Aircraft
Through Upgrades, Boeing Envisions Longer Utility of the F-15
The U.S. Air Force plans to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle into the 2040s, but the F-15C/D air superiority fighter faces a shorter time horizon.
Replacing longerons on the F-15C would extend its service life into the mid-2030s, Boeing contends. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
Replacing longerons on the F-15C would extend its service life into the mid-2030s, Boeing contends. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

F-15 production is secure through 2019, and planned updates will keep the U.S. Air Force flying the multi-role F-15E Strike Eagle version into the 2040s, Boeing reports. The manufacturer also has a case to make for extending the life of the F-15C/D air superiority version of the 1970s-vintage fighter, which faces a shorter time horizon.