Boeing rolls out first F-15AS for Saudis

ST. LOUIS, May 1 (UPI) -- The latest international variant of the F-15 fighter has been produced by Boeing for Saudi Arabia.

The F-15SA features to additional wing stations of increased weapons payload, improved performance, full fly-by-wire controls and lower life-cycle costs.

Flight testing of the variant began last year, Boeing said.

Saudi Arabia is procuring more than 80 F-15SA aircraft and is upgrading F-15S aircraft in its fleet to the SA configuration.

"We look forward to receiving the advanced capabilities of the F-15SA aircraft to continue to protect the security and stability of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Ayeesh, commander, Saudi air force.

"Our relationship with the U.S. Air Force and the Boeing Company has helped to ensure the Royal Saudi Air Force remains among the best-equipped air forces in the world."

Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, the U.S. Air Force's decision authority for the F-15SA program, said the new variant "will enhance the national security objectives of both the United States and the kingdom with improved interoperability and common training and support well into the 21st century."