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McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

January 30, 2023

For the game, see F-15 Strike Eagle (video game).

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter[8] derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be generally distinguished from other US Eagle variants by darker aircraft camouflage, conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) mounted along the engine intake ramps (although CFTs can also be mounted on earlier F-15 variants) and a tandem-seat cockpit.

F-15E Strike Eagle
An F-15E from the 391st Fighter Squadron
Role Multirole strike fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas (1985–1997)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present)
First flight 11 December 1986; 36 years ago (1986-12-11)
Introduction 1988[1][2]
30 September 1989 (IOC)[3]
Status In service
Primary users United States Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
Israeli Air Force
Republic of Korea Air Force
For other users, see Operators
Produced 1985–present
Number built 525[N 1]
Developed from McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Libya, among others. During these operations, the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets and combat air patrols, and provided close air support for coalition troops. It has also been exported to several countries.

Development

Origins

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle was introduced by the USAF to replace its fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. Unlike the F-4, the F-15 was designed for the air superiority mission with little consideration for a ground-attack role; the F-15 Special Project Office opposed the idea of F-15s performing the interdiction mission, giving rise to the phrase "Not a pound for air to ground."[9] In service, the F-15 has been a successful fighter, scoring over 100 aerial combat victories and zero losses in air-to-air combat as of 2007.[10]

Despite a lack of official interest, McDonnell Douglas quietly worked on an F-15-derived interdictor fighter. The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the General Dynamics F-111 and the remaining F-4s, as well as to augment the existing F-15s.[11] In 1978, the USAF initiated the Tactical All-Weather Requirement Study, which looked at McDonnell Douglas's proposal and other options such as the purchase of further F-111Fs. The study recommended the F-15E as the USAF's future strike platform.[12] In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and Hughes began a close collaboration on the development of the F-15E's air-to-ground capabilities.[13]

To assist in the F-15E's development, McDonnell Douglas modified the second TF-15A prototype, AF serial number 71-0291, as a demonstrator. The aircraft, known as the Advanced Fighter Capability Demonstrator, first flew on 8 July 1980.[12] It was previously used to test conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), initially designed for the F-15 under the designation "FAST Pack", with FAST standing for "Fuel and Sensor, Tactical.[12] It was subsequently fitted with a Pave Tack laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs.[14] The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980 Farnborough Airshow.[15]

Enhanced Tactical Fighter

In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111. The program was later renamed the Dual-Role Fighter (DRF) competition. The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming.[16] General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted the F-15E. The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credible air-superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it was not American-made, it was not seriously considered.[15]

 
The second TF-15A, AF Ser. No. 71-0291, used as an F-15E demonstrator

The DRF evaluation team, under the direction of Brigadier General Ronald W. Yates, ran from 1981 through 30 April 1983, during which the F-15E logged more than 200 flights, demonstrated takeoff weight of more than 75,000 pounds (34 t), and validated 16 different weapons-carrying configurations.[17][18] McDonnell Douglas, to assist 71-0291 in the evaluation, added to the program other F-15s, designated 78-0468, 80-0055, and 81-0063. The single-engined F-16XL was a promising design, which with its radically redesigned cranked-delta wing, greatly boosted performance; if selected, the single- and two-seat versions were to be designated F-16E and F-16F, respectively.[18] On 24 February 1984, the USAF chose the F-15E; key factors in the decision were the F-15E's lower development costs compared to the F-16XL (US$270 million versus US$470 million), a belief that the F-15E had future growth potential, and possessing twin-engine redundancy.[17][3] The USAF was initially expected to procure 400 aircraft, a figure later revised to 392.[18][19]

Construction of the first three F-15Es started in July 1985. The first of these, 86-0183, made its maiden flight on 11 December 1986.[17][3] Piloted by Gary Jennings, the aircraft reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.9 and an altitude of 40,000 feet (12,000 m) during the 75-minute flight.[17] This aircraft had the full F-15E avionics suite and the redesigned front fuselage, but not the aft fuselage and the common engine bay.[17] The latter was featured on 86-0184, while 86-0185 incorporated all the changes of the F-15E from the F-15.[17] On 31 March 1987, the first officially completed F-15E made its first flight.[20]

The first production F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in April 1988.[3] Production continued into the 2000s with 236 produced for the USAF through 2001.[21]

Upgrade programs and replacement

 
First production F-15E, 86-0183

The F-15E was upgraded with the Raytheon APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007, and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010.[22] It combines the processor of the APG-79 used on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 AESA being fitted on the F-15C;[23] it was named APG-63(V)4 until it received the APG-82 designation in 2009.[24] The new radar is to be part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program,[25] which also includes a wideband radome (enabling operation on more radar frequencies) and environment control and electronic warfare improvements.[26]

Having a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants, the F-15E is expected to remain in service past 2025.[27] As of December 2012, the USAF's F-15E fleet had an average age of 21 years and an average airframe flying time of 6,000 hours. In 2012, the USAF was reportedly considering future options; no replacement for the F-15E is slated. In 2021, Boeing stated that its F-15EX Eagle II aircraft will replace the existing fleet of F-15C Eagle fighters in the USAF, with the option to also begin replacing the F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.[28] The F-15EX Eagle II follows very closely to the Strike Eagle design, with a two-seat configuration as well as further air to ground capabilities. The USAF has stated that they will look into the F-15EX replacing the Strike Eagles at a later time.[29] Another choice is the F-35 Lightning II, set to replace other aircraft such as the F-16 Falcon; a F-35E variant was studied. Adding a second seat to the F-35 is complex and costly, especially to preserve its stealth profile; providing for greater range and payload would also be difficult tasks. Alternatively, the role could be covered by a combination of fighter and bomber aircraft, such as the B-21 Raider. The F-15E may also be replaced by a clean-sheet sixth-generation aircraft design.[30][31]

ALASA

On 24 March 2014, Boeing won a $30.6 million contract from DARPA as part of the Airborne Launch Assist Space Access (ALASA) program. The goal of the program is to cut the cost of putting microsatellites into orbit by 66% through advances in launch systems. Under the 11-month contract, Boeing will build twelve 24 ft (7.3 m) launch vehicles, each with a payload capability up to 100 lb (45 kg). An ALASA vehicle is to be fitted under an F-15E, which will climb to 40,000 ft, then be released and fire its four engines to reach low-Earth orbit. Awarding the contract to Boeing would make use of the F-15E as the carriage vehicle, as previous design contracts had been given to Lockheed Martin to use the F-22 Raptor and Virgin Galactic to use their SpaceShip Two aircraft. DARPA had previously insisted they wanted to select an aircraft they would not need to modify heavily to carry and launch the ALASA payload.[32][33]

Design

 
Forward cockpit of an F-15E with three multifunction displays

The F-15E's deep-strike mission is a radical departure from the original intent of the F-15 since it was designed as an air-superiority fighter under the mantra "not a pound for air-to-ground."[34] The basic airframe, however, proved versatile enough to produce a very capable strike fighter. The F-15E, while designed for ground attack, retains the air-to-air lethality of the F-15, and can defend itself against enemy aircraft.[35]

The F-15E prototype was a modification of the two-seat F-15B. Despite its origins, it includes significant structural changes as well as more powerful engines. The aft fuselage was designed to incorporate the more powerful engines with advanced engine bay structures and doors, which incorporate Superplastic forming and diffusion bonding technologies. The back seat is equipped for a weapon systems officer (WSO, pronounced "wizzo") to work the air-to-ground avionics via multiple screens; these view the radar, electronic warfare, or thermographic cameras, monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats, select targets, and use an electronic moving map to navigate. Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information; displays can be moved from one screen to another using a menu of display options. Unlike previous two-place jets (e.g. the F-14 Tomcat and Navy variants of the F-4), whose back seat omitted flying controls, the F-15E's back seat is equipped with its own stick and throttle so the WSO can take over flying, albeit with reduced visibility.[36]

For extended range, the F-15E is fitted with two conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that hug the fuselage to produce lower drag than conventional underwing/underbelly drop tanks. They carry 750 U.S. gallons (2,800 L) of fuel, and house six weapons hardpoints in two rows of three in tandem. Unlike conventional drop tanks, CFTs cannot be jettisoned, thus increased range is a trade-off for increased drag and weight compared to a "clean" configuration.

