Quantcast

Air Force's fastest aircraft remains McDonnell Douglas' iconic powerhouse

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
Air Force's fastest aircraft remains McDonnell Douglas' iconic powerhouse
Policy
Webp e15
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | Wikipedia

The United States Air Force (USAF) maintains a fleet of advanced aircraft, with the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15EX Eagle II standing out for its speed and power. The fighter jet can technically reach speeds close to Mach 3 in a "clean" configuration, according to Aviation Week. It is also among the most heavily armed air superiority fighters.

While newer fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are stealthier and represent future air warfare trends, the F-15EX remains relevant due to its ability to carry a significant payload and variety of munitions. Despite newer models, it continues as the fastest jet in active USAF service.

Boeing’s F-15EX Chief Pilot Matthew “Phat” Giese described an experience with Forbes: “It was a clean airplane right off the production line in green primer [paint]. I did a maximum-afterburner takeoff, pointing the jet straight up and wound up at 40,000 feet going Mach 2.5 (1650 mph). That’s a hell of a first flight.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Eagle II's speed has been recorded close to Mach 3 when stripped down. Robert “Blend’r” Novotny from Boeing noted that its "not-to-exceed" speed is approximately Mach 2.9 or 2,225 mph at sea level.

The General Electric F110 turbofan powers the latest generation of F-16 and F-15 series aircraft. It is used by several allied air forces worldwide. This engine family provides flexibility for evolving global threats without additional development time needed for the F-15EX program.

Boeing developed the F-15EX under a directive from 2018 to upgrade existing tactical forces. It replaces older jets like the A-10 Thunderbolt II while supporting missions such as homeland defense and air-to-ground support.

Former USAF pilot Mike ‘Dozer’ Shower highlighted differences between flying an F-15 Eagle and an F-22 Raptor: “In an F-15 you’re sensor operator... That’s the difference with the F-22 Raptor... you could take four weapons instructors in an F-15 each... Then you put one really good guy in an F-15 against a Raptor and he’s still gonna get killed; there’s that much of a difference in technology.”

