Boeing Rolls Out First F-15K for ROKAF

[CV32]

From Defence Aerospace

 

Boeing Rolls Out First F-15K for Republic of Korea Air Force

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued March 16, 2005)

 

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company revealed the first F-15K Strike Eagle fighter aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) today at the Boeing site in St. Louis, Mo.

 

The aircraft unveiled at the event completed its first flight March 3 and is the first of 40 F-15Ks being built for the ROKAF. The ROKAF is investing $4.2 billion for the 40 F-15Ks and deliveries will begin this year and end in August 2008.

 

“Boeing is thankful we can produce this world-class fighter for the Republic of Korea,” said Jim Albaugh, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems president and CEO. “It has advanced technologies and weaponry never seen before on any F-15.”

 

Albaugh emphasized the incredible teamwork between the United States and the Republic of Korea to the hundreds of employees, customers, and suppliers in attendance at the rollout ceremony.

 

An advanced derivative of the U.S. Air Force F-15E, the F-15K is the world’s most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload, reach Mach 2.3, and incorporates the latest military technologies. These include the APG-63(V)1 radar, a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), infrared search and track, third-generation navigation and targeting systems, and weapons-control systems supporting advanced weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Harpoon Block II, Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.

 

“Integration of the world’s best multi-role fighter into our force will certainly be a great momentum in improving our air power” said General Lee, Han-ho, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) Chief of Staff, at the rollout. “Moreover, the F-15K will enhance the interoperability between ROK and U.S. Air Forces. I believe that this new fighter jet will make a great contribution in maintaining the solid ROK-US combined operational posture.”

 

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA’s largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.