Boeing announced today a new configuration for the F-15 called the F-15 Silent Eagle (F-15SE). The redesign consists of new coatings, improved tail design, weight reductions and internal-carriage fuel tanks, according to Boeing's press release. With the new tanks, the Silent Eagle can fly with the previous F-15 configuration, with weapons extended for maximum fuel capacity, or it can conform to hold weapons internally, for stealth. The Silent Eagle will be able to internally carry air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 and AIM-120 and air-to-ground weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Small Diameter Bomb.

Boeing has completed a conceptual prototype internal-carriage and plans to flight-test a prototype by the first quarter of 2010, including a live missile launch. –Tyghe Trimble