 
A wing-over maneuver displays the clean lines and high-wing design of an F-15E from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

The tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) integrates all countermeasures on the craft: radar warning receivers, radar jammer, radar, and chaff/flare dispensers are all tied to the TEWS to provide comprehensive defense against detection and tracking. This system includes an externally mounted ALQ-131 ECM pod which is carried on the centerline pylon when required.[citation needed] The MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal, produced by BAE Systems, improves situational awareness and communications capabilities via the Link 16 datalink.[37]

The APG-70 radar allows crews to detect ground targets from longer ranges; one feature is that, after a sweep of a target area, the crew may freeze the air-to-ground map then switch to air-to-air mode to scan for aerial threats. During air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting, and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO designates ground targets. The APG-70 is to be replaced by the AN/APG-82(v)1 active electronically scanned array radar, which began flight tests in January 2010 with initial operational capability expected in 2014.[38]

Its inertial navigation system uses a laser gyroscope to continuously monitor the aircraft's position and provide information to the central computer and other systems, including a digital moving map in both cockpits. The low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system is mounted externally under the engine intakes; it allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night, and in any weather conditions, to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system gives the F-15E exceptional accuracy in weapons delivery day or night and in poor weather, and consists of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft. At night, the video picture from the LANTIRN can be projected on the head-up display (HUD), producing an infrared image of the ground.[39]

 
An underside view of an F-15E Strike Eagle with landing gear down

The AN/AAQ-13 navigation pod contains a terrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a HUD; it also can be coupled to the autopilot to provide "hands off" terrain-following capability. This pod also contains a forward-looking infrared system which is projected on the HUD, typically used during nighttime or low-visibility operations. The nav pod is installed beneath the right engine intake. The targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction as far away as 10 mi (16 km). Once tracking has started, targeting information is automatically handed off to infrared homing air-to-surface missiles or laser-guided bombs. The targeting pod is mounted beneath the left engine intake; configurations may be either the AN/AAQ-14 Target Pod, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Target Pod, or the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod.[citation needed]

The F-15E carries the most air-to-ground weapons in the USAF inventory. It is also armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAMs, retaining the counter-air capabilities of its Eagle lineage, being fully capable of Offensive-Counter-Air operations. Like the F-15C, it also carries an internally mounted General Electric M61A1 20 mm cannon with 500 rounds, which is effective against enemy aircraft and "soft" ground targets.[citation needed]

Since 2004, South Korean firm LIG Nex1 has been manufacturing the F-15's Head-up display; a total number of 150 HUDs were delivered by 2011.[40][41] LIG Nex1 had been a participant in the F-15K program as a subcontractor to Rockwell Collins.[40][41] LIG Nex1 is also preparing to manufacture F-15's new multi-function display and flight control computer.[40] Also since 2004, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has produced the F-15's wings and forward fuselages; in 2008, KAI established another production line for Singapore's F-15SG.[42] KAI is involved in the design and manufacture of the Conformal Weapons Bay (CWB) for the F-15 Silent Eagle.[43]

The engines used on early aircraft are Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220. Later batches feature the more powerful P&W F100-PW-229 engines.[44] Saudi Arabian and Israeli aircraft originally used P&W F100-229 engines.[45][46] In 2008, Saudi Arabia decided to re-engine their F-15S and F-15SA fleets with General Electric F110-GE-129 engines.[47][48] The South Korean F-15K had two different engines; the first batch are powered by GE F110 engines, while the second batch are powered by P&W F100 engines.[49] The Singapore Air Force equipped their F-15SG fleet with GE F110 engines.[50][51]

Operational history

United States

The F-15E was first delivered to the U.S. Air Force operational units in 1988.[2] The F-15E reached initial operational capability on 30 September 1989 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron.[3]

Gulf War

 
USAF F-15Es, accompanied by an F-15C and two F-16s, flying over burning Kuwaiti oil wells.

The F-15E was deployed in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 for Operation Desert Shield. The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron flew to Seeb Air Base in Oman to begin training exercises in anticipation of an Iraqi attack on Saudi Arabia; in December, the 335th and 336th squadrons relocated to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, closer to Iraq's border.[52] At the start of Operation Desert Storm, 24 F-15Es launched an attack on five fixed Scud installations in western Iraq on 17 January 1991. Missions against Scud sites continued through that night with a second strike of 21 F-15Es. At night-time, F-15Es flew hunter missions over western Iraq, searching for mobile SCUD launchers. By conducting random bombings in suspected areas, it was hoped to deter the Iraqis from setting up for a Scud launch.[53]

On the war's opening night, an F-15E failed to hit a MiG-29 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder; other F-15Es also unsuccessfully engaged this lone MiG-29, which was eventually brought down by a missile of unknown origin.[54][55] On 18 January, during a strike against a petrol oil and lubricant plant near Basrah, an F-15E was lost to enemy fire, killing both pilot and WSO. F-15E crews described this mission as the most difficult and dangerous of the war as it was heavily defended by SA-3s, SA-6s, SA-8s and Rolands as well as by anti-aircraft artillery. Two nights later, a second and final F-15E was downed by an Iraqi SA-2; the crew survived and evaded capture for several days and made contact with coalition aircraft, but a rescue was not launched due to security issues over an airman who failed to identify himself with proper codes. The Iraqis later captured both airmen.[56]

F-15Es destroyed 18 Iraqi jets on the ground at Tallil air base using GBU-12s and CBU-87s. On 14 February, an F-15E scored its only air-to-air kill of the war: a Mil Mi-24 helicopter. While responding to a request for help by US Special Forces, five Iraqi helicopters were spotted. The lead F-15E of two, via its FLIR, acquired a helicopter in the process of unloading Iraqi soldiers, and released a GBU-10 bomb. The F-15E crew thought the bomb had missed its target and were preparing to use a Sidewinder when the helicopter was destroyed. The Special Forces team estimated that the Hind was roughly 800 feet (240 m) over the ground when the 2,000 lb (910 kg) bomb hit its target.[57] As another Coalition bombing operation had commenced, the F-15Es disengaged from combat with the remaining helicopters.[54]

F-15Es struck heavily defended targets throughout Iraq, prioritizing SCUD missile sites. Missions aimed at killing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein were undertaken by F-15Es, bombing several suspected locations. Prior to the ground war, F-15Es flew tank plinking missions against Iraqi vehicles in Kuwait. After 42 days of combat, a cease fire came into effect on 1 March 1991, leading to the creation of Northern and Southern no-fly zones over Iraq.[58]

Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch

 
An F-15E over Iraq in 1999 for Operation Northern Watch

Following Desert Storm, two no-fly zones over Iraq were set up, and enforced typically by US and UK aircraft. In one incident, an attack on up to 600 Kurdish refugees by Iraqi helicopters at Chamchamal, northern Iraq, was observed by a flight of F-15Es. As they were not allowed to open fire, the F-15Es instead conducted several high speed passes as close as possible to the Iraqi helicopters to create severe wake-turbulence, while aiming lasers at the helicopter's cockpits to attempt to blind their crews; this caused the crash of one Hind. Afterwards, USAF leadership ordered F-15Es not to fly below 10,000 feet (3,000 m) to deter a repetition.[58]

