PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
Air Combat Command is interested in enhancements based on offer to South Korea
The US Air Force and Boeing are discussing mid-life upgrade options for the F-15E Eagle, based on the improved variant being proposed to South Korea and some near-term enhancements being incorporated into 10 fighters in production for the Air Combat Command (ACC).
Robert Regazzi, Air System Command F-15 deputy development system manager, says: "We're building up a budget for the2004 programme objective memorandum and for the ACC we are looking at block and standalone upgrade paths. ACC is interested in enhancements across the system."
The loosely designated Block 6 upgrade centres on fitting theF-15E with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Options include the Raytheon APG-63(V)2 which will equip a small number of F-15Cs, or a version of the Northrop Grumman APG-77 in development for the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 or the yet-to-be-selected Joint Strike Fighter's AESA radar.
Mike Ridnouer, Boeing F-15 new business development, says: "Something that needs upgrading badly is the radar warning receiver [RWR]. We've proposed a new RWR system for the Korean F-X competition and if we win, I think the air force would like to possibly leverage off that technology." In addition to an improved BAE Systems ALR-56C(V)1 RWR, the F-15K would feature an uprated Northrop Grumman ALQ-135M jammer.
Studies are also focused on upating the 130 F-15Es still powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-220 with either -220E kits or new -229 turbofans. A more ambitious proposal is to re-engine the fleet with the 32,000lb-thrust (140kN) version of the F100 or General Electric F110.
Structural improvements could include a new wing with carbonfibre skins, two extra hardpoints and increased 39,000kg (86,000lb) maximum take-off weight. Replacement of much of the F-15's honeycomb structure is underway.
The USAF's new F-15Es will be delivered next year with interim updates, many of which will be retrofitted into the 218 in service fighters. This includes the Programmable Armaments Control Set and Suite 4E software, which enable the carriage of GPS-satellite navigation guided weapons, as well as Link 16 datalink, night vision goggle compatible instrumentation and liquid crystal displays.
Source: Flight International
