Boeing

Boeing delivered the first new F-15E Eagle since 1994 to the U.S. Air Force during a brief ceremony here today.

This aircraft, the first of 17 F-15Es to be delivered through early 2000, will become part of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Boeing previously delivered 209 F-15Es to the U. S. Air Force from 1987 through 1994.

Mike Marks, vice president, U.S. Air Force Fighter & Bomber Programs, represented Boeing while Maj. Gen. Claude Bolton, Program Executive Officer, Fighters and Bombers, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, represented the Air Force.

The Strike Eagle delivered today is an upgraded version from earlier F-15Es. These 17 aircraft will be equipped with new advanced data processors, a new digital mapping system, provisions for an upgraded Programmable Armament Control System, expanded smart weapons carriage capability, and an embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System for increased accuracy.

When combined with a new software suite, these aircraft will have the capability to deliver advanced precision guided weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition. Other planned upgrades for the F-15E fleet will enable the aircraft to use a fighter data link to deliver time-critical information to the aircrew during flight.

Since 1974, Boeing has delivered more than 1,500 F-15s worldwide that have accumulated more than 3.5 million flight hours and an unmatched 100.5 to zero air-combat record. The United States, Japan, Israel and Saudi Arabia fly various versions of the F-15.

99-110