F-15Es of the 391st Fighter Squadron, 492d Fighter Squadron, and 494th Fighter Squadron regularly deployed to Turkey throughout the 1990s. In January 1993, in breach of the ceasefire agreement, Iraqi targets below the 32nd parallel north were attacked; 10 F-15Es conducted a punitive strike days later.[59] Most missions were of a defensive nature, the Strike Eagles carried a flexible range of weapons on a typical mission. AWACS aircraft were in close contact with F-15E crews, who would receive new taskings while airborne and thus could fly unplanned attacks on Iraqi targets.[59] After 1993, no-fly zone violations were minimal as Iraq staged a minor withdrawal; in 1997, Turkey approved the creation of Operation Northern Watch (ONW) and permitted US forces to use the Incirlik air base.[citation needed]

In December 1998, Operation Desert Fox was conducted when Iraq refused UNSCOM inspections. On 28 December 1998, three F-15Es struck an SA-3 tracking radar and optical guidance unit, each dropping two GBU-12 500-pound precision-guided munitions (PGMs).[60] After Desert Fox, Iraq frequently violated the no-fly zones, thus F-15Es conducted several pre-planned retaliatory strikes; in ONW alone, weapons were expended on at least 105 days.[61] Between 24 and 26 January 1999, F-15Es expended several AGM-130s and GBU-12s against SAM sites near Mosul, northern Iraq.[62] They also flew in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Provide Comfort II.[58]

Operations in the Balkans

 
F-15E departing Aviano Air Base, Italy, for a strike mission in Operation Allied Force on 28 March 1999

Operation Deny Flight was a United Nations-enforced no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the deteriorating situation in the Balkans. In August 1993, F-15Es from 492d and 494th FS deployed to Aviano, Italy. In late 1993, NATO ordered a limited F-15E strike at Udbina airfield, targeting Serbian forces in neighboring Croatia. Eight F-15Es armed with GBU-12s took off to attack an SA-6 anti-aircraft vehicle; the mission was cancelled mid-flight over the application of stringent Rules of Engagement.[63] In December 1993, F-15Es launched to destroy a pair of SA-2s which had fired upon two Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS 1s.[64] In August 1995, F-15Es of 90th Fighter Squadron were also deployed. The 492d and 494th flew over 2,500 sorties since starting Deny Flight, 2,000 of these by 492d. In August 1995, in support of NATO's Operation Deliberate Force, F-15Es flew strike missions against Serbian armor and logistics around the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. On 9 September, an F-15E deployed the type's first GBU-15 bomb; dropping nine on Bosnian-Serb ground forces and air defense targets near Banja Luka.[64]

In response to the displacement of Kosovars and the Serbian government's rejection of a NATO ultimatum, Operation Allied Force was launched in March 1999. A total of 26 F-15Es flew the first strikes of Allied Force against Serb surface-to-air-missile sites, anti-aircraft batteries and early warning radar stations.[65] Strike Eagles were deployed to Aviano as well as RAF Lakenheath in the UK. In-theater, F-15Es conducted close air support (CAS) missions, a popular concept within the USAF.[66] Missions typically lasted around 7.5 hours, included two aerial refuelings; F-15Es would carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions to perform both combat air patrol duties as well as strike missions in the same mission.[66] Mobile SAM launchers posed a considerable threat to NATO aircraft and had made successful shoot-downs, most notably of a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk. In order to strike from increased distances, the F-15E was equipped with the AGM-130, which provided a stand-off strike capability.[67]

Operation Enduring Freedom

 
An F-15E over Afghanistan during Operation Mountain Lion, 2006.

Weeks after the September 11 attacks in 2001, the 391st Fighter Squadron deployed to Ahmad al-Jaber air base, Kuwait, to support Operation Enduring Freedom during the War in Afghanistan. F-15Es met little resistance during initial missions. On the first night, the main targets were Taliban military structures, supply depots, and al-Qaeda training camps and caves. Both the AGM-130 and GBU-15 2,000 lb (910 kg) bombs were expended; this was the GBU-15's first combat usage.[68] GBU-24s and GBU-28s were used against reinforced targets, command and control centers and cave entrances. F-15Es often operated in pairs alongside pairs of F-16Cs. Within weeks of the start of combat operations, there was a lack of targets to strike as nearly all targets had been already destroyed. The Taliban had access to SA-7 and FIM-92 Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles, posing no threat to most aircraft flying above 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Additionally, fixed SAM sites near cities as Mazar-i-Sharif and Bagram were struck early on; Afghanistan had rapidly become a low-threat environment for air operations.[69]

Aircraft commonly flew on-call support missions for allied ground forces, F-15Es usually carried MK-82 and GBU-12 bombs in this role, other weapons were sometimes carried, during one mission a GBU-28, two GBU-24s and six GBU-12s were released.[69] Frequent targets during the rest of the war were individual insurgents, light vehicles and supply convoys; cannon fire was often expended as well as bombs from F-15Es.[70] It was during combat over Afghanistan that four 391st crews conducted the longest fighter mission in history; lasting a total of 15.5 hours, nine of those hours spent flying over the target area. Two F-15Es attacked two Taliban command and control facilities, two buildings suspected of being used by Taliban fighters, and a road block; the F-15Es refueled 12 times during the mission.[71]

 
An F-15E of the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron launching heat decoys over Afghanistan, 2008

On 4 March, another incident known as the Battle of Roberts' Ridge involved several F-15Es performing a CAS mission. Aircraft destroyed a Taliban observation post and responded to nearby enemy mortar fire upon Navy SEAL forces searching for an ambushed MH-47E Chinook in the Shah-i-Kot Valley.[72] Several bombs were dropped as the SEAL team took fire, however one bomb missed due to the aircrew using incorrect coordinates.[72] An MH-47 carrying a rescue team was downed by an RPG while attempting to support the SEALs.[73] Following refueling, the F-15Es dropped a further 11 GBU-12s in coordination with ground forces, and fired their cannons on Taliban forces in close proximity to the survivors of the downed MH-47.[73] F-16s of 18th Fighter Squadron also made strafing passes until cannon ammunition was depleted, then resorting to further bomb drops. The F-15Es suffered technical issues involving both radio and weapon failures, several GBU-12s were dropped before returning to Al Jaber in Kuwait.[74]

Years later, several incidents occurred. On 23 August 2007, a friendly fire incident involved an F-15E mistakenly dropping a 500 lb (230 kg) bomb on British forces, killing three soldiers;[75] the stated cause was confusion between the air controller and the F-15E on the bombing coordinates.[76] On 13 September 2009, an F-15E shot down a non-responsive MQ-9 Reaper drone over Northern Afghanistan to prevent it entering foreign airspace.[77]

Operation Iraqi Freedom

 
An F-15E disengaging from a KC-10 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Note the visible wingtip vortices.

