Boeing concludes first flight of F-15QA developed for Qatar Emiri Air Force
Boeing has announced the successful conclusion of the first test flight of the F-15QA multirole fighter jet developed for the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF).
The F-15QA is the Qatari-specific variant of the Advanced Eagle.
The fighter jet is expected to provide next-generation technologies and capabilities to the QEAF, including fly-by-wire flight controls and digital cockpit.
The F-15QA took off and landed from Lambert International Airport in St Louis for a 90-minute mission where it tested its maneuverability.
QEAF F-15 Wing commander Ahmed Al Mansoori said, “This successful first flight is an important milestone that brings our squadrons one step closer to flying this incredible aircraft over the skies of Qatar.”
In 2017, Boeing secured a $6.2bn contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD) to manufacture 36 F-15 fighter jets for the QEAF.
Boeing expects to begin delivering the QEAF’s 36 F-15QAs from early 2020 through to early 2023.
Qatar has the option for a further 36 aircraft, which would stretch production to 2026.
Defence Insight Analysis
Today’s F-15 provides next generation technologies including an advanced cockpit, AESA radar, digital electronic warfare suite, the world’s fastest mission computer and modern sensors to remain ahead of current and evolving threats.
Key features
– Speed: 1,875 mph (3,017 kph)
– Propulsion: Two P&W F100 or two GE F110 turbofan engines in 29,000 lb (13,154 kg) thrust class with after-burning.
– Armament:
20mm cannon
AIM-120 (AMRAAM) missiles
AIM-9 (Sidewinder) missiles
AIM-7 (Sparrow) missiles
