Posted on 03/17/2009 1:43:19 PM PDT by Freeport
Boeing today unveiled a new F-15 prototype aimed at the international market with such "fifth-generation" add-ons as radar absorbent coatings, internal weapons carriage and integrated digital avionics, plus featuring a distinctive V-tail.
Improving the fourth generation fighter’s profile on air-to-air radar is Boeing’s key goal for the F-15SE, which the company plans to offer to five foreign countries with an estimated market for 190 orders.
Radar absorbent materials added to leading edges are designed to soften the F-15SE’s head-on radar signature. Canting both horizontal stabilizers by 15 degrees is intended to reduce radar returns to the side.
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
Big difference between a ruddervator and a slightly canted vertical stabilizer.
I tried to match that shot exactly with gogle earth.
I have it being taken at around 7300 feet with no zoom.
I wonder if that sounds right.
Gates is intimating it’ll happen. Certainly it’s been a big target for the last 4 years.
Colonel, USAFR
If this is a modified Mud Hen, then it is basically a bomber.
It has the fast packs, which would indicate that its not intended to dogfight. That said, the reduced RCS would still make it a very lethal BVR shooter.
My bad. The article indicates that this bird is intended for an air defense role primarily. It’s also aimed at the export market (Japan? Australia?) It lacks all aspect stealth so the deep interdiction role is probably not in the cards until enemy air defenses are beat down. Still has an impressive bomb load, however.
AKA The Viper. Apparently there are lots of BSG fans in the USAF.
Viper: the unofficial nickname
The F-16 is often referred to as the "Viper", a nickname especially popular with people involved with the F-16. Before "Fighting Falcon" was selected as official name, pilots at Hill AFB, the first F-16 base, came up with a number of proposals, including "Viper". Lt. Col. Pat "Gums" McAdoo, USAF Ret., one of the first F-16 pilots at Hill AFB, recalls the origin of the name "F-16 Viper":
At end of runway, the F-16 did resemble a cobra or something as it approached you. However, I think Northrop had already taken that name for the YF-17.
We all voted, and Viper came in really high. Seems there was a series on TV that had 'colonial Vipers' flying off of Battlestar Galactica (a term later used for the Eagle).
In any case, the Generals didn't want a plane 'named after some snake'!
Falcon was a good name, and it fit in with the motif that the Eagle had created. Sort of a little brother, but still a 'Bird of Prey'. In fact, GD had a great promo out in late 70's called "Bird of Prey", and it used the Falcon as the real world model.
Even when F-16 Fighting Falcon became the official name, Viper stuck around and became the unofficial nickname for the F-16. The name "Viper" is even officially used for the Joe Bill Dreyden "Semper Viper" award, which is awarded for excellent airmanship by F-16 pilots.
Pinging you to something sweet.
Cool picture. Is there a larger version; it would make a great desktop wallpaper.
Yea, cause who in their right mind would name a HP vehicle after a snake. 
That is sweet.
The beauty of brute force personified.
And to everyone else who works on F-16’s or flies them. The Viper.
I believe the zone is for 20 miles so I figure 19 miles and 5000 feet away a shiny American jet will visit ya and force you down.
Actually it is not CAP that chases a stupid out, it is Real U.S.A.f. out of very nearby Patrick A.F.Base.
That's what I meant; CAP being Combat Air Patrol.
I would imagine that this was built and designed to keep the assembly line open, as well as have an offering that is exportable to Japan and Australia. I know that both countries want the Raptor and are being held up by congress(good thing!). I think this is a good compromise for them and it will complement the F35. And its something they are equiped to repair and maintain without massive amounts of new training. The engines are the same, airframe is probably similar. Id bet that at least 50% of the plane is similar to what they have already, at least in the case of Japan as Australia doesnt have F15s currently. I think this would be a great complement to go with the Raptor as well. F22, F15SE and F35 would be a devistating airwing. I dont think the 3D thrust vectoring from the F15ACTIVE is needed. While the fancy floats, stalls and Cobras are pretty in an airshow, and sell Sukhois to the Indians, no pilot worth his wings would try it in a dog fight. Id love it if someone tried. Id have a big ol’ surface area to lock onto. This airframe was not designed for thrust vectoring like the F22 was and it will put undue stress on the frame causing it to fautigue quicker. Increasing maintence and the overall life if the plane. Increases the cost ect ect. I think the USAF should really consider this as a replacement for some of its older F15s and as a complement beyond 2025. Because we wont have enough Raptors to replace every Eagle. And I know that the Raptor is more capable but id still be more comfortable with a complete numbers replacement. 176 Raptors is not enough even with its 10-1 kill ratio.
Ok.
I live on a private airpark.
A few months ago a van shows up and a bunch of people get out with some kind of an antenna. I get a call as I was the president of the home owners association.
I go to see what’s up and it is a guy giving a class to some Civil Air Patrol. They’ve set off an w.l.t. and are searching for it.
I told them all to have a good time.
LOL!
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