In late 2002, during tension over suspected Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction, the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was ordered to maintain at least one squadron ready to deploy to the Persian Gulf. During January 2003, the 336th was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in coordination with planners of the Combined Air Operations Center at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.[78] In late January, F-15Es began flying in Operation Southern Watch, typically performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Additional roles included simulated combat against potential Iraqi targets and regional familiarization with local procedures and rules of engagement.[78] During OSW, F-15Es struck targets in southern and western Iraq, including radars, radio stations, command and control sites, and air defences. On one night, four F-15Es released multiple GBU-24s on the Iraqi Republican Guard/Baath Party HQ in Basrah while another flight of four destroyed a nearby Air Defense Sector HQ with six GBU-10s.[79]

In late February, the 336th received additional aircrews, many drafted from the two non-deployable squadrons at Seymour Johnson (the 333d and 334th Fighter Squadrons) and 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, for a total of four aircrews per F-15E.[79] In March, the 335th Fighter Squadron's personnel and aircraft joined the 336th at Al Udeid. One objective was the destruction of Iraq's air defenses and Early Warning radar network near the Jordanian border, allowing F-16s and helicopters to operate from Jordan from the war's outset. Several radar sites and radio relay stations were hit in western Iraq near the "H3" airfield, encountering heavy anti-aircraft fire.[80]

On 19 March, as F-117 Nighthawks dropped bombs over Baghdad, targeting a house where Saddam Hussein was believed to be; F-15Es dropped GBU-28s around the H3 airfield. On 20 March, the effective start of the war, F-15Es fired AGM-130s against communication, command and control buildings, and other key targets in Baghdad; some weapons missed their intended targets, possibly due to jamming by EA-6B Prowlers in the vicinity.[81] On 3 April 2003, an F-15E mistook a M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) for an Iraqi surface-to-air missile site and dropped a 500 lb (230 kg) laser-guided bomb, killing three and wounding five others.[82]

On 7 April 2003, an F-15E, crewed by Captain Eric Das and Major William Watkins, performed a key interdiction mission in support of special forces;[83] it was likely shot down by AA fire while bombing targets around Tikrit.[84][85] Das and Watkins were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.[83] During the war, F-15Es were credited with destroying 60% of the Iraqi Medina Republican Guard's total force; they also struck 65 MiGs on the ground,[80] and destroyed key air defense and command buildings in Baghdad. F-15Es worked with other jets deployed to Al Udeid, including RAAF F/A-18s, USAF F-16s and F-117s, RAF Panavia Tornados and US Navy F-14s.[citation needed]

Operation Odyssey Dawn

Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on 17 March 2011, 18 USAF F-15Es were amongst other NATO and allied aircraft were deployed to enforce the Libyan no-fly zone as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn. On 21 March 2011, an F-15E from the 492d FS crashed near Bengazi, Libya.[86] Both crew members parachuted into territory held by resistance elements of the Libyan population and were eventually rescued by US Marines.[87][88] Equipment problems caused a weight imbalance and contributed to the crash when leaving the target area.[89]

Operations against Islamic State (2014–present)

USAF F-15Es have participated in Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria. On the morning of 23 September 2014, numerous American and Arab aircraft conducted air strikes in Syria against IS fighters, training compounds, headquarters and command and control facilities, storage facilities, a finance center, supply trucks, and armed vehicles.[90] The Pentagon released videos of targets hit by ordnance deployed by F-15Es, taken by their AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pods.[91][92] Between August 2014 and January 2015, F-15Es flew 37 percent of all USAF sorties.[93]

 
A 492 FS F-15E of the 48th Fighter Wing taking off from RAF Lakenheath

USAF F-15Es based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom performed several long range strikes against IS camps and prominent figures in Libya. On 13 November 2015, a pair of F-15Es killed Abu Nabil al-Anbari, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya, in a strike near Darnah, Eastern Libya.[94] On 20 February 2016, USAF F-15Es[95] hit an IS training camp near Sabratha where foreign fighters were based, reportedly killing Noureddine Chouchane, a 36-year-old Tunisian jihadist linked to the 2015 Sousse attacks. Sources said that 49 people were killed and 6 wounded;[96][97] two Serbians kidnapped by IS in 2015 were also reportedly killed.[98]

On 8 June 2017, an F-15E shot down a pro-Syrian Regime UAV near Al Tanf, Syria;[99] according to OIR officials, it was downed after deploying "one of several weapons it was carrying near a position occupied by Coalition personnel... [It was] similar in size to a U.S. MQ-1 Predator".[100] The drone may have been a Shahed 129;[101] on 20 June 2017, a second Shahed-129 was downed by an F-15E near the 50 mile exclusion zone around Al-Tanf.[102]

On 21 August 2021, a USAF F-15E shot down an unidentified drone with an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile as the drone approached US forces in Eastern Syria.[103]

Israel

 
Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am

The F-15I is operated by the Israeli Defense Force/Air Force No 69 Squadron, succeeding the F-4 Phantom II. It is used akin to a strategic bomber due to its long range, high munition capacity and advanced systems.

After the Gulf War in 1991, in which Israeli towns were attacked by SCUD missiles based in Iraq, the Israeli government decided a long range strike aircraft was needed, issuing a Request for Information (RFI). In response, Lockheed Martin offered a version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, while McDonnell Douglas offered both the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-15E. On 27 January 1994, the Israeli government announced their intention to buy 21 modified F-15Es, designated F-15I. On 12 May 1994, the US Government authorized the purchase of up to 25 F-15Is by Israel. In November 1995, Israel ordered four extra F-15Is; 25 were built from 1996 to 1998.[104] Some of the air-to-air missiles aircraft can carry: the AIM-9L, Rafael Python 4 and the Rafael Python 5 infrared-homing missiles; and the AIM-7 Sparrow and the AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missiles.[citation needed] In 1999, Israel announced its intention to procure more fighters and that a possible contender was the F-15I. However, the contract went to the F-16I.[105]

Saudi Arabia

 
Saudi Arabian F-15S along with armaments

In November 2009, Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15s, along with Saudi Tornados, performed air raids amid the Houthi insurgency in north Yemen. It was the RSAF's first military action over hostile territory since Operation Desert Storm.[106] In October 2010, Saudi Arabia requested 84 F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) fighters, upgrading of its existing F-15S fleet to F-15SA standard, and related equipment and weapons through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS).[107] On 29 December 2011, the U.S. signed a $29.4 billion contract to sell 84 F-15SAs, as well as the F-15S upgrades.[108] In June 2012, an FMS contract for 68 F-15S to F-15SA modification kits was placed with Boeing.[109] On 20 February 2013, the maiden flight of the first new-build F-15SA occurred.[110]

Saudi led in intervention in Yemen (2015–present)

See also: List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen

On 26 March 2015, Saudi F-15Ss, along with other Arab coalition assets, started striking targets in Yemen as part of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, called Operation Decisive Storm. Opposing a joint force composed of former Houthi rebels and Yemeni Army forces, the strikes, at least initially, were met by ineffective anti-aircraft fire that reportedly only caused damage when falling to the ground.[111] Early strikes were aimed at air defense sites, Army HQs, military airports, ballistic missiles depots, and launchers.[112] During these attacks, a Saudi F-15S crashed into the Gulf of Aden after circling over the sea; its two pilots ejected safely and were recovered from the sea by a USAF HH-60G rescue helicopter; Arab coalition reports claimed enemy fire was not involved,[113] while Houthi and Iranian sources claimed they had shot it down.[114] On 8 January 2018, a RSAF F-15S was reportedly shot down by a Houthi surface-to-air missile; a Houthi-released video shows the F-15 increasing speed and releasing decoy flares before being struck by a projectile and apparently suffering major damage.[115][116] On 9 January 2018, the Houthi media, Al-Masirah, announced that the F-15 had been damaged but did not crash.[117]

On 21 March 2018, Houthi rebels released a video allegedly showing a RSAF F-15 being hit in Saada province by a R-27 air to air missile adapted for surface to air use.[118] As in the video of the previous similar hit recorded on 8 January, the target, while clearly hit, seems not falling to the sky when the video stops. Saudi forces confirmed the hit, while saying the jet safely landed at a Saudi base.[119] Saudi sources confirmed the incident involved a surface-to-air missile being launched at the jet from inside Saada airport.[120][121]

Variants

For earlier F-15A, F-15B, F-15C, F-15D, F-15J, F-15DJ, and other F-15-based variants, see McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.
 
