The X-32/35 planes were Tech (or Concept) Demonstrators, not Prototypes. Their job was to validate primarily the propulsion and secondly any unique and untried tech from their respective companies.

The X-35, since it was from the same company that brought us the F-22, did not have to demonstrate a bay since the F-22 had already done it.

Boeing, OTOH, not only did not have any bay experience, but wanted to use an untried tilting bomb & missile rack.

Remember that what was required in the X-32/35 program was tightly controlled by the JPO and both companies went above the spec. An example of which was LM doing aerial refueling, Mission-X Flight, etc. Boeing’s bays may have been an example of going above the spec.

USG doesn’t have a f-15 run to FMS off, so it’s a boeing sale

Not necessarily as both the recent F-15SA and F-15SG sales were FMS.

what do you think about this version?really a JSF Killer?

Not even close.

I doubt the USN will ever fund it in it’s entirety, especially the engines.

Considering that the USN did not fund an internal IRST when they had a chance but instead went with a *******ized solution involving mounting it on the centerline tank.

There is a big difference between “second hand” Swedish Gripens and “almost new” South African ones where the newest one was delivered last year.

I know.. We can enhance the list when they are in the series.

Understandable… here are the current F-15 numbers.

The F-15C/D APG-63(v)3 program started its series delivery and will have installed 54 by the end of FY2013. The last APG-63(v)3 is scheduled for delivery in FY2018 and will bring the total up to 156 APG-63(v)3 delivered.

The F-15E APG-82 program started its series delivery of install kits in FY2013. The last APG-82 is scheduled for delivery in FY2022 and will bring the total up to 219 APG-82s delivered.

Don’t forget MADL which will allow all the F-35s to share data without giving their position away.

I wonder if they will keep it as a rail-only launch type?

Giving it a ejector launch capability should lessen the integration time needed and would allow for two to be mounted in the F-35’s internal bay rather easily while still leaving the door AMRAAM.