The F-35A and the F-15EX are both advanced aircraft developed by renowned aerospace companies, Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively. Each aircraft boasts a distinct set of features and capabilities, making them well-suited for specific roles within modern air warfare. Let’s compare these two remarkable aircraft in terms of their primary functions, specifications, capabilities, and support.

Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX(Opens in a new browser tab)

Primary Functions & costs

The F-35A, designed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has a wide range of primary roles. It excels at stealthy, all-weather strike missions, close air support, air superiority, maritime strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and command and control operations. Its estimated price is roughly $80 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $24,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.

On the other hand, The F-15EX, developed by Boeing, serves as a cutting-edge aircraft with primary functions focused on air superiority and targeted strikes in less or uncontested airspace. Its estimated price is roughly $80.3 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $27,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.

specifications

The F-35 A is a single-seater aircraft with impressive characteristics that is Equipped with a powerful  Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. It can fly with a maximum takeoff weight of 65,918 lb (29,900 kg), with a fuel capacity of 18,250 lb. The aircraft measures 51.4 ft (15.7 m) in length, 35 ft (11 m) in wingspan, and 14.4 ft (4.4 m) in height. It has a combat radius of 670 miles and a top speed of Mach 1.6 at altitude. The service ceiling of the F-35A is 50,000 feet.

F-15 offers flexibility with a crew capacity of 1 or 2 individuals and is Powered by 2 General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The maximum takeoff weight is an impressive 81,000 pounds (37,000 kg), supported by a fuel capacity of 13,550 lb. The aircraft spans 63.8 ft (19.446 m) in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 ft and a height of 18.5 ft (5.64 m). It achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 at altitude and has a combat radius of 1,100 miles, with a service ceiling of 60,000 ft.

Radar cross-section & Weaponry

The F-35 A design is robust; in contrast to its 8,000-hour design life, its service life has been evaluated to reach 24,000 hours. The F-35A has an extremely low radar cross-section, at 3.8mm, which reduces its radar profile. It can transport a range of US and NATO air-to-air and ground weaponry, with an internal weight capacity of 5,700 pounds in stealth mode and 22,000 pounds in exterior “beast mode,” including a 25mm cannon.

US approves sale of 35 F-35A fighters to Germany for $8.4 billion(Opens in a new browser tab)

The F-15EX has a design life of 8,000 hours, although testing over 30,000 hours has shown it to be robust. It is relatively large on radar compared to the F-35 A due to its greatest radar cross-section of 42.8 feet. With a total weight of 29,500 pounds distributed among nine external stations, the aircraft is equipped with all US air-to-air and ground armaments, including a 20mm cannon.

Major differences from Earlier Versions

Multiple software and processor updates have been made to the F-35A. Progress includes improved weapon capability and electronic warfare systems. The current version, known as Block 3F baseline, is moving towards Block 4, with software and weapon improvements planned twice yearly in 2024.

The F-15 has undergone advancements since 2001, including the addition of digital fly-by-wire technology, enhanced display coding, and Suite 9 avionics. With a passive-active Warner survivability system, its cockpit display is similar to that of the T-x trainer and Eagle trainer.

Congressional support

Major constituencies like Texas, California, Georgia, and Florida have been vocal in their support for production, demonstrating the congressional leadership’s backing. In Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, notable bases and installations house or support the F-35A. In order to demonstrate its broad reach, Lockheed has distributed F-35 subcontracts to all 50 states.

Regions in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington are actively supporting production, which has significant congressional support. North Carolina, Oregon, and Georgia all have significant institutions that support F-15 operations. Boeing’s wide influence is evident, with business conducted in all 50 states.

Boeing Integrates Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System onto U.S. Air Force F-15s(Opens in a new browser tab)

In conclusion, while both the F-35A and the F-15EX are cutting-edge innovations in military aircraft, they excel in different domains. The F-15EX is a strong option for uncontested airspace situations due to its focus on air superiority and focused strikes, remarkable performance, and cost-effectiveness. While the F-35A’s stealth capabilities and versatile design make it suitable for a variety of tasks. Both are remarkable aircraft with their own strengths and capabilities, catering to different mission profiles and strategic objectives.

The Financial News, a South Korean daily, said on Thursday that the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council had sent a letter to South Korea’s Office of National Security explaining Abu Dhabi’s desire in direct cooperation on the development of the KF-21.

Surprisingly, the letter allegedly requested that Abu Dhabi replace Indonesia’s investment in the program.

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Takes To the Air(Opens in a new browser tab)

Indonesia holds a 20% shareholding but has failed to meet its financial obligations. Jakarta, which had planned to purchase up to 50 KF-21s, joined the program in 2010 but fell behind on payments in 2017, owing an estimated $557 million by July 2022. In May, Jakarta attempted to assuage Seoul’s fears by announcing a revised payment schedule.