A USAF F-15E refueling over the mountains of Afghanistan

F-15E variants

F-15E
Two-seat all-weather long-range strike and ground-attack aircraft for the USAF. A total of 236 were built from 1985 to 2001.[21][104]
 
An IAF F-15I (Ra'am) of the No 69 "Hammers" Squadron maneuvers away after receiving fuel from a KC-135 during Red Flag 2004
F-15I
The F-15I is operated by the Israeli Air Force where it is known as the Ra'am (רעם – "Thunder"). It is a dual-seat ground attack aircraft powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, and is based on the F-15E.
The F-15I features different avionic systems to USAF F-15E to meet Israeli requirements. Initially, Sharpshooter targeting pods designed for IAF F-16s were fitted for night-time strikes, but were less capable than the LANTIRN pods used on USAF F-15Es; Israel later bought 30 LANTIRN pods. The F-15Is initially lacked Radar Warning Receivers; Israel installed its own Elisra SPS-2110 electronic warfare equipment as well as a new central computer and embedded GPS/INS system. All sensors can be slaved to the Display and Sight Helmet (DASH) helmet-mounted sight, providing both crew members a means of targeting which the F-15E lacks. The F-15I uses the APG-70I radar; its terrain mapping capability can locate targets difficult to spot while under adverse weather conditions and can detect large airliner-sized targets at 150 nautical miles (170 mi; 280 km), and fighter-sized targets at 56 nmi (64 mi; 104 km); it has a reduced resolution one-third below the APG-70.[122] In January 2016, Israel approved F-15I upgrades such as structural changes, an AESA radar, updated avionics, and new weapons.[123]
F-15K
The F-15K Slam Eagle (Korean: F-15K 슬램 이글) is a derivative of the F-15E, operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force. Several major components were outsourced to South Korean companies under an offset agreement, wherein South Korea was responsible for 40% of production and 25% of assembly.[124] The fuselage and wings are supplied by Korea Aerospace Industries,[125] flight control actuator by Hanwha Corporation,[126] electronic jammer and radar warning receiver by Samsung Thales,[127] head-up display, airborne communication system, and radar by LIG Nex1,[41][128] and engines by Samsung Techwin under license[129] before final assembly at Boeing's St. Louis facility.
 
F-15K at Nellis AFB, Nevada, 2008 for the Red Flag 08-4 exercise
In 2002, ROKAF selected the F-15K for its F-X fighter program, during which the F-15K, the Dassault Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Sukhoi Su-35 were evaluated. A total of 40 aircraft were ordered, deliveries began in 2005.[130] On 25 April 2008, a second batch of 21 F-15Ks were ordered, worth 2.3 trillion Korean won (US$2.3 billion). This second batch differs from first batch aircraft in having Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 (EEP) engines, license-produced by Samsung Techwin, for commonality with the KF-16 fleet.[131][132] ROKAF had received 50 F-15Ks by June 2011.[133] ROKAF expects the F-15K to be in service until 2060.[134]
The F-15K has several atypical features to the F-15E, such as an AAS-42 Infra-red search and track,[135] a customized Tactical Electronics Warfare Suite to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness,[135] cockpit compatibility with night vision devices, ARC-232 U/VHF radio with Fighter Data Link, and advanced APG-63(V)1 mechanical-scanned array radar. The APG-63(V)1 radar has common digital processing equipment with the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, and can be upgraded to an AESA radar via antenna replacement.[122] The F-15K is equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System[135] and weapons such as AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-84H Harpoon Block II, and KEPD 350.
F-15S
The F-15S is a variant of the F-15E supplied to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) in the 1990s. Saudi Arabia previously sought to buy up to 24 F-15Fs, a proposed single-seat variant, but was blocked by the U.S. Congress.[136] The F-15S, initially referred to as F-15XP, is almost identical to the USAF F-15E, the only major difference in the AN/APG-70 radar's performance in synthetic aperture mode.[104][136] 72 were built from 1996 to 1998.[104] In October 2007, GE announced a US$300 million contract with Saudi Arabia for 65 GE F110-GE-129C engines for the F-15S.[137]
F-15SG
The F-15SG (formerly F-15T) is a variant ordered by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) after an evaluation involving five other fighters. It was chosen on 6 September 2005 over the Dassault Rafale, the only other remaining aircraft in contention.[138][139] On 22 August 2005, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of weapons, logistics and training to Singapore; options included AIM-120C and AIM-9X missiles; GBU-38 JDAM and AGM-154 JSOW air-to-ground weapons, Night Vision Goggles and Link 16 terminals.[140][141] The F-15F designation was also reserved.[142] An order for 12 F-15SGs was placed in December 2005.[143] On 22 October 2007, Singapore exercised an option for eight more F-15SGs within the original contract. Four more were later bought.[144] The first F-15SG was rolled out on 3 November 2008; deliveries began in 2009;[145] all 24 were declared operational in September 2013.[146] Further F-15SGs were ordered, including 8 in 2010 and 8 in 2014, for a total of 40 F-15SGs by 2018.[147][148][149]

F-15 Advanced Eagle variants

The F-15 Advanced Eagle represents a more substantial upgrade over previous models in that it has a new fly-by-wire control system and wing structure that enables two additional underwing weapons hardpoints (increasing the number from nine to eleven). Additional enhancements include the option of a large area display cockpit, the Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1 or AN/APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, General Electric F110-129 engines, digital Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems for pilot and WSO, and a digital electronic warfare system among other enhancements. In a typical escort configuration, the Advanced Eagle can carry 16 AIM-120 AMRAAM; four AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missiles; and two AGM-88 HARMs. For precision strike, it can carry 16 Small-Diameter Bombs (SDBs); four AMRAAMs; one 2,000 lb Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM); two HARMs; and two fuel drop tanks.[150]
F-15SA
The F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) is a version for the RSAF and the first to have the new fly-by-wire flight control system in place of the hybrid electronic/mechanical system used by previous F-15s, which allows for weapons carriage on the previously unused outer wing hardpoints.[151] The F-15SA includes the APG-63(v)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, digital electronic warfare systems (DEWS), and infrared search and track (IRST) systems. It also had a redesigned cockpit once intended for the F-15SE.[107][152][153]
F-15QA
The F-15QA (Qatar Advanced)[150] Ababil[154] is a variant for the Qatar Air Force. In November 2016, the US State Department approved the sale of up to 72 F-15QAs to Qatar in a $21.1 billion deal that included weapons, support, equipment, and training.[155][156] In June 2017, Qatar signed a deal to buy 36 F-15QAs for US$12 billion.[157] On 13 April 2020, the first F-15QA took its maiden flight.[158] On 22 June 2021, Boeing announced that it will integrate an Elbit Systems anti-jamming systems into the F-15QA, allowing it to fly into heavy electromagnetic interference environment uninterrupted.[159]
F-15IA
The F-15IA (Israel Advanced) is a variant for the Israeli Air Force based on the F-15EX and Advanced Eagle. The Israeli Defense Forces approved the plan to acquire 25 new-build F-15IA and upgrade 25 F-15Is to the F-15IA standard in February 2020.[160]
F-15EX Eagle II
 
