Air-Force F-15EX Named the Eagle II

[Test7]

The Air Force’s newest fighter jet has a name: F-15EX Eagle II. The service unveiled the name of the jet during an April 7 ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The Air National Guard will be the first to receive the new jet operationally. ANG Director Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh said during the ceremony the F-15EX’s improvements will be key to its mission of homeland defense.

“The Air National Guard flies 93 percent of homeland defense missions, and along with the F-35A, the F-15EX will help ensure that legacy for many decades to come,” he said. “These brand-new aircraft represent a significant upgrade over the legacy F-15C. A significant upgrade in weapons capacity, including the ability to carry outsize weapons, for these missions and for stand-off roles in the high-end fight.”

The Air Force accepted the first F-15EX on March 10, and it was delivered to the 96th Test Wing at Eglin one day later. The first jet is owned by Air Force Materiel Command for developmental testing, while Air Combat Command will own the second F-15EX for operational testing.

USAF plans to buy 144 F-15EXs over 10 to 12 years as its older F-15C/D ages out. The first production lot includes six aircraft, to be delivered in fiscal 2023. Subsequent lots will be delivered to the F-15 schoolhouse at Kingsley Field, Ore., and the first operational base at Portland International Airport, Ore.

F-15EX Named the Eagle II | Air & Space Forces Magazine

The Air Force’s newest fighter jet has a name: F-15EX Eagle II.

www.airforcemag.com

 

[Fuzuli NL]

This used to be my favourite fighter when I was a kid and it's amazing to see the design still being produced albeit with modifications after almost half a century.
Perfection!