F15 EX First Flight

[martin-w 3,235]

 

[HighBypass 2,339]

but... but... Where's the stealth capability? 

Sweet! 

[martin-w 3,235]

9 hours ago, HighBypass said:

but... but... Where's the stealth capability? 

Sweet! 

 

😀 We need both! Stealth and conventional non stealthy aircraft. When stealth isn't required, send in the stealth aircraft with external stores and the non stealthy F15X's. Stealthy aircraft are VERY expensive, so it makes economic sense to have both.

The other point of course is that aircraft like the F15X are weapon carrying trucks, they can carry a huge amount of ordnance. 

Edited February 11, 2021 by martin-w

[HighBypass 2,339]

Precisely, sir!  I was cracking a funny (or trying to) because of your other discussion post on the F-35 .

[martin-w 3,235]

My appreciation of your humour was being stealthy. 👍

 

There's more to this reply but it's hidden by an ultra stealthy cloaking device. 

Edited February 11, 2021 by martin-w

[stans 703]

On 2/11/2021 at 5:05 AM, martin-w said:

 

😀 We need both! Stealth and conventional non stealthy aircraft. When stealth isn't required, send in the stealth aircraft with external stores and the non stealthy F15X's. Stealthy aircraft are VERY expensive, so it makes economic sense to have both.

The other point of course is that aircraft like the F15X are weapon carrying trucks, they can carry a huge amount of ordnance. 

Exactly!  The F-15, although a now very old design, is still competitive in the areas of interceptor, air superiority fighter, and ground attack.  It is the USAF's all-in-one aircraft and is a battle tested aircraft.  The USAF has made a couple of good decisions.  Overhauling and rebuilding their A-10's for dedicated close air support use (and no other aircraft in the U.S. armed services does this better) and buying newly built F-15EX's.  Stealth has it's place, but sometimes you just need a big hammer.

Edited February 12, 2021 by stans

[IUBrian 151]

Price wise, the F35 may actually cost less per plane than the F-15EX, which is in part why there is opposition to its acquisition; a concern that purchasing F15’s would mean purchasing fewer, more “capable” and survivable F35’s. But I agree as to a need for both - sophisticated low observable aircraft that can penetrate high threat environments, and missile trucks that can unload large quantities of ordinance from stand-off distance thanks to data fusion.

[martin-w 3,235]

4 hours ago, IUBrian said:

Price wise, the F35 may actually cost less per plane than the F-15EX,

 

What about maintenance though? Is it cheaper to keep the F15EX in the air? Is it cheaper in the long term? 

[HighBypass 2,339]

Apparently, stealth coating need a bit of upkeep.

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-air-force-maintainers-fix-f35-low-observable-stealth-coating-2019-10?r=US&IR=T#i-like-that-its-detail-oriented-said-staff-sgt-brandon-ladson-a-low-observable-journeyman-all-the-work-that-you-put-in-really-shows-any-mistake-you-make-every-good-thing-you-do-it-all-shows-in-the-final-product-5

Not like just repainting the sharknose and eyes on the front of your normal 5th or 6th gen fighter.. 

[martin-w 3,235]

1 hour ago, HighBypass said:

Apparently, stealth coating need a bit of upkeep.

 

 

Nonsense! You can buy a can of Dulux Stealth Satin from B&Q. Gloss I believe too. 

[Fielder 3,671]

War Eagle! Beat Bama!

[Matthew Kane 1,343]

Nice one 👍