Somewhat ironically, given its moniker as the “Strike Eagle,” the F-15EX’s delivery to the US Air Force was delayed for months by a labor strike.
The F-15E is the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle variant dubbed the “Strike Eagle,” but the Boeing-made F-15EX was struck at the aerospace firm’s St. Louis, Missouri, facilities this year. However, the United States Air Force confirmed this month that it, working with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), had resumed deliveries of the F-15EX Eagle II to the Portland Air National Guard.
About the F-15EX Eagle II
- Year Introduced: 2021
- Number Built: 129+ (ongoing production)
- Length: 63.8 ft (19.44 m)
- Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13 m)
- Weight (MTOW): 81,000 lb (36,740 kg)
- Engines: Two General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofans
- Top Speed: 1,650 mph (2,655 km/h) / Mach 2.5
- Range: Approx. 2,762 mi (4,445 km)
- Service Ceiling: ~60,000 ft (18,300 m)
- Loadout: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon with 500 rounds, 23 hardpoints for external fuel and ordnance (29,500 lb payload capacity)
- Aircrew: 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer)
The F-15EX is a two-seat fighter with capabilities unique to the US Air Force. These include new fly-by-wire flight controls, improved weapons stations, and an enhanced electronic warfare suite, along with advanced radar and computers, conformal fuel tanks, and a strengthened airframe.
The Eagle II features a deep magazine that allows it to carry a load of advanced weapons, with a 28 percent larger payload than the older F-15E Strike Eagle variant. At the same time, the Eagle II will require only minimal additional training for existing F-15 pilots and little additional manpower compared with earlier versions of the F-15.
Boeing Labor Issues Finally Resolved in November
Production of the F-15EX was halted for more than four months from August 4 to November 17, causing delays to the US Air Force’s modernization efforts, including the ongoing transition from the legacy F-15C/D Eagle to the F-15EX.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s F-15 System Program Board has “worked tirelessly” with the aerospace firm and the DCMA to “mitigate” any further delays.
“The rapid turnaround highlights the strength and dedication of the joint government and industry team,” said Col. Jessica Kashka, F-15EX Program Manager. “Their success ensures that the nation’s warfighters receive the advanced capabilities of the F-15EX, reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a ready and lethal force.”
The walkout in the Midwest lasted far longer than the seven-week 2024 strike at Boeing’s facilities in Washington and Oregon. It concluded after workers agreed to a new four-year contract that included a 38 percent wage increase, a $12,000 signing bonus, and other benefits. Although the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 in the St. Louis area is less than a tenth the size of the machinists in the Pacific Northwest, its 3,200 machinists held out for a similar contract. Boeing had resisted these incentives.
Last month, 68 percent of the members voted for the aerospace giant’s offer, which included a $6,000 signing bonus, extended the contract term from four to five years, and offered a 24 percent general wage increase, with eight percent in the first year, followed by four percent in each of the following years.
“IAM District 837 members stood strong and united for over three months,” the union said in a statement to local media following the vote. “We thank our bargaining committee for their tireless efforts, and we appreciate the unwavering support of our members, their families, the St. Louis community, our labor allies, and elected officials throughout this fight.”
F-15EX Deliveries Were Never Totally Over
Even as the strike halted production, the Air Force acknowledged that deliveries of the 14th and 15th F-15EX aircraft were made on August 19 and November 16, respectively.
“Then, in a remarkable display of efficiency, EX16 was delivered less than three weeks later, a significant achievement that underscores the team’s commitment to the mission,” the Air Force added. “Then, in a remarkable display of efficiency, EX16 was delivered less than three weeks later, a significant achievement that underscores the team’s commitment to the mission.”
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
