BoeingÂ’s Newest Fighter Aircraft Makes First Flight
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued March 3, 2005)
ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company's reputation for delivering the most lethal fighter aircraft to militaries around the world continued today when their newest fighter aircraft, the F-15K Strike Eagle, made its first flight in St. Louis.
Flown by Boeing Chief F-15 Test Pilot Joe Felock and Chief Weapons Systems Officer Rick Junkin, the F-15K completed an aggressive speed run easily surpassing Mach 2, accomplished both engine shut-downs and restarts, and breezed through instrument and avionics checks of primary backup systems.
"The F-15K flew magnificently," said Felock. "With its new technology and the reliable structure of the Eagle, it will become a dominant multi-role fighter. Korean fighter pilots will love this airplane."
The Republic of Korea (ROKAF) selected the F-15K Strike Eagle for its Next Generation Fighter Program in 2002. Under a $3.6 billion contract, Boeing will deliver 40 aircraft to the ROKAF beginning this year and ending in August 2008.
"The F-15K's first flight was a great success, allowing us to move forward with the program," said Steve Winkler, Boeing F-15K program manager. "We couldn't have made this first flight early without tremendous support and teamwork from the ROKAF, the U.S. Air Force, and our suppliers. We're looking forward to the F-15K rollout ceremony on March 16 in St. Louis."
An advanced derivative of the U.S. Air Force F-15E, the F-15K is the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions during the day or at night, in virtually any weather. It can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload, reach Mach 2.5, and incorporates the latest military technologies.
These include the APG-63(V)1 radar, a helmet-mounted cueing system, infrared search and track, third-generation navigation and targeting systems, and weapons-control systems supporting advanced weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Harpoon Block II, Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.