The KF-21 Boramae’s stealth capabilities are a crucial feature. The aircraft is equipped with modern stealth technology such as a low-observable design, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapon carriage.

These features lower the radar cross-section of the aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and track hostile radars. The KF-21’s stealth characteristics increase its survivability and allow it to more effectively infiltrate opposing defenses.

Top 8 facts about South Korean KF 21 Fighter jet: Specification, Partnerships, Weapons, and capacity(Opens in a new browser tab)

The UAE’s alleged interest is not surprising. After all, Abu Dhabi pledged $30 billion in South Korean businesses, including defense, in January. The affluent Arab kingdom inked a $3.5 billion contract with South Korea for the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile system in January 2022, the largest-ever arms export transaction for Seoul at the time.

As these multibillion-dollar investments in the South Korean industry illustrate, the UAE would have little issue repaying Indonesia’s debt to the Boramae programme. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi would surely be interested in co-producing the fighter since it would aid in the development of its domestic defence sector through significant technology transfers, which Seoul has proven to be generous with.

The UAE has halted talks with the US over a record sale for 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth planes in late 2021 due to differences over American preconditions and Emirati cooperation with China.

South Korean KF -21 Boramae vs Indian built HAL Tejas MK2 aircraft comparison(Opens in a new browser tab)

The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust for the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. The F414 engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in various environmental conditions. They enable the KF-21 to achieve the supersonic speeds and maneuverability required for air combat scenarios.

On the other hand, India, China, and Turkey are already in the process of developing their own Fifth Generation Fighter Jet. Turkey has already exhibited it and is awaiting the final engine selection for their 5th generation fighter plane. Americans are looking forward to the 6th generation fighter jet, which will be the most advanced in terms of engine thrust and weapons technology.

Most countries are working together to develop collaborative efforts to build their own fighter plane.

In the organization’s five-decade history, the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award has only been given six times, including the most recent award given to H.E. Mr. Al Baker. This esteemed honour is given only to visionaries and leaders in the industry who drive advancement in the aviation business while also elevating their brands.

Akbar Al Baker is a prominent figure in the aviation industry and has served as the CEO of Qatar Airways for many years. Here’s a brief overview of his story:

On September 22, 1961, Akbar Al Baker was born in Doha, Qatar. He completed his studies in Qatar before moving to India to attend Aligarh Muslim University to study economics and business. He joined Qatar’s Civil Aviation Directorate after completing his education to start his aviation career.

Akbar Al Baker was chosen to lead Qatar Airways, the nation of Qatar’s state-owned national airline, in 1997. Qatar Airways underwent a substantial turnaround and expansion under his direction. He was crucial in making the airline into one of the top carriers in the world, renowned for its opulent service, cutting-edge aircraft, and extensive global network.

Some key highlights of Akbar Al Baker’s tenure at Qatar Airways include:

1. Fleet Expansion: Under Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways expanded its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft, including the introduction of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet.
2. Award-Winning Service: Qatar Airways has won numerous awards for its service quality, including Skytrax’s “Airline of the Year” multiple times during his tenure.
3. Hub Development: Al Baker oversaw the development of Hamad International Airport in Doha, which has become a major hub in the Middle East for international travel.
4. Alliance Memberships: Qatar Airways became a member of the Oneworld alliance, strengthening its global network and partnerships with other leading airlines.
5. Crisis Management: During his tenure, Qatar Airways successfully navigated through challenging times, including the 2017 blockade imposed by neighboring countries, which led to the suspension of air travel to several destinations.

Akbar Al Baker is renowned for his hands-on leadership style and for holding the airline to a high standard. He is also renowned for making direct and occasionally controversial comments about business-related issues. In the very competitive airline sector, his leadership has significantly contributed to Qatar Airways’ expansion and success.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker Honoured with Prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was celebrated by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as the recipient of the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes industry leaders for their dedication, efforts, and commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony took place at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California on 20 September, where H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker also accepted three awards for the airline.

Qatar Airways was also awarded with three more APEX Awards, solidifying the airline’s status as one of the world’s leading airlines. The following titles presented to Qatar Airways were based exclusively on certified passenger votes: 2024 APEX World Class Award, APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East, and the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage.

Qatar Airways Group is a unique organization that encompasses multiple subsidiaries and works in synergy to create the smoothest travel journey including airport ground services, onboard catering, private jet travel, and more. Qatar Airways continues to work in line with its promise to provide all passengers with the most seamless and luxurious travel experience in the world, now adding an additional four prestigious awards to the multi-award-winning airline’s accreditation.

Watch video : Click