F-15EX Can Hit Speeds Well-Over Mach 2.5?

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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