Boeing Defense has selected Collins Aerospace to supply its Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) II system for the US Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. Under the agreement, Collins Aerospace will deliver 144 ACES II ejection seats, with production and assembly taking place in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The ACES II seats will be installed in over 90 F-15EX aircraft, which are being produced as part of a modernization effort to replace aging F-15C/D models. In addition to the ejection seats, the aircraft will also be equipped with wheels and brakes manufactured by Collins Aerospace.
ACES II: A Proven Ejection Seat SystemInitially introduced in the 1970s, the ACES ejection seat series has been a key safety component in various allied combat aircraft and has reportedly saved more than 700 lives. The latest version of the system is currently in service with 29 international air forces, with a total of 6,000 units deployed.
The ACES II variant is already integrated into several US Air Force platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt II, B-1 Lancer, and B-2 Spirit.
Commenting on the contract, Collins Aerospace Integrated Mission Solutions VP and General Manager Sharon Tabori stated, “The F-15EX is the most advanced Eagle ever built, combining cutting-edge technology with a proven airframe, which makes Collins’ ACES II ejection seat the perfect fit for this aircraft. Having it installed on the F-15EX will give aircrew confidence to complete their most challenging missions, knowing that their ejection seat will work when they need it most.”
F-15EX Eagle II: Boeing’s Upgraded Multirole FighterThe F-15EX Eagle II is an advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle, featuring modern avionics, increased payload capacity, and upgraded systems. The first eight aircraft were delivered to the US Air Force in 2024.
The jet measures 20 meters in length with a 13-meter wingspan. It is armed with a Vulcan rotary cannon, precision-guided bombs, and multi-domain missiles. Among its key systems are BAE Systems’ electronic warfare and countermeasures suite and advanced flight control computers.
Powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofans, the F-15EX can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 and has an operational ceiling of 18,288 meters, with a range of 3,889 kilometers.