An F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flies above Northern California, May 2021
In 2018, the USAF and Boeing discussed the F-15X, a proposed single-seat variant based on the F-15QA to replace USAF F-15C/Ds. Improvements included the AMBER weapons rack to carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, infrared search and track, advanced avionics and electronics warfare equipment, AESA radar, and revised structure with a service life of 20,000 hours.[161][162] Also known as Advanced F-15, both single and two seat variants were proposed, called F-15CX and F-15EX respectively, with identical capabilities. The USAF opted for the two–seat variant, which can be optionally flown by a single pilot or both pilot and WSO, the latter for complex missions and controlling "Loyal Wingman" UAVs in the future. One reason for this decision is that only two–seat F-15 models remained in production.[163][164]
The USAF opted for the F-15EX to maintain fleet size as F-22 production ended, the F-35 was delayed, and its F-15Cs aged. Although it is not expected to be survivable against modern air defenses by 2028, the F-15EX can perform homeland and airbase defense, no-fly zone enforcement against limited air defenses, and deploy standoff munitions.[165] In July 2020, the U.S. Defense Department ordered eight F-15EXs over three years for $1.2 billion.[166][167] In August 2020, the USAF announced plans to replace F-15Cs in the Florida and Oregon Air National Guards with F-15EXs.[168] The F-15EX made its maiden flight on 2 February 2021.[169] The first F-15EX was delivered to the USAF in March 2021, and was flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for further testing.[170] On 7 April 2021, its official name Eagle II was announced.[171] The FY2021 defense appropriations bill funded F-15EX procurement at $1.23 billion for 12 aircraft for a total of 20 aircraft funded and ordered to-date.[172] By May 2022, the USAF had orders for 144 F-15EXs; it has proposed reducing its orders to 80.[173] First operational F-15EXs are not to receive conformal fuel tanks.[174]

Proposed variants

F-15H
The F-15H Strike Eagle (H for Hellas) was a 1990s proposed export version of F-15E for Greece, which was selected by the Greek Ministry of Defence and the Greek Air Force,[175] but the government chose new F-16s and Mirage 2000-5s instead.[176]
F-15G
A F-15G Wild Weasel was a proposed two-seat version to replace the F-4G Wild Weasel in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role. The F-15G was studied in 1986. A proposed modification to F-15Cs for the SEAD role was studied in 1994–95, but F-16Cs were modified to perform this role instead.[177] F-15Es are capable of carrying ARMs such as the AGM-88 HARM and performing the SEAD role.[citation needed]
F-15SE Silent Eagle
The F-15SE Silent Eagle was a proposed variant with fifth generation fighter features, such as internal weapons carriage and radar-absorbent material. The Silent Eagle featured conformal weapons bays (CWB) to hold weapons internally instead of conformal fuel tanks, the twin vertical tails are canted outward 15 degrees to reduce radar cross section; the majority of the CWB's area is for weapons storage, a minority is used for fuel storage.[178] The F-15SE was optimized for air-to-air missions, lacking all-aspect stealth features for missions inside areas protected by ground-based anti-aircraft systems.[179] The first production F-15E, s/n "86-0183", was modified to become a Silent Eagle demonstrator. It first flew in July 2010 with a left-side conformal weapons bay,[180] and successfully launched an AMRAAM missile from the CWB in July 2010.[181] Potential customers were Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea;[178] however the Saudis chose to procure the F-15SA,[182] while Israel,[183] Japan,[184] and South Korea selected the F-35.[185]
F-15GA
Boeing offered 90 F-15GA (German Advanced) fighters to Germany as replacements for its Tornado IDSs and ECRs.[186] Luftwaffe chose 35 F-35A and 15 Eurofighter Typhoon (ECR EW variant) instead.[187]
F-15ID
The F-15ID is a proposed export version of the F-15EX for the Indonesian Air Force. In February 2022, the US State Department approved the sale of up to 36 F-15IDs and related equipment to Indonesia worth around $13.9 billion.[188] The variant is also known as F-15IDN.[189] As of 21 November 2022, Indonesia's planned purchase of F-15s is in advanced stages and awaiting final sign-off from the government, as stated by the Indonesian Minister of Defense. Speaking after meeting his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in Jakarta, Prabowo Subianto said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer proposed and he is confident the package is affordable.[190]
F-15GSE Global Strike Eagle
The F-15GSE was a 2006 proposal for a space strike version of the F-15E, for attacking satellites. It is proposed to be an unmanned remotely-piloted variant, carrying a 3-stage-to-orbit solid rocket ASAT missile on its back between the twin-tails.[191]

Operators

Main article: List of F-15 operators
 
Current operators of the F-15 in light blue, F-15E Strike Eagle in red, both in dark blue
 
A F-15K of the South Korean Air Force
 
A F-15SG of the Singapore Air Force
  Israel
  South Korea
  • Republic of Korea Air Force – 59 F-15Ks in service in 2019. Sequentially, 40 and 21 units were delivered, of which two units crashed.[193]
    • 11th Fighter Wing (제11전투비행단), based at Daegu
      • 102nd Fighter Squadron
      • 122nd Fighter Squadron
      • 110th Fighter Squadron
  Qatar
  Saudi Arabia
  Singapore
  United States

Accidents and losses

Main article: List of F-15 losses

Specifications (F-15E)

 
An F-15E undergoing maintenance showing the M61 Vulcan Gatling gun with its cover removed.
 
An F-15E releasing a GBU-28 "Bunker Buster" during a test
 
LANTIRN pods mounted underneath the engine intakes of an F-15E Strike Eagle, the AN/AAQ-13 navigation pod to the left with the AN/AAQ-14 targeting pod to the right

Data from USAF fact sheet,[201] Davies[202] & Boeing[203]

General characteristics

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,434 kn (1,650 mph, 2,656 km/h) / Mach 2.5+ at high altitude
782 kn (900 mph; 1,448 km/h) / M1.2 at low altitude
  • Combat range: 687 nmi (791 mi, 1,272 km)
  • Ferry range: 2,100 nmi (2,400 mi, 3,900 km) with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
  • Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
  • g limits: +9
  • Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s) +
  • Thrust/weight: 0.93

Armament

Avionics

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ Number built for F-15E= 237,[4] F-15I= 25,[4] F-15S= 72,[4] F-15K= 61, F-15SG= 40, F-15SA= 84,[5] F-15QA= 4,[6] F-15EX= 2;[7] total= 525.

Citations

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Bibliography

  • Davies, Steve. Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle. London: Airlife Publishing, 2002. ISBN 1-84037-377-6.
  • Davies, Steve. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, All-Weather Attack Aircraft. London: Airlife Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-84037-378-4.
  • Davies, Steve. F-15C/E Eagle Units of operation Iraqi Freedom (Osprey Combat Aircraft #47). Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2004. ISBN 978-1-84176-802-1.
  • Davies, Steve. F-15E Strike Eagle Units in Combat 1990–2005. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2005. ISBN 1-84176-909-6.
  • Davies, Steve and Doug Dildy. F-15 Eagle Engaged: The World's Most Successful Jet Fighter. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-84603-169-9.
  • Donald, David. "F-15E Strike Eagle". World Airpower Journal. Vol. 21. AIRtime Publishing, 1995.
  • Jenkins, Dennis R. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1-85780-081-8.
  • Rininger, Tyson. F-15 Eagle at War. St. Paul, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint, 2009. ISBN 0-7603-3350-5.
  • Spick, Mike, ed. The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI, 2000. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-15E Strike Eagle.
External video
Boeing's Official YouTube channel (in English)
  The Advanced F-15: Ready for the Fight on YouTube
  • F-15E USAF fact sheet
  • F-15 page, and F-15EX Super Eagle page on Boeing.com, Boeing F-15IA (Israeli Advanced) poster

