The US Air Force has concluded a key test and evaluation phase of the F-15EX Eagle II aircraft, demonstrating the longest air-to-air and air-to-ground munition launches in US history and integration with 5th-generation aircraft.
The jet fired the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
Greater Payload
The JASSM and AMRAAM have a range of 230 miles (370 kilometers) and 46 miles (75 kilometers), respectively.
“Proving the F-15EX capability to employ three JASSMs after witnessing validation of the Air-to-Air dominance role it can play with a 12 AMRAAM loadout is incredible,” said Maj. Calvin Conner.
“The firepower a 4-ship of F-15EXs brings to a combatant commander is tremendous.”
Paves Way for Full-Rate Production
The integrated test & evaluation phase I completion paves the way for the aircraft’s full-rate production decision in the coming months.
“Data from this phase will be analyzed by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and Office of the Secretary of Defense Director of Operational Test and Evaluation for final reporting to steer a full-rate production decision determination in the coming months,” the service said in a press release.
The aircraft took its maiden flight in January 2021 and fired its first missile one year later.
