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.

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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.

In the ever-evolving world of aviation, these awards stand as a testament to excellence, innovation, and outstanding service within the airline industry. As travelers around the globe seek ever more personalized and remarkable experiences, these airlines have risen to the occasion, setting new standards for quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction.

World class airline awards 2022 by Apex(Opens in a new browser tab)

The APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards were unique since they were created solely from verified passenger reviews submitted by more than a million fliers using TripIt.

Global Passenger Choice airline Award Winners 2022 by Apex.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Here, we’ve highlighted some of the 2024 Apex Four-Star and Five-Star Airlines Awards, recognizing these airline giants and the outstanding traveler experiences they provide. Whether you are a frequent traveler or only sometimes do so, these awards highlight the airlines who have changed the definition of what it means to fly in luxury and grace.

GLOBAL FIVE STAR

• Aeromexico
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• American Airlines
• ANA
• Austrian
• Cathay Pacific
• Delta Air Lines
• EL AL
• Etihad
• Eva Air
• Finnair
• LATAM Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Korean Air
• SAS
• Swiss
• United Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

MAJOR AIRLINES FIVE STAR

• Aer Lingus
• Air Astana
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Alaska Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Fiji Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Icelandair
• Oman Air
• Royal Brunei Airlines

REGIONAL AIRLINE FIVE STAR*

• JSX 

GLOBAL AIRLINES FOUR STAR

• British Airways
• Ethiopian
• Polish Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Pakistan International Airlines
• South African Airways
• Thai Airways International

MAJOR ‎AIRLINES FOUR STAR

• Aegean Airlines
• AirEuropa
• Avianca
• flydubai
• Royal Jordanian
• SriLankan Airlines

Source

In an increasingly interconnected world, airports serve as the gateways to global exploration, commerce, and connectivity. North America, with its diverse cultures and booming economies, is home to some of the most internationally connected airports on the planet. These airports not only cater to millions of domestic travelers but also facilitate seamless international travel, making them pivotal hubs for cross-border journeys.

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In this article, we’ll utilize OAG data to unveil the Top 10 Most Internationally Connected Airports in North America. Whether you’re a frequent flyer seeking convenient transit choices or a globe-trotting traveler, this list will be your go-to reference for the most globally connected airports on this dynamic continent.

Top 10 world’s most internationally connected airports(Opens in a new browser tab)

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) holds the 2nd spot in this year’s Megahubs Index, with a notable presence of United Airlines flights. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada ranks 3rd, boasting Air Canada as the dominant carrier. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) secures the 4th position, primarily due to Delta Air Lines’ extensive international network.