If the USAF cannot get more F-22's, and if the F-35 buy is fixed, or even reduced, then they might as well order new F-15's to replace the outdated airframes and capability.

[edit on 17-3-2009 by WestPoint23]

Originally posted by WestPoint23
If the USAF cannot get more F-22's, and if the F-35 buy is fixed, or even reduced, then they might as well order new F-15's to replace the outdated airframes and capability.

[edit on 17-3-2009 by WestPoint23]

At $100m an airframe, the F-15SE is not that much cheaper than an F-22, so I don't see that happening.

The F-35 is, supposedly, in a different market.

Well that is a neat looking machine right there!

Slanted tail-fins, internal weapon bay's and propably full glass cockpit from F-22 equals some hard core plane!

Got some questions though:

1: Are the specs upgraded? (longer range, higher speed etc...)

2: Does it have TVC? (if yes: 2D or 3D?)

3: How likely is it gonna be bought by other nations?

for the rest: Potential SU-27/30 killer/rapist.

At 100million/plane, doesn't it make sense to buy 100 1 Million dollar drones instead. Seems to me you would get more bang for your buck that way. Also, when are they going to get off this airframe? The f-22 out performs our pilots abilities as it stands. It's time to release some of that black tech about now.

Check out the head-on picture from the link in the article, you could almost call it an F-18 .

Originally posted by James R. Hawkwood
1: Are the specs upgraded? (longer range, higher speed etc...)

Improving the fourth generation fighter’s profile on air-to-air radar is Boeing’s key goal for the F-15SE

Sounds like this biggest difference will be in the aerodynamics, caused by the internally-carried weaponry cleaning off the wings. Though I doubt it's a huge difference since missiles and whatnot are designed to be reasonably aerodynamic anyway and the mass is still there. As well, could be marginally better roll rates as missile mass is located closer to the longitudinal axis of the plane. Hard to say just how much, though.

2: Does it have TVC? (if yes: 2D or 3D?)

No. That'd be a huge modification on the F-15's entire ass structure for 2D, and I don't think Americans have any mass-production designs for any 3D TVC at this time. I'm still doubtful about asynchronous 2D on future American aircraft as well.

3: How likely is it gonna be bought by other nations?

IMO I suspect that it faces slim chances. It has stiff competition from the F-35, and it seems that the F-15SE's only real advantage is the long list of people waiting for their F-35's to come off the line. Countries who don't feel like waiting for the F-35 might jump ship for the F-15SE, but I don't see very many doing that. If it really comes down to someone wanting to dump the F-35 for other alternatives they would probably look to Europe or even Russia.

for the rest: Potential SU-27/30 killer/rapist.

That may be selling newer Flankers short. If anything, Su-30 (MK plus variants) and Su-35BM are probably going to be competing for the same market space as the F-15SE. Except that Su-30's are already available, and the Su-35BM will still probably come out first for production. Could put some pressure on Boeing if they can't produce a significantly superior product.

Another factor that will reflect on the F-15SE is the rise of 5th generation jets. When the F-15SE finally gets introduced into services around the world (assuming purchase and use) it will be doing so basically in the shadow of 5th generation jets such as the F-35 and the F-22. As well it will face stiff competition as PAK-FA, FGFA, ATD-X, and KFX enter into their own respective services. With the flow of 5th generation technology within those countries (and quite possibly others if the American taboo of selling 5th generation technology doesn't stick elsewhere) the F-15SE will likely become outclassed. And, by the sounds of some of these projects, that time may not be too far away.

Just my thoughts.
Pr0

PS.

To be fair, Boeing acknowledges the F-15SE’s stealth improvements do not help against ground-based radar systems, which are critical for waging offensive strikes against opponents armed with surface to air missile systems.

Interesting choice for a company whose best customer's business is stomping on countries with nothing but land-based air defenses.

Now I'm really done.

Boeing has made no secret in the past that its targeting the F-35. Its offering the F/A-18 Hornet at really reduced prices and if they can get the unit cost down on this one, it too has a chance to put a dent in the JSF sales.

Also the retrofit angle may serve to have operators of the F-15E delay JSF purchases if they can do the upgrade. If its in kit form so it can be done locally it will be gravy IMHO

Yeah they should make more F-15's.
They are excellent machines.
Raptor, since looking at the Typhoon
Really, they should make some better F-15's.
Typhoon kicks everything's butt.
It lacks on stealth but how you gonna chase it doing loop the loops

It lacks on stealth but how you gonna chase it doing loop the loops

With an R-77.