F-15EX Eagle II.

Technical Data

• Design,

  The F-15EX is structurally derived from the F-15E Strike Eagle but incorporates numerous enhancements. It features a reinforced airframe with a 20,000-hour service life, a redesigned wing structure, and a digital fly-by-wire control system replacing the earlier hybrid design. This system not only eliminates flutter-induced restrictions but also allows the activation of two additional wing pylons. The Advanced Eagle's cockpit accommodates one or two crew members—either a solo pilot or a pilot and a weapon systems officer—depending on mission complexity.

  Physically, the F-15EX measures 19.45 meters in length, has a wingspan of 13.05 meters, and stands 5.64 meters tall. Its wing area totals 56.5 square meters. The airframe supports conformal fuel tanks along the fuselage for extended range without occupying external hardpoints. Although heavier than earlier models due to structural strengthening, the digital flight control system and high-thrust engines grant superior maneuverability, enabling aggressive handling without angle-of-attack limitations. The cockpit includes a modern layout with 25 cm by 48 cm large-area color displays for both pilot and WSO, powered by the ADCP II mission computer. Its open-systems avionics architecture allows rapid integration of future upgrades, weapons, and sensors.

• Armament

  The F-15EX carries the highest weapons load of any U.S. fighter, with a total external payload capacity of 13,400 kilograms across 23 hardpoints. In air superiority configurations, it can mount up to 12 air-to-air missiles, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder. With AMBER racks and CFT stations, its potential configuration may include 16 AMRAAMs, four Sidewinders, and two AGM-88 HARMs, although this loadout has not been fielded operationally. The standard internal cannon is the 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary gun with 500 rounds.

  For precision strike missions, the aircraft supports an extensive range of guided munitions, including up to 16 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, 2,000-pound JDAMs, and AGM-158 JASSMs. It is also capable of employing the hypersonic AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), underscoring its utility as a stand-off weapons truck to augment stealth platforms. The flexible weapons architecture enables the F-15EX to conduct simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements in high-threat environments.

• Engine

  The F-15EX is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofan engines. Each engine delivers 131 kilonewtons of thrust with afterburner (approximately 29,500 pounds-force), enabling the aircraft to reach a top speed exceeding Mach 2.5. The aircraft's climb rate surpasses 15,240 meters per minute and the maximum service ceiling is over 18,000 meters. Its thrust-to-weight ratio approaches 0.93 at full combat load.

  The internal fuel capacity is approximately 6,150 kilograms, which can be expanded to 16,100 kilograms with the use of conformal and external tanks. The combat radius is around 1,270 kilometers, and the ferry range can exceed 3,900 kilometers. These figures allow the F-15EX to project power over extended distances and remain on-station longer than many contemporary fighter platforms.

• Avionics and Onboard Equipment

  Despite lacking stealth shaping, the F-15EX compensates with a sophisticated electronic suite. The core sensor is the Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, combining the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 with the processor from the F/A-18E/F's APG-79, allowing simultaneous radar and electronic warfare operations. The aircraft features advanced Radio Frequency Tunable Filters (RFTF) and enhanced cooling systems to support high-demand electronic functions.

  Electronic warfare is managed by the BAE Systems AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS, which provides full-spectrum radar warning, threat geolocation, jamming, and integration with countermeasure systems such as the AN/ALE-47 dispenser. For passive targeting, the aircraft carries the Lockheed Martin Legion Pod equipped with the AN/ASG-34(V)1 IRST21 infrared search and track system, enhancing detection of stealthy or non-emitting threats. Helmet-mounted cueing for both crew positions is provided via the Digital Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (D-JHMCS).

  The avionics suite also supports targeting pods such as the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR and legacy LANTIRN, allowing the F-15EX to conduct precision ground attack missions. The rear cockpit is fully missionized and can coordinate manned-unmanned teaming with autonomous combat drones. Open-systems architecture throughout the aircraft ensures continued modernization and adaptability across decades of service.