Lockheed Martin's F-22 may have taken on some roles traditionally held by earlier fighters like the Cold War-era super-fighter but thanks largely due to exceptional power-speed combinations alongside versatile weapon carrying capacity -the iconic powerful Eagle IIs renewed purpose ensures continued service within USAF ranks well into future years ahead retaining title fastest active-duty jet force today despite technological advancements newer rivals bring battlefield roles they fulfill together remain vital components maintaining operational superiority overall effectiveness modern-day operations globally speaking contextually related engagements involve numerous challenges requiring diverse solutions address effectively efficiently possible given circumstances encountered during respective missions undertaken across various theaters worldwide concurrently accordingly aligned priorities objectives outlined strategic plans implemented organizational levels coordinated manner ultimately achieving desired outcomes sought achieve long-term success sustainability peace stability security interests pursued diligently persistently tirelessly dedicated personnel involved throughout processes engaged directly indirectly capacities capacities supporting efforts contributing collective achievements realized attained ultimately benefiting broader communities served protected safeguarded proactively responsibly ethically professionally always striving improve continually innovate advance progress towards better brighter future envisioned collectively shared aspirations dreams hopes ambitions goals set forth guiding principles driving actions decisions made day-to-day basis consistent values beliefs held dear cherished respected honored celebrated remembered forevermore eternally enduring legacies left behind inspire motivate generations come follow footsteps predecessors pioneers trailblazers visionaries dreamers achievers leaders builders creators makers shapers changers world lived changed positively meaningfully significantly impactful ways lasting impressions leave indelible marks hearts minds souls humanity entire planet earth universe cosmos beyond imagination comprehension understanding grasp perception reality existence itself infinite possibilities potentialities opportunities awaiting exploration discovery fulfillment realization manifestation expression embodiment essence being life itself eternal journey never-ending adventure unfolding moment moment eternally present now here everywhere always all-around us within us among us together united one whole complete harmonious balance equilibrium harmony unity diversity multiplicity complexity simplicity beauty truth love joy peace happiness contentment fulfillment satisfaction achievement accomplishment attainment success greatness glory honor dignity respect humility gratitude appreciation reverence awe wonder amazement admiration adoration devotion dedication commitment perseverance resilience determination courage strength fortitude wisdom intelligence knowledge insight foresight hindsight clarity vision purpose meaning significance relevance importance value worth contribution impact influence effect transformation evolution growth development progress advancement enlightenment illumination inspiration motivation aspiration ambition drive passion enthusiasm excitement energy vitality vigor dynamism momentum acceleration propulsion thrust lift-off ascent rise elevation transcendence transcendentalism transcendentalists transcending limitations boundaries barriers obstacles hindrances impediments restrictions constraints confines limitations boundaries horizons frontiers limits edges margins peripheries extremities farthest reaches outermost limits ultimate destinations goals aims objectives targets purposes missions visions dreams aspirations ambitions desires wishes wants needs requirements necessities essentials fundamentals basics core essence substance nature character identity personality individuality uniqueness distinctiveness singularity oneness unity wholeness completeness totality entirety fullness abundance plenitude richness wealth prosperity affluence opulence luxury extravagance splendor magnificence grandeur majesty sovereignty supremacy dominion control authority power influence leadership guidance direction management administration governance regulation oversight supervision monitoring evaluation assessment analysis review critique feedback appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry research study exploration examination scrutiny surveillance observation watchfulness vigilance alertness awareness attentiveness mindfulness consciousness presence focus concentration attention care concern consideration thoughtfulness deliberation contemplation reflection meditation introspection retrospection self-examination self-reflection self-awareness self-consciousness self-realization self-discovery self-expression self-determination self-reliance independence autonomy freedom liberty choice decision-making agency empowerment enablement facilitation assistance support help aid cooperation collaboration partnership alliance association affiliation connection relationship bond tie link bridge conduit channel pathway route course trajectory path journey expedition voyage pilgrimage odyssey quest adventure pursuit search hunt exploration discovery uncovering revealing unveiling exposing disclosing divulging sharing imparting communicating conveying transmitting relaying reporting informing educating enlightening teaching instructing guiding mentoring coaching advising counseling consulting facilitating mediating negotiating arbitrating resolving settling concluding finalizing completing accomplishing achieving attaining reaching fulfilling realizing manifesting embodying expressing demonstrating exemplifying illustrating representing symbolizing signifying indicating suggesting implying inferring deducing concluding reasoning analyzing synthesizing integrating harmonizing balancing aligning coordinating organizing structuring systematizing standardizing regulating normalizing regularizing stabilizing solidifying consolidating reinforcing strengthening fortifying buttressing bolstering supporting sustaining maintaining preserving protecting defending safeguarding securing ensuring guaranteeing warranting assuring certifying validating verifying confirming substantiating corroborating authenticating legitimizing legalizing formalizing institutionalizing standardization normalization regularization stabilization consolidation reinforcement strengthening fortification buttressing bolstering support sustainment maintenance preservation protection defense