F-15EX passes missile firing milestone
F-15EX Eagle II preparing to fire an AIM-120D AMRAAM in a Weapons System Evaluation Program mission on 25 January. (Photo: USAF)
A USAF F-15EX fighter aircraft has test-fired a missile for the first time.
An F-15EX fighter aircraft from the 40th Flight Test Squadron recently launched an AIM-120D advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) at a BQM-167 aerial target drone as part of an air-to-air weapons system evaluation programme (WSEP).
During the 25 January flight, the F-15EX detected the drone using onboard sensors, acquired a weapons-quality track and launched the AMRAAM at the target.
‘After tracking the missile’s release and flight toward the BQM-167, the shot was determined a WSEP success, at which point the missile flight was terminated,’ USAF Air Combat Command announced on 29 January.
The successful AMRAAM release marked the first weapon fired from the F-15EX Eagle II and another milestone in the programme following more than six months of integrated developmental and operational flight testing.
‘This was an end-to-end verification of the entire weapons system, which will pave the way for more complex missile shots in the future,’ said Colton Myers, F-15EX test project manager with the Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![C-27J Spartan contract to strengthen Italy and Azerbaijan relations]()
C-27J Spartan contract to strengthen Italy and Azerbaijan relations
Italy and Azerbaijan have signed a contract for the supply of the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft
-
![New $156 million deal to advance UK aircrew training]()
New $156 million deal to advance UK aircrew training
The initiative under the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) will equip Royal Navy observers and Royal Air Force weapon system officers with the skills to operate advanced aircraft.
-
![Argentina boosts Antarctic airlift with lease of C-130]()
Argentina boosts Antarctic airlift with lease of C-130
Argentina has opted to lease a seventh C-130 transport aircraft under the US Foreign Military Sales mechanism.
-
![Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering]()
Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering
Lockheed Martin has announced the selection of GE Aerospace's CF6-80E1 turbofan for the LMXT strategic tanker. The LMXT is Lockheed Martin's solution for the USAF's …
-
![Lockheed hopeful of Armed Black Hawk deal for Polish Army amid increased defence spending]()
Lockheed hopeful of Armed Black Hawk deal for Polish Army amid increased defence spending
The Polish government is significantly increasing its defence budget and looks to grow its armed forces in an efforts to counter Russia's perceived threat. Under these plans, there is place for Armed Black Hawk attack helicopters next to the AW149s and Apaches.
-
![Malaysian Army leases Black Hawk helicopters]()
Malaysian Army leases Black Hawk helicopters
Malaysia is leasing a quartet of Black Hawks, giving the army its first taste of operating the American-built helicopter.
