Translation
(F-15C prototype)
Competition to the F-15C comes from the Joint Light Fighter program which is currently has two candidates, an upgraded F-16 and a more devolped version of the XF-17 which has seen limited success in achieving contract success as of yet.
Supporters of further F(X) devolpment cite the success of the F-15A and the advances in engineering capabilities since the start of the F-15 program as arguments for building the F-15C, supporters of the Joint Light Fighter program believe the F-15 is too heavy, technically sophisticated, and expensive, to be be fielded in numbers large enough to effect an outcome in war, and thus the existing fleet of F-15A should be modernized instead of a second production run of hulls.
The F-15C prototype stands at a cost of 88 million, with an expected fly away production cost of 53 million per aircraft, the F-19 would cost 38 million per aircraft, and the F-16 modernization program would cost 22 million per aircraft.
Only one program is expected to receive funding, with all programs currently competing.
All parties involved in the construction of these platforms have signaled an interest in exports sales, and Congress has made no indication it would block such sales.