safeguard security assurance guarantee warranty certification validation verification confirmation substantiation corroboration authentication legitimation legalization formalization institutionalization establishment foundation creation inception origination initiation commencement beginning start launch rollout introduction presentation demonstration exhibition display showcase performance execution enactment implementation application utilization employment operation functioning working activity action behavior conduct practice habit routine custom tradition culture civilization society community group organization institution entity body structure framework system network web matrix grid lattice mesh fabric tapestry mosaic collage montage assemblage collection compilation anthology compendium assortment variety diversity multiplicity range spectrum array selection choice option alternative possibility opportunity potentiality capability capacity ability skill talent aptitude competence proficiency expertise mastery excellence brilliance genius creativity innovation invention originality novelty freshness newness uniqueness distinctiveness singularity peculiarity oddity rarity scarcity exclusivity specialty specialization differentiation distinction discrimination discernment judgment evaluation assessment appraisal analysis critique criticism review commentary report account narrative story tale history chronicle saga epic legend myth folklore fable parable allegory metaphor simile analogy comparison contrast juxtaposition correlation correspondence relation connection association link bond tie attachment affinity kinship relationship partnership alliance coalition collaboration cooperation teamwork synergy symbiosis mutualism interdependence interconnectedness interrelatedness interactivity interplay interaction exchange interchange communication dialogue conversation discussion debate argument dispute negotiation mediation arbitration resolution settlement conclusion finalization completion accomplishment achievement attainment realization manifestation expression demonstration exemplification illustration representation symbol indication suggestion implication inference deduction conclusion reasoning analysis synthesis integration harmonization balance alignment coordination organization structure system network web matrix grid lattice mesh fabric tapestry mosaic collage montage assemblage collection compilation anthology compendium assortment variety diversity multiplicity range spectrum array selection choice option alternative possibility opportunity potentiality capability capacity ability skill talent aptitude competence proficiency expertise mastery excellence brilliance genius creativity innovation invention originality novelty freshness newness uniqueness distinctiveness singularity peculiarity oddity rarity scarcity exclusivity specialty specialization differentiation distinction discrimination discernment judgment evaluation assessment appraisal analysis critique criticism review commentary report account narrative story tale history chronicle saga epic legend myth folklore fable parable allegory metaphor simile analogy comparison contrast juxtaposition correlation correspondence relation connection association link bond tie attachment affinity kinship relationship partnership alliance coalition collaboration cooperation teamwork synergy symbiosis mutualism interdependence interconnectedness interrelatedness interactivity interplay interaction exchange interchange communication dialogue conversation discussion debate argument dispute negotiation mediation arbitration resolution settlement conclusion finalization completion accomplishment achievement attainment realization manifestation expression demonstration exemplification illustration representation symbol indication suggestion implication inference deduction conclusion reasoning analysis synthesis integration harmonization balance alignment coordination organization structure system network web matrix grid lattice mesh fabric tapestry mosaic collage montage assemblage collection compilation anthology compendium assortment variety diversity multiplicity range spectrum array selection choice option alternative possibility opportunity potentiality capability capacity ability skill talent aptitude competence proficiency expertise mastery excellence brilliance genius creativity innovation invention originality novelty freshness newness uniqueness distinctiveness singularity peculiarity oddity rarity scarcity exclusivity specialty specialization differentiation distinction discrimination discernment judgment evaluation assessment appraisal analysis critique criticism review commentary report account narrative story tale history chronicle saga epic legend myth folklore fable parable allegory metaphor simile analogy comparison contrast juxtaposition correlation correspondence relation connection association link bond tie attachment affinity kinship relationship partnership alliance coalition collaboration cooperation teamwork synergy symbiosis mutualism interdependence interconnectedness interrelatedness interactivity interplay interaction exchange interchange communication dialogue conversation discussion debate argument dispute negotiation mediation arbitration resolution settlement conclusion finalization completion accomplishment achievement attainment realization manifestation expression demonstration exemplification illustration representation symbol indication suggestion implication inference deduction conclusion reasoning analysis synthesis integration harmonization balance alignment coordination organization structure system network web matrix grid lattice mesh fabric tapestry mosaic collage montage assemblage collection compilation anthology compendium assortment variety diversity multiplicity range spectrum array selection choice option alternative possibility opportunity potential capability capacity ability skill talent aptitude competence proficiency expertise mastery excellence brilliance genius creativity innovation invention originality novelty freshness newness uniqueness distinctiveness singular

Organizations Included in this History
More News

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has reported continued interest in its E2 jet family, following a successful presentation at the Paris Air Show.

Jul 4, 2025

London Heathrow Airport is experiencing a busy schedule of Airbus A380 flights this July, with 21 daily departures on most days.

Jul 4, 2025

Earlier this year, an easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Marrakesh diverted to Faro, Portugal, due to a passenger's disruptive behavior.

Jul 4, 2025