January 30, 2023
mcdonnell, douglas, strike, eagle, game, strike, eagle, video, game, mcdonnell, douglas, boeing, strike, eagle, american, weather, multirole, strike, fighter, derived, from, mcdonnell, douglas, eagle, designed, 1980s, long, range, high, speed, interdiction, wi. For the game see F 15 Strike Eagle video game The McDonnell Douglas now Boeing F 15E Strike Eagle is an American all weather multirole strike fighter 8 derived from the McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle The F 15E was designed in the 1980s for long range high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft United States Air Force USAF F 15E Strike Eagles can be generally distinguished from other US Eagle variants by darker aircraft camouflage conformal fuel tanks CFTs mounted along the engine intake ramps although CFTs can also be mounted on earlier F 15 variants and a tandem seat cockpit F 15E Strike EagleAn F 15E from the 391st Fighter SquadronRole Multirole strike fighterNational origin United StatesManufacturer McDonnell Douglas 1985 1997 Boeing Defense Space amp Security 1997 present First flight 11 December 1986 36 years ago 1986 12 11 Introduction 1988 1 2 30 September 1989 IOC 3 Status In servicePrimary users United States Air ForceRoyal Saudi Air Force Israeli Air Force Republic of Korea Air Force For other users see OperatorsProduced 1985 presentNumber built 525 N 1 Developed from McDonnell Douglas F 15 EagleThe Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations in Iraq Afghanistan Syria and Libya among others During these operations the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes against high value targets and combat air patrols and provided close air support for coalition troops It has also been exported to several countries Contents 1 Development 1 1 Origins 1 2 Enhanced Tactical Fighter 1 3 Upgrade programs and replacement 1 4 ALASA 2 Design 3 Operational history 3 1 United States 3 1 1 Gulf War 3 1 2 Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch 3 1 3 Operations in the Balkans 3 1 4 Operation Enduring Freedom 3 1 5 Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 1 6 Operation Odyssey Dawn 3 1 7 Operations against Islamic State 2014 present 3 2 Israel 3 3 Saudi Arabia 3 3 1 Saudi led in intervention in Yemen 2015 present 4 Variants 4 1 F 15E variants 4 2 F 15 Advanced Eagle variants 4 3 Proposed variants 5 Operators 6 Accidents and losses 7 Specifications F 15E 8 See also 9 References 9 1 Notes 9 2 Citations 9 3 Bibliography 10 External linksDevelopment EditOrigins Edit The McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle was introduced by the USAF to replace its fleet of McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom IIs Unlike the F 4 the F 15 was designed for the air superiority mission with little consideration for a ground attack role the F 15 Special Project Office opposed the idea of F 15s performing the interdiction mission giving rise to the phrase Not a pound for air to ground 9 In service the F 15 has been a successful fighter scoring over 100 aerial combat victories and zero losses in air to air combat as of 2007 10 Despite a lack of official interest McDonnell Douglas quietly worked on an F 15 derived interdictor fighter The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the General Dynamics F 111 and the remaining F 4s as well as to augment the existing F 15s 11 In 1978 the USAF initiated the Tactical All Weather Requirement Study which looked at McDonnell Douglas s proposal and other options such as the purchase of further F 111Fs The study recommended the F 15E as the USAF s future strike platform 12 In 1979 McDonnell Douglas and Hughes began a close collaboration on the development of the F 15E s air to ground capabilities 13 To assist in the F 15E s development McDonnell Douglas modified the second TF 15A prototype AF serial number 71 0291 as a demonstrator The aircraft known as the Advanced Fighter Capability Demonstrator first flew on 8 July 1980 12 It was previously used to test conformal fuel tanks CFTs initially designed for the F 15 under the designation FAST Pack with FAST standing for Fuel and Sensor Tactical 12 It was subsequently fitted with a Pave Tack laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs 14 The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980 Farnborough Airshow 15 Enhanced Tactical Fighter Edit In March 1981 the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F 111 The program was later renamed the Dual Role Fighter DRF competition The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming 16 General Dynamics submitted the F 16XL while McDonnell Douglas submitted the F 15E The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate but since the aircraft lacked a credible air superiority fighter capability coupled with the fact that it was not American made it was not seriously considered 15 The second TF 15A AF Ser No 71 0291 used as an F 15E demonstrator The DRF evaluation team under the direction of Brigadier General Ronald W Yates ran from 1981 through 30 April 1983 during which the F 15E logged more than 200 flights demonstrated takeoff weight of more than 75 000 pounds 34 t and validated 16 different weapons carrying configurations 17 18 McDonnell Douglas to assist 71 0291 in the evaluation added to the program other F 15s designated 78 0468 80 0055 and 81 0063 The single engined F 16XL was a promising design which with its radically redesigned cranked delta wing greatly boosted performance if selected the single and two seat versions were to be designated F 16E and F 16F respectively 18 On 24 February 1984 the USAF chose the F 15E key factors in the decision were the F 15E s lower development costs compared to the F 16XL US 270 million versus US 470 million a belief that the F 15E had future growth potential and possessing twin engine redundancy 17 3 The USAF was initially expected to procure 400 aircraft a figure later revised to 392 18 19 Construction of the first three F 15Es started in July 1985 The first of these 86 0183 made its maiden flight on 11 December 1986 17 3 Piloted by Gary Jennings the aircraft reached a maximum speed of Mach 0 9 and an altitude of 40 000 feet 12 000 m during the 75 minute flight 17 This aircraft had the full F 15E avionics suite and the redesigned front fuselage but not the aft fuselage and the common engine bay 17 The latter was featured on 86 0184 while 86 0185 incorporated all the changes of the F 15E from the F 15 17 On 31 March 1987 the first officially completed F 15E made its first flight 20 The first production F 15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing Luke Air Force Base Arizona in April 1988 3 Production continued into the 2000s with 236 produced for the USAF through 2001 21 Upgrade programs and replacement Edit First production F 15E 86 0183 The F 15E was upgraded with the Raytheon APG 82 Active Electronically Scanned Array AESA radar after 2007 and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010 22 It combines the processor of the APG 79 used on the F A 18E F Super Hornet with the antenna of the APG 63 V 3 AESA being fitted on the F 15C 23 it was named APG 63 V 4 until it received the APG 82 designation in 2009 24 The new radar is to be part of the F 15E Radar Modernization Program 25 which also includes a wideband radome enabling operation on more radar frequencies and environment control and electronic warfare improvements 26 Having a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants the F 15E is expected to remain in service past 2025 27 As of December 2012 update the USAF s F 15E fleet had an average age of 21 years and an average airframe flying time of 6 000 hours In 2012 the USAF was reportedly considering future options no replacement for the F 15E is slated In 2021 Boeing stated that its F 15EX Eagle II aircraft will replace the existing fleet of F 15C Eagle fighters in the USAF with the option to also begin replacing the F 15E Strike Eagle aircraft 28 The F 15EX Eagle II follows very closely to the Strike Eagle design with a two seat configuration as well as further air to ground capabilities The USAF has stated that they will look into the F 15EX replacing the Strike Eagles at a later time 29 Another choice is the F 35 Lightning II set to replace other aircraft such as the F 16 Falcon a F 35E variant was studied Adding a second seat to the F 35 is complex and costly especially to preserve its stealth profile providing for greater range and payload would also be difficult tasks Alternatively the role could be covered by a combination of fighter and bomber aircraft such as the B 21 Raider The F 15E may also be replaced by a clean sheet sixth generation aircraft design 30 31 ALASA Edit On 24 March 2014 Boeing won a 30 6 million contract from DARPA as part of the Airborne Launch Assist Space Access ALASA program The goal of the program is to cut the cost of putting microsatellites into orbit by 66 through advances in launch systems Under the 11 month contract Boeing will build twelve 24 ft 7 3 m launch vehicles each with a payload capability up to 100 lb 45 kg An ALASA vehicle is to be fitted under an F 15E which will climb to 40 000 ft then be released and fire its four engines to reach low Earth