The demonstration aircraft, called F-15E1, launched an inert AIM-120
Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile from its left-side CWB. Executives
said the test demonstrated the bay's flightworthiness and ability to deploy
AMRAAM without any loss in performance.
"This first launch of an AMRAAM from the F-15's internal weapons bay
opens a new era for the F-15 and for strike fighter capability in the
dominance of the F-15 Eagle," Draeger said.
This marked the second flight of the Stealth Eagle in July 2010. On July
8, the demonstration aircraft completed its maiden flight, during which the
F-15 opened and closed the internal weapons bay.
So far, Israel and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in the Silent
Eagle. The administration of President Barack Obama, promoting the Joint
Strike Fighter, has refused to make the aircraft
available for either export or procurement by the U.S. military.
"The F-15SE's internal carriage CWBs will significantly increase
tactical options for international customers while retaining all the
cost-certain, battle-proven capability of the Strike Eagle," Boeing vice
president Roger Besancenez said.
Instead, the administration was preparing a major sale of conventional F-15E
fighters to Saudi Arabia. Under the proposal, Riyad would receive as many as
84 F-15s as well as 72 helicopters in a deal with the United States
estimated at $30 billion.
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Comments
We have to STOP putting folks out of work. Why would you refuse to sell the F-15. I don't want to be un-employed PLEASE Sign and let them buy.
Susan l Huber
2:49 p.m. / Friday, July 23, 2010
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