In September of 1985, the USAF issued a request for proposals (RFP) for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) that would be capable of supersonic cruise and maneuver and with a range greater than that of the F-15. It was to take maximum advantage of stealth technology consistent with its primary performance goals. McDonnell Douglas teamed with Northrop in the building of two prototypes under the designation YF-23. On April 23, 1991, the Secretary of the Air Force announced that the competing Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22 had been selected as the winner. Current plans are for the F-15 to be gradually replaced in service by the F-22A, but this is not likely to happen for many years, especially in the current budgetary environment.
The Air Force Systems Command has been considering a proposal for a stripped, "no-frills" Eagle, sometimes known as F-15XX. It was initially considered as a possible low-cost alternative to the ATF. However, if the F-22 program stumbles or runs into budgetary problems, the F-15XX may become more attractive.
Sources:
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Air International, Airscene
- F-15 Eagle, Robert F. Dorr, World Airpower Journal, Volume 9, Summer 1992.
