The F-15EX Eagle II, the USAF's newest fighter, fired its first real missile on January 25. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and the fighter fired a missile AIM-120D AMRAAM guided by active radar.
The event took place during the USAF's 53rd Fighter Wing's Combat Archer campaign, an air-to-air weapons evaluation program. The F-15EX, employed by the 40th Test Squadron, launched the missile at a BQM-167 drone target.
“During the flight, the F-15EX detected the drone using onboard sensors […] and launched the missile at the target. After tracking the missile launch and flight toward the BQM-167, the shot was determined to be a WSEP [weapons system evaluation program] success, at which point the missile flight was terminated.”, I told USAF this Tuesday.
The successful launch of the US flagship medium-long-range missile by the new plane marked the first armament fired by the Eagle II. It is also another important milestone after more than six months of integrated developmental testing and operational flights to the firing.
“This was an end-to-end check of the entire weapons system, which will pave the way for more complex missile firings in the future,” said Colton Myers, F-15EX test project manager for the Operational Flight Program's Combined Test Force.
Not only was this the first real shot from the F-15EX, it was also the first missile fired by the experimental test pilot Maj. Benjamin Naumann. A big part of Combat Archer is providing first hand real shooting experience. Many pilots perform their first real missile launch during the WSEP.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to fire my first missile, but the biggest success is ing the F-15EX's ability to fire a real missile”, said Naumann. “This firing is another important step in fielding the aircraft for combat units.”
Along with weather, extra safety precautions and aircraft settings, the test crew must also take into and fly in specific parameters when firing to ensure that the appropriate data is collected for analysis.
“Ultimately, we are part of an iterative development process, validating expected results and providing to the team on successes or things to improve,” said Naumann. “We act as a liaison to bring combat capabilities to the warfighter.”
The missile's firing is one of many milestones for the F-15EX test team at Eglin Air Force Base. Just two months after arrival, the F-15EX was deployed to the northern edge exercise in alaska. The Eagle II was pushed to its limit in the t exercise and a significant amount of data was collected on the aircraft's performance and how it performed with and against other aircraft.
“The fact that both aircraft were able to move from a streamlined acceptance period and immediate deployment to a major exercise is a testament to the maturity of this platform, as well as the experience of the combined test team as a whole,” Myers said.
Upon deployment, the F-15EX underwent developmental flight and ground testing to include survivability testing in various electromagnetic environments. This series of tests led to the discovery and resolution of identified issues in the F-9EX's Suite 15 software system, leading to a more mature and stable product, according to Myers.
“For a new platform, we have made incredible progress in a short period of time”Myers said. “I don't know of any other platform that has gone through such a rapid testing program and it's been amazing to be part of the team that is bringing this to reality.”
After the development tests, it's time for some operational tests in October at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, for another exercise focused on the air-to-air dominance mission it will inherit from the F-15C Eagle.
This exercise proved that while the platform still needs further development, it is fully capable of fulfilling its expected air domain role, according to Myers. Myers said the program's advancement and the EX's successes over the past 10 months are due to the integrated testing efforts of the 96th Test Wing and the 53rd WG.
“The combined DT/OT strategy was critical to the success of our test, allowing us to break the mold of 'traditional' testing, resulting in a better overall product for the warfighter and in a shorter time frame than if we went with traditional testing. approach", Myers said.
The 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron is responsible for the air-to-air WSEP, a monthly event.
“The squadron was thrilled to help orchestrate and this historic firing with our sister organization Eglin”, said Major Andrew Smith, F-15C WSEP program manager. “The F-15EX represents the next era of air-to-air capabilities and the opportunity to execute a first shot using this platform was monumental.”