orbit Awarding the contract to Boeing would make use of the F 15E as the carriage vehicle as previous design contracts had been given to Lockheed Martin to use the F 22 Raptor and Virgin Galactic to use their SpaceShip Two aircraft DARPA had previously insisted they wanted to select an aircraft they would not need to modify heavily to carry and launch the ALASA payload 32 33 Design Edit Forward cockpit of an F 15E with three multifunction displays The F 15E s deep strike mission is a radical departure from the original intent of the F 15 since it was designed as an air superiority fighter under the mantra not a pound for air to ground 34 The basic airframe however proved versatile enough to produce a very capable strike fighter The F 15E while designed for ground attack retains the air to air lethality of the F 15 and can defend itself against enemy aircraft 35 The F 15E prototype was a modification of the two seat F 15B Despite its origins it includes significant structural changes as well as more powerful engines The aft fuselage was designed to incorporate the more powerful engines with advanced engine bay structures and doors which incorporate Superplastic forming and diffusion bonding technologies The back seat is equipped for a weapon systems officer WSO pronounced wizzo to work the air to ground avionics via multiple screens these view the radar electronic warfare or thermographic cameras monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats select targets and use an electronic moving map to navigate Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information displays can be moved from one screen to another using a menu of display options Unlike previous two place jets e g the F 14 Tomcat and Navy variants of the F 4 whose back seat omitted flying controls the F 15E s back seat is equipped with its own stick and throttle so the WSO can take over flying albeit with reduced visibility 36 For extended range the F 15E is fitted with two conformal fuel tanks CFTs that hug the fuselage to produce lower drag than conventional underwing underbelly drop tanks They carry 750 U S gallons 2 800 L of fuel and house six weapons hardpoints in two rows of three in tandem Unlike conventional drop tanks CFTs cannot be jettisoned thus increased range is a trade off for increased drag and weight compared to a clean configuration A wing over maneuver displays the clean lines and high wing design of an F 15E from Elmendorf AFB Alaska The tactical electronic warfare system TEWS integrates all countermeasures on the craft radar warning receivers radar jammer radar and chaff flare dispensers are all tied to the TEWS to provide comprehensive defense against detection and tracking This system includes an externally mounted ALQ 131 ECM pod which is carried on the centerline pylon when required citation needed The MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal produced by BAE Systems improves situational awareness and communications capabilities via the Link 16 datalink 37 The APG 70 radar allows crews to detect ground targets from longer ranges one feature is that after a sweep of a target area the crew may freeze the air to ground map then switch to air to air mode to scan for aerial threats During air to surface weapon delivery the pilot is capable of detecting targeting and engaging air to air targets while the WSO designates ground targets The APG 70 is to be replaced by the AN APG 82 v 1 active electronically scanned array radar which began flight tests in January 2010 with initial operational capability expected in 2014 38 Its inertial navigation system uses a laser gyroscope to continuously monitor the aircraft s position and provide information to the central computer and other systems including a digital moving map in both cockpits The low altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night LANTIRN system is mounted externally under the engine intakes it allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes at night and in any weather conditions to attack ground targets with a variety of precision guided and unguided weapons The LANTIRN system gives the F 15E exceptional accuracy in weapons delivery day or night and in poor weather and consists of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft At night the video picture from the LANTIRN can be projected on the head up display HUD producing an infrared image of the ground 39 An underside view of an F 15E Strike Eagle with landing gear down The AN AAQ 13 navigation pod contains a terrain following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a HUD it also can be coupled to the autopilot to provide hands off terrain following capability This pod also contains a forward looking infrared system which is projected on the HUD typically used during nighttime or low visibility operations The nav pod is installed beneath the right engine intake The targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction as far away as 10 mi 16 km Once tracking has started targeting information is automatically handed off to infrared homing air to surface missiles or laser guided bombs The targeting pod is mounted beneath the left engine intake configurations may be either the AN AAQ 14 Target Pod AN AAQ 28 LITENING Target Pod or the AN AAQ 33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod citation needed The F 15E carries the most air to ground weapons in the USAF inventory It is also armed with AIM 9 Sidewinders and AIM 120 AMRAAMs retaining the counter air capabilities of its Eagle lineage being fully capable of Offensive Counter Air operations Like the F 15C it also carries an internally mounted General Electric M61A1 20 mm cannon with 500 rounds which is effective against enemy aircraft and soft ground targets citation needed Since 2004 South Korean firm LIG Nex1 has been manufacturing the F 15 s Head up display a total number of 150 HUDs were delivered by 2011 40 41 LIG Nex1 had been a participant in the F 15K program as a subcontractor to Rockwell Collins 40 41 LIG Nex1 is also preparing to manufacture F 15 s new multi function display and flight control computer 40 Also since 2004 Korea Aerospace Industries KAI has produced the F 15 s wings and forward fuselages in 2008 KAI established another production line for Singapore s F 15SG 42 KAI is involved in the design and manufacture of the Conformal Weapons Bay CWB for the F 15 Silent Eagle 43 The engines used on early aircraft are Pratt amp Whitney F100 PW 220 Later batches feature the more powerful P amp W F100 PW 229 engines 44 Saudi Arabian and Israeli aircraft originally used P amp W F100 229 engines 45 46 In 2008 Saudi Arabia decided to re engine their F 15S and F 15SA fleets with General Electric F110 GE 129 engines 47 48 The South Korean F 15K had two different engines the first batch are powered by GE F110 engines while the second batch are powered by P amp W F100 engines 49 The Singapore Air Force equipped their F 15SG fleet with GE F110 engines 50 51 Operational history EditUnited States Edit The F 15E was first delivered to the U S Air Force operational units in 1988 2 The F 15E reached initial operational capability on 30 September 1989 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron 3 Gulf War Edit USAF F 15Es accompanied by an F 15C and two F 16s flying over burning Kuwaiti oil wells The F 15E was deployed in response to Iraq s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 for Operation Desert Shield The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron flew to Seeb Air Base in Oman to begin training exercises in anticipation of an Iraqi attack on Saudi Arabia in December the 335th and 336th squadrons relocated to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia closer to Iraq s border 52 At the start of Operation Desert Storm 24 F 15Es launched an attack on five fixed Scud installations in western Iraq on 17 January 1991 Missions against Scud sites continued through that night with a second strike of 21 F 15Es At night time F 15Es flew hunter missions over western Iraq searching for mobile SCUD launchers By conducting random bombings in suspected areas it was hoped to deter the Iraqis from setting up for a Scud launch 53 On the war s opening night an F 15E failed to hit a MiG 29 with an AIM 9 Sidewinder other F 15Es also unsuccessfully engaged this lone MiG 29 which was eventually brought down by a missile of unknown origin 54 55 On 18 January during a strike against a petrol oil and lubricant plant near Basrah an F 15E was lost to enemy fire killing both pilot and WSO F 15E crews described this mission as the most difficult and dangerous of the war as it was heavily defended by SA 3s SA 6s SA 8s and Rolands as well as by anti aircraft artillery Two nights later a second and final F 15E was downed by an Iraqi SA 2 the crew survived and evaded capture for several days and made contact with coalition aircraft but a rescue was not launched due to security issues over an airman who failed to identify himself with proper codes The Iraqis later captured both airmen 56 F 15Es destroyed 18 Iraqi jets on the ground at Tallil air base using GBU 12s and CBU 87s On 14 February an F 15E scored its only air to air kill of the war a Mil Mi 24 helicopter While responding to