Boeing unveiled the newest iteration of its F-15 fighter airplanes Wednesday, describing the model as the “most advanced version of the jet ever manufactured” with more speed and range than any other fighter plane in the world.
The airplane manufacturer developed the new planes – dubbed the F-15QA – in a collaborative effort with the U.S. Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force. The jets are equipped with a new all-glass digital cockpit, new flight controls, enhanced sensors, improved radar, and “electronic warfare capabilities,” Boeing said.
The F-15QA can take off vertically, reaching speeds up to nine G’s, or nine times the force of the earth’s gravity.
“Driven by digital engineering and advanced manufacturing, these aircraft represent a transformational leap,” said Boeing vice president Prat Kumar.
The Department of Defense paid Boeing $6.2 billion to manufacture 36 of the new, sleek jets to boost Qatar’s air force capability.
“The rollout of the F-15QA is momentous, not just in terms of capability but also in terms of the enhanced partnership it represents,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Greg Guillot. “The relationship the United States shares with Qatar is critical to the stability and security of the central command area of responsibility, and we are grateful for our coalition partner’s continued focus on building interoperability and combined readiness.”
The F-15QA is more efficient, cutting the cost per flight in half when compared to similar aircraft.
The first few jets will be delivered to Qatar later this year.
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