
kimjongnumbaun wrote:Well, the other problem is the F-15EX is as much of a thing as the F-15 Silent Eagle. It doesn't actually exist and there has to be funding to even develop it.
The F-15EX is a baseline F-15QA but with USAF avionics, EW & radar. There's no major structural changes and every major component including engines to be installed is already in existence. The development cost which is ~$300m is because all the major components are in the F-15C and E airframe which are older than the F-15QA so they need to test to make sure everything still works when integrated in the new frame.
The F-15SE envisaged CWB weapons and slanted tails which no one wants to spend money to develop.
In Canada's case, Boeing would just offer an F-15QA equivalent, not an F-15EX which is solely for USAF.
P.s. they probably need to cater some cost to make sure they remove tools from the finished product. Esp relevant in the case of Boeing.