Why the USAF is buying fourth-generation Boeing F-15EX fighter jets

[rangerrebew]

Why the USAF is buying fourth-generation Boeing F-15EX fighter jets
By Harry Lye
 

In a boost to Boeing’s fixed-wing business, the US Air Force’s (USAF) FY2021 budget request has set aside $1.6bn to purchase 12 F-15EX fighter jets.

The US has issued official plans to purchase the F-15EX, an upgraded version of the F-15 fourth-generation fighter jet, from Boeing to act as an in-the-air arsenal for the F-35 and, in future, to possibly fly alongside unmanned wingman drones.

The fourth-generation fighter is being eyed by the USAF as being a means of carrying a large number of missiles in support of the F-35 to support the advanced sensors and stealth capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter. The idea is where the F-35 can penetrate, the F-15EX can follow behind and bring the firepower to destroy threats the F-35 detects.

In December, US Congress enacted the 2020 National Defence Authorisation Act, giving the USAF $1.1bn to acquire the first eight F-15EX aircraft; the new requested budget ups this funding to $1.6bn for a further 12 fighters.

https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/why-the-usaf-is-buying-fourth-generation-boeing-f-15ex-fighter-jets/

[EdinVA]

So, one size does not FIT ALL, so we have to send two planes and two sets of pilots in to do what we were told the F-35 could do alone...
That PHD in Stupid is really paying off....

[PeteS in CA]

Wing-mounted missiles would make the F-35 easier to detect, track and target (it has 6 wing weapons stations). Where stealth is needed, the F-35 can only use it 4 internal weapons stations. So by design, its electronics can pass on data to another plane that is carrying the ordinance and is not trying to be stealthy. Or to multiple ordinance-carrying planes. IOW, low-risk close-in detection and targeting with ordinance being delivered from one or many aircraft standing off at a safer distance.