intended operational environment. This enables Eglin AFB’s testers to highlight any system issues early, so they can be fixed before the F-15EX’s increased production and ultimate delivery to the squadrons. The initial phase of tests will take approximately a year and a half.

A year and half for the initial phase of testing?!

That's ~150 test sorties with 1 plane.

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 03 Aug 2020, 09:06

weasel1962 wrote:
marauder2048 wrote:
The goal of the integrated DT and OT is to ensure the EX meets the needs of the warfighter in its intended operational environment. This enables Eglin AFB’s testers to highlight any system issues early, so they can be fixed before the F-15EX’s increased production and ultimate delivery to the squadrons. The initial phase of tests will take approximately a year and a half.

A year and half for the initial phase of testing?!

That's ~150 test sorties with 1 plane.

Except the total test fleet size is supposed to be 6 aircraft.

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 03 Aug 2020, 09:27

More likely 8 but the next 6 will only come FY 23. So its only those 2 until then.

Scorpion1alpha · by **Scorpion1alpha** » 03 Aug 2020, 12:24

The small amount of aircraft available for testing and the fact they're testing (several) new stuff that has never been in an Eagle before makes an 18 month timeline reasonable.

I'm looking forward to having the EX in our inventory. It clearly won't be your Daddy's Eagle.

mixelflick · by **mixelflick** » 03 Aug 2020, 13:22

Earlier, USAF reasoned the following...

"The USAF estimates that it will take six months or less to transition from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX given the significant commonality between the F-15C/D and F-15EX aircraft components and ground support equipment, while the transition time from F-15s to the F-35 (or any other airframe) will take approximately 18 months for an Active Duty squadron and 36 months for an Air National Guard squadron.."

And yet, has anyone taken into consideration this 18 month EX "testing period"? Because when you add that, the earliest new EX units will be ready is... 24 months. Which is 6 months LONGER than it'll take an active duty F-15C squadron to transition to... brand new F-35's.

What am I missing?

charlielima223 · by **charlielima223** » 03 Aug 2020, 13:40

What I dont get is this need for testing and validating the F-15EX. From my understanding the EX is heavily based on the F-15SA and QA, both of which are validated and production systems/platforms. What about Japan's recent contract to upgrade their existing F-15Js that appear to put them close to the EX in some respects. Would that have an impact on the EX at all?

https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/07/29 ... -upgrades/

Boeing claims that the Japan Super Interceptor configuration will “introduce state-of-the-art electronic warfare and weapons”, with the implementation of an “all-new advanced cockpit system, running on the world’s most advanced mission computer” that will enhance pilot situational awareness.

While the configuration of the Japan Super Interceptor has yet to be finalized (cockpit upgrades were not previously stated to be part of the program), the modernization program previously approved called for the procurement of 103 Raytheon APG-82(v)1 active electronically scanned array radars, 116 Boeing Advanced Display Core Processor II mission system computers, and 101 BAE Systems ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare Systems for the F-15Js to be upgraded.

Im not saying that the F-35 isnt the better option, I am just questioning all the hold up at this point. If they really wanted and without this virus that originated in China, they could've had F-15EXs entering service earlier this year.

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 03 Aug 2020, 16:43

Scorpion1alpha wrote:The small amount of aircraft available for testing and the fact they're testing (several) new stuff that has never been in an Eagle before makes an 18 month timeline reasonable.

For comparison, the total size of the Super Hornet test fleet was seven aircraft vs. (at least) six for F-15EX.

mixelflick · by **mixelflick** » 04 Aug 2020, 14:39

marauder2048 wrote:
Scorpion1alpha wrote:The small amount of aircraft available for testing and the fact they're testing (several) new stuff that has never been in an Eagle before makes an 18 month timeline reasonable.

For comparison, the total size of the Super Hornet test fleet was seven aircraft vs. (at least) six for F-15EX.

What new stuff that's never been in an Eagle before?

My understanding is the engine, radar, FBW, weapons stations 1-9 and presumably all air to air weapons the EX will be using have all flown on the F-15SA. I did read the new, low profile HUD will be going into the QA so... is that one of them? The EPAWS was something that I thought was already flying on the F-15E?

I know the EX will be even more advanced than the QA, but what that entails I'm apparently not familiar with. Can you give us some insight??

talkitron · by **talkitron** » 04 Aug 2020, 16:01

EPAWSS is the only system I personally know that is going on the F-15EX and that is not on the F-15QA.

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 04 Aug 2020, 16:26

talkitron wrote:EPAWSS is the only system I personally know that is going on the F-15EX and that is not on the F-15QA.

The J&A estimated 90% commonality with the F-15QA. But if the last 10% drives most of the complexity...

And I'm sure all of those Saudi test points with SLAM-ER, Harpoon and HARM are of no use for the USAF.

This is looking no different to the protracted C-130J DT/OT&E except there's a more sophsiticated OFP
combined with a more sophisticated EW system.