August 27, 2021 - Boeing, in collaboration with the United States Air Force and the QEAF (Qatar Emiri Air Force), held a rollout ceremony earlier this week to celebrate the unveiling and naming of their newest advanced aircraft, the F-15QA.
Governor Mike Parson attended the ceremony and addressed the crowd, emphasizing the top-notch workforce at Boeing in St. Louis.
Lt. Gen. Greg Guillot, Commander, Ninth Air Force stated, "The rollout of the F-15QA is momentous,” referring not just to the capability of the new jet, but also the relationship the United States shares with Qatar. Guillot said the new F-15QA will “enhance the superiority of the QEAF with more speed, range and payload than any fighter in the world”.
The F-15QA has “next generation technologies... such as the fly by wire flight controls, an all-glass digital cockpit and contemporary sensors, radar and electronic warfare capabilities,” said Prat Kumar, Vice President, Boeing International.
Along with its next generation sensors and radar capabilities, the F-15QA can also carry a maximum weapon payload of 29,500 lbs. and up to twelve air-to-air missiles, along with a wide range of advanced air-to-ground weapons. While the F-15QA has peak weapon capabilities, it was also announced that it will be fully operational from the front seat and have a more advanced cockpit system than almost any other fighter jet in the world.
Boeing is also providing pre-delivery pilot training and will initiate, organize, and operate a training center for the QEAF at AI Udeid air base in Qatar. With next generation technology and massive payload, the QEAF will have one of the best fighter jets in the region.
"The development of this state-of-the-art weapon by Missouri's largest manufacturer is a testament to the great people and leadership at Boeing in St. Louis," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri, who attended the ceremony. "We are very proud that the world's fastest and most powerful jet is made right here in Missouri," he said.