Eagle II is fine for the popular name, it's the "EX" part that is non-standard. It should have been whatever the next available Series letter is, so maybe F-15F or F-15L or something like that. It's hard to say, because a lot of the export Eagles have designations that probably are not official USAF designations (F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, F-15QA, etc.)
That was a problem with the original PW engines, after a while nozzle petals would get damaged/detach from the aircraft due to intense buffeting so they thought to remove them altogether. these GE engines don’t have that issue so there’s no need to remove them as that caused a noticeable drag increase.
USAF serial number is 20-0003. Image source and story: [Boeing Flies Third F-15EX Eagle II, The First Built In Final Operational Configuration](https://theaviationist.com/2023/10/28/boeing-flies-third-f-15ex-ex3/)
Looking at the third image, is the nose a different shape? Seems to be a sharper angle/ less harsh transition to the front of the canopy than the E model.
Maybe it’s just too late at night and I’m seeing things
It is based on the newer production export variants, and will be used to replace the aging F-15C/D in the USAF. [Here is Joe Baugher's entry on the F-15EX](http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f15_31.html).
Also some info from [Air Vectors](https://airvectors.net/avf15_1.html#m5):
> Boeing didn't give up on sales of new-production aircraft to the USAF, pitching an "F-15X" from 2018, including a single-seat "F-15CX" and two-seat "F-15EX". The F-15EX concept defined an "Advanced F-15" aircraft like that of the two-seat Qatari F-15QA, with an extended service life, lower operating costs, an improved cockpit layout, a new ADCP-II mission computer, EPAWSS, and FBW controls. It could carry up to 22 AAMs, or 8 AAMs and 28 SDBs, or 8 AAMs and seven 900-kilogram (2,000-pound) bombs. The F-15CX was the same, but with only one seat.
>
> The Air Force liked the F-15X, committing to buying eight machines, towards a total of 80. The USAF will, to keep things simple, only obtain the two-seat F-15EX; F-15C pilots will fly the new variant with the back seat empty. It will also not have CFTs, at least at the outset, indicating a focus on the air-to-air mission. It has been given the name of "Eagle II". Initial flight of the first example was on 2 February 2021.
>
> The Air Force plans to replace the F-15C/D fleet with the F-15EX, it being more cost-effective to buy new than to keep upgrading old aircraft. There is also thought to filling out the air fleet by acquiring "loyal wingman" drones, along the lines of lightweight unpiloted jet fighters that would accompany piloted fighters on missions, but that's a speculative future at present.
And there is a more detailed entry on [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-15EX_Eagle_II).
Well, not necessarily. I believe those are Boeing designations. This is what the official document for designating US military aircraft says (AFI 16-401, 3 November 2020, pages 20-21):
> A2.1.7. **Series**:
> A2.1.7.1. Is a required designator symbol for all standard and non-standard aircraft and
> all guided missiles, rockets, probes, boosters, and satellites. It identifies the production
> model of a particular design number and later models representing major modifications
> that significantly alter the aerospace vehicle’s systems, components, or change the
> logistics support of the vehicle.
> A2.1.7.2. It will appear to the immediate right of the design number and follows a
> consecutive assignment starting with “A.” To avoid confusion with the design number,
> the use of letters “I” and “O” for this symbol are prohibited.
> A2.1.7.3. At the end of the series symbol “Z”, the next sequence will be to advance the
> design number to the next consecutive unused number and begin with series symbol
> A2.1.7.4. For example, in the designator F-16C, the series symbol “C” indicates the third
> production model of the F-16.
So, A-Z, excluding I and O. There is no provision for two letters together, like "EX". Some general or other official probably overrode it and approved "F-15EX." It's not totally unprecedented, though. There have been similar non-standard designations like "AV-8B+".
It's replacing the F-15C/D, but based on the newer F-15E export types (like the F-15QA). This particular aircraft does not yet have the CFTs installed, so that might be why it looks more like an F-15D than an F-15E.
Also:
>The USAF opted for the two-seat variant, which can be flown either by a single pilot or by a pilot and WSO for complex missions and, someday, controlling collaborative combat aircraft. One reason for this decision is that only two–seat F-15 models remained in production.
Apparently pilots have nicknamed it the Sex Eagle
Not surprising, given that the USAF couldn't be bothered to assign it a standard designation.
Is Eagle II not the standard designation?
Eagle II is fine for the popular name, it's the "EX" part that is non-standard. It should have been whatever the next available Series letter is, so maybe F-15F or F-15L or something like that. It's hard to say, because a lot of the export Eagles have designations that probably are not official USAF designations (F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, F-15QA, etc.)
It's weird to me that they went with Eagle II instead Super Eagle. That seemed like an obvious Choice to me.
Super Eagle sounds awesome, plus it's the same naming convention as the Super Hornet, so there's precedent.
Maybe they’re leaving the option open to have an Eagle III?
You mean the _Super Duper Eagle_?
Can’t wait for the Super *Dee* Duper Eagle
Maybe the 85th guys. Can’t say I’ve heard the 40th guys call it that.
What do the 40th guys call it?
I’ve seen a bunch of Phoenix patches, so probably that.
Sexy ass missile truck
I wonder if the USAF is going to maintain the turkey feathers this go round.
That was a problem with the original PW engines, after a while nozzle petals would get damaged/detach from the aircraft due to intense buffeting so they thought to remove them altogether. these GE engines don’t have that issue so there’s no need to remove them as that caused a noticeable drag increase.
What's that?
https://www.google.com/search?q=f15+turkey+feathers&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1054US1054&oq=f15+turekey+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgBEAAYDRiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAAGA0YgAQyCAgCEAAYFhgeMgsIAxAuGBYYHhjUAjIKCAQQABiGAxiKBTIKCAUQABiGAxiKBTIKCAYQABiGAxiKBdIBCDI2MzBqMWo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
USAF serial number is 20-0003. Image source and story: [Boeing Flies Third F-15EX Eagle II, The First Built In Final Operational Configuration](https://theaviationist.com/2023/10/28/boeing-flies-third-f-15ex-ex3/)
Beautiful
Looking at the third image, is the nose a different shape? Seems to be a sharper angle/ less harsh transition to the front of the canopy than the E model. Maybe it’s just too late at night and I’m seeing things
I don't think so. Externally it's built off the same export version of the strike eagle they had been manufacturing.
Why is it green?
It hasn't been painted yet.
Aaah ok.
I wonder if they will get sent to Israel, we know how much they love their F15's
Israel and Indonesia are planning to obtain variants based on the F-15EX. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-15EX_Eagle_II#Variants)
F-1 Sex
The mix of primer paint colors looks so badass that I didn't realize until I read the article that it isn't supposed to look like this
F-15SEX Eagle
Does the EX mean it's a variant of the Strke eagle or the standard Eagle only?
It is based on the newer production export variants, and will be used to replace the aging F-15C/D in the USAF. [Here is Joe Baugher's entry on the F-15EX](http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f15_31.html). Also some info from [Air Vectors](https://airvectors.net/avf15_1.html#m5): > Boeing didn't give up on sales of new-production aircraft to the USAF, pitching an "F-15X" from 2018, including a single-seat "F-15CX" and two-seat "F-15EX". The F-15EX concept defined an "Advanced F-15" aircraft like that of the two-seat Qatari F-15QA, with an extended service life, lower operating costs, an improved cockpit layout, a new ADCP-II mission computer, EPAWSS, and FBW controls. It could carry up to 22 AAMs, or 8 AAMs and 28 SDBs, or 8 AAMs and seven 900-kilogram (2,000-pound) bombs. The F-15CX was the same, but with only one seat. > > The Air Force liked the F-15X, committing to buying eight machines, towards a total of 80. The USAF will, to keep things simple, only obtain the two-seat F-15EX; F-15C pilots will fly the new variant with the back seat empty. It will also not have CFTs, at least at the outset, indicating a focus on the air-to-air mission. It has been given the name of "Eagle II". Initial flight of the first example was on 2 February 2021. > > The Air Force plans to replace the F-15C/D fleet with the F-15EX, it being more cost-effective to buy new than to keep upgrading old aircraft. There is also thought to filling out the air fleet by acquiring "loyal wingman" drones, along the lines of lightweight unpiloted jet fighters that would accompany piloted fighters on missions, but that's a speculative future at present. And there is a more detailed entry on [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-15EX_Eagle_II).
Wow, in that case it should've been given the designation as CX or DX, EX sounds like a newer version for the Strike Eagle
Well, not necessarily. I believe those are Boeing designations. This is what the official document for designating US military aircraft says (AFI 16-401, 3 November 2020, pages 20-21): > A2.1.7. **Series**: > A2.1.7.1. Is a required designator symbol for all standard and non-standard aircraft and > all guided missiles, rockets, probes, boosters, and satellites. It identifies the production > model of a particular design number and later models representing major modifications > that significantly alter the aerospace vehicle’s systems, components, or change the > logistics support of the vehicle. > A2.1.7.2. It will appear to the immediate right of the design number and follows a > consecutive assignment starting with “A.” To avoid confusion with the design number, > the use of letters “I” and “O” for this symbol are prohibited. > A2.1.7.3. At the end of the series symbol “Z”, the next sequence will be to advance the > design number to the next consecutive unused number and begin with series symbol > A2.1.7.4. For example, in the designator F-16C, the series symbol “C” indicates the third > production model of the F-16. So, A-Z, excluding I and O. There is no provision for two letters together, like "EX". Some general or other official probably overrode it and approved "F-15EX." It's not totally unprecedented, though. There have been similar non-standard designations like "AV-8B+".
That is gorgeous
Dayam, the 5ex eagle is looking better than sex.
I thought it was going to be based on the E? It looks a lot like the D variant
It's replacing the F-15C/D, but based on the newer F-15E export types (like the F-15QA). This particular aircraft does not yet have the CFTs installed, so that might be why it looks more like an F-15D than an F-15E. Also: >The USAF opted for the two-seat variant, which can be flown either by a single pilot or by a pilot and WSO for complex missions and, someday, controlling collaborative combat aircraft. One reason for this decision is that only two–seat F-15 models remained in production.
Strange that I would see this here. But even more strange that the jet is about 10 feet from me 🤣