Originally Posted by
golder
The f-15EX, still a paper plane and will be different to what is currently being built and fitted. I haven't seen that they have even locked in the specs or a fixed cost yet?
Umm, no. The F-15EX will be largely based on the F-15SA, which has fly by wire, a new cockpit, a lighter yet stronger wing with two additional hardpoints, new computers, and lots lots more. The biggest difference will be putting in USAF spec datalinks and comms, and qualifying for new long range air-to-air missiles. So its costs are sufficiently well known that Boeing has offered a firm fixed price contract with a price well below what the F-35 is
promised to cost after the
next full rate production program. And since its flying now its flight hour costs are also known and are well below the F-35's flight hour costs.