The Future of Air Superiority: Redefining the F-15EX

Command the Battlespace

The F-15EX, the latest iteration of the iconic jet and newest addition to the U.S. Air Force fighter inventory, is redefining its role in the modern fight as a forward-edge battle manager, quarterbacking the air superiority pulse.

The F-15EX is setting the stage for air combat through innovative capabilities that enable long-range kill chains, act as over the horizon communication nodes and provide a realistic growth path to sync with future collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) to command and control the battlespace. Information sharing through networked communication nodes will be essential for success in the future high-end fight.

Enhanced Capabilities for Air Superiority

The F-15EX bolsters development in cutting-edge new technologies all while maintaining industry leading range, payload and speed. The EX-redesign is driven by the need to effectively operate in a complex, contested battlespace where threats are increasingly diverse and agile.

The F-15EX includes:

1. A modernized avionics suite
2. All new electronic warfare system
3. The world’s most powerful radar
4. Advanced crew station
5. Expanded weapons carriage capacity

Added integration of beyond line-of-sight communication systems, advanced sensor fusion and growth path to an Open Mission Systems (OMS) computing architecture allows the F-15EX to remain on the cutting edge of the modern fight today and in the future. Acting as a networked battlespace manager, the F-15EX can sense, pass and target with the speed and endurance to provide traditional multi-role air superiority effects.

Additionally, the F-15EX features a two-seat cockpit that enhances its capability to serve as a command-and-control node in future high-end combat scenarios. This configuration allows for a dedicated weapon systems operator (WSO) to oversee operations, providing crucial support as threats and missions grow increasingly complex. Traditionally filled by a WSO, this role can adapt to address emerging challenges, evolving into that of an operator and battlespace manager. This flexibility positions the F-15EX as a vital asset in modern air warfare.

Long Range Fires

The F-15EX, often referred to as a "weapons truck," carries a multitude of outsized weapons, making it a valuable asset for Combatant Commanders from Eastern Europe to the Western Pacific and everywhere in between. The F-15EX's payload flexibility allows it to perform multiple missions simultaneously and carry emergent hypersonic weapons alongside traditional air-to-air munitions. The F-15EX also continues to be a preferred platform for integrating the latest Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), enhancing its capacity to deliver diverse air-to-surface effects.

The forthcoming "beyond line-of-sight" communications capability will enhance situational awareness, enabling the F-15EX to engage targets at unprecedented standoff ranges. Furthermore, the F-15EX is advancing the implementation of open standards for weapon interfaces, facilitating the rapid integration of future weapons. This modularity ensures responsiveness to incorporate technological advancements in response to an evolving threat landscape.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming

The future of air warfare will see unmanned systems become increasingly vital as coalition forces continue to develop, test and train to coordinated effects with CCAs.

Facilitated by its advanced mission computing, platform architectures, communication networks and comprehensive sensor suite, the F-15EX provides a realistic growth path to the future of manned-unmanned teaming. These foundational components, enhanced by its two-seat configuration, advanced crew station and large area display, empower the F-15EX to manage increased workloads with heightened situational awareness and control.

Facilitating airborne battle management and joint all domain command and control, the F-15EX is provisioned to redefine air dominance and provide a dynamic and flexible option for air superiority of the future.

A Vision for the Future

Across Boeing’s wide range of defense products, long range fires, networked communications and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities are essential in maintaining a strategic advantage and meeting the adversary of tomorrow. With a keen eye on the horizon, the company is diligently working solutions to some of the most challenging defense situations. Boeing will continue to showcase engineering excellence and innovative solutions to enhance and test next generation capabilities on several platforms, including the F-15EX.