Boeing's F-15EX takes first test flight

The Boeing-built F-15EX flew for the first time today -- kicking off the aircraft's flight-test program.

The company said in a press release today the aircraft performed as planned, though the flight was delayed from Monday due to weather concerns.

"Today's successful flight proves the jet's safety and readiness to join our nation's fighter fleet," Boeing's F-15 Program Manager Prat Kumar said in the release. "Our customer can feel confident in its decision to invest in this platform that is capable of incorporating the advanced battle management systems, sensors and weapons due to the jet's digital airframe design and open mission systems architecture."

The Air Force plans to buy at least 144 jets, placing its first $1.2 billion order for eight aircraft in July. The serviced asked for authorization to buy another 12 aircraft in its fiscal year 2021 budget request and a total of 76 across the future years defense program.

The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of FY-21 and the remaining six in FY-23.

The modernized F-15 features a digital backbone, which the company says will make it easier to integrate and test new technology. It also includes fly-by-wire controls, a digital cockpit and an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar.