First US Air Force Boeing F-15EX Fighter Touches Down at Eglin Air Force Base

First US Air Force Boeing F-15EX Fighter Lands at Eglin Air Force Base

The Boeing F-15EX, the U.S. Air Force’s newest fighter, touched down here March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end, through developmental and operational tests. The aircraft bears its unit insignia, EX1 marked with “ET” from the 96th TW’s, 40th Flight Test Squadron. The EX2, arriving in April, will display the “OT” tail flash to represent the 53rd wing’s 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. To support the combined test effort, both test squadrons are ferried in the EX-1 together. The aim of integrated testing is to ensure the EX is delivered to the warfighter as soon as possible, while ensuring the aircraft meets test objectives.

The US Air Force’s First Boeing F-15EX Fighter Arrival at Eglin Air Force Base marks a significant day for the base and our mission,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing commander. “We’re very proud to be part of the next evolution of this historic aircraft. I look forward to seeing this unique test collaboration prepare the F-15EX for the warfighter.”

“Combining these test capabilities on day one of flight test helps ensure F-15EX is ready to execute on any system issues early on, so they can be addressed before the F-15EX’s increased production and delivery to the warfighter,” said Lt. Col. Richard Turner, 40th FLTS commander, who flew the new EX to Eglin.

The Boeing F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on March 11. This combination of Eglin’s testers allows the teams to identify any system issues early on, so they can be addressed before the F-15EX’s increased production and delivery to the squadrons. The Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force here will manage test planning and oversee all the groundwork for the EX’s test program. While the new fighter can be operated by a single pilot, it is a two-seat aircraft with an increased payload capacity, advanced avionics, upgraded cockpit and mission systems and software capabilities. Before testing and evaluation begin, aircrews will familiarize themselves with the aircraft through local airspace flights.

The Boeing F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, is up and active at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Testers here will manage the Boeing F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, upon arrival at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on March 11.

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