By Olawale, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The F-15EX, a modern iteration of Boeing’s lineup of fighter jets, has recently been at the center of a controversy regarding its top speed. Initially, at a high-profile presentation at the Singapore Airshow, Boeing’s F-15 business development director, Robert ‘Blend’r’ Novotny, claimed the F-15EX could reach speeds “well over Mach 2.5”, even hinting at a near Mach 3 capability. This assertion suggested the modern fighter could potentially outpace historic speedsters like the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat.
The initial claim by Blenderman was quickly retracted. He clarified that the F-15EX’s actual top speed is more like Mach 2.497. This retraction raised eyebrows, especially considering that the F-15EX is significantly more powerful than the F-15C it’s meant to replace.
Despite this correction, Novotny emphasized the F-15EX’s impressive capabilities beyond sheer velocity, including its maneuverability, weapon deployment efficiency, and stealth features. The retraction raised eyebrows, especially considering that the F-15EX is significantly more powerful than the F-15C it’s meant to replace.
The F-15EX
The F-15EX is arguably the most capable fourth-generation fighter ever to fly, regardless of its top speed. This aircraft is powered by a pair of GE F-110-229 engines, each producing around 29,500 lb of thrust under After Burner. This gives the Eagle II about 11,460 more pounds of thrust than the original Eagle, equivalent to adding a third turbofan engine. This added power lent some credence to Blenderman’s claims that the F-15EX could achieve Mach 2.9.
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However, no tactical aircraft ever achieves their maximum speed in combat. Maximum speed ratings in fighter aircraft are always calculated using a naked aircraft, i.e., carrying no external munitions or ordinance. For instance, the F-16 has a rated top speed of Mach 2, but achieving this speed with a standard combat load would be nearly impossible.
The Evolution of the Eagle
The F-15EX is the third iteration of the advanced Eagle family, which started back in 2013 with Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA and saw improvements with Qatar’s F-15QA. Today’s F-15EX Eagle II benefits from billions of dollars of improvements incorporated into those previous aircraft purchased by foreign partners.
As a result of these improvements and additional ones added for the EX, this aircraft is hands down the most potent iteration of the Eagle ever to fly. Considering that the F-15C’s and D’s that served as the basis for this aircraft already boast an air combat record of 104 wins and zero losses, that means the Eagle II is likely the most capable and competent dogfighter ever to fly.
The F-15EX’s capabilities are not just about its incredibly powerful engines. Its fly-by-wire controls and its very low wing loading also contribute to its prowess. Wing loading is the ratio of overall wing area to aircraft weight, and the lower that ratio is, the more maneuverable your aircraft tends to be.
In conclusion, while the controversy over the F-15EX’s top speed may have sparked debate, it’s clear that this aircraft’s capabilities extend far beyond just speed. With its advanced engines, control systems, and structural improvements, the F-15EX is set to redefine the standards of fourth-generation fighters.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
