The fourth generation F-15EX Advanced Eagle fighters are cheaper and stronger armed than the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Popular Mechanics explains why Boeing created the F-15EX Advanced Eagle, which is called an analogue of the Russian Su-57.
The American magazine recalls that a flight hour on the F-35 Lightning II costs 44 thousand dollars, while on the F-15EX Advanced Eagle – 29 thousand.
The publication notes that the first, in particular, due to the requirements for stealth, carries less weapons than the second. For example, the F-35 Lightning II can be equipped with four air-to-air missiles, while the F-15EX Advanced Eagle can carry up to 22.
According to the magazine, the two planes will work together – the fifth generation fighter will detect the enemy and transmit target data to the more armed fourth generation aircraft.
The publication reminds that the US Air Force (Air Force) has planned the acquisition of 144 units of the F-15EX Advanced Eagle.
For the first time this aircraft took off in February.
According to open sources, the F-15EX Advanced Eagle received, in particular, a fly-by-wire control system, a digital cockpit, an active phased array radar (AFAR) and a modern electronic warfare system (EW). Boeing believes the aircraft “can serve as a test bed for future technologies, which is a key capability for the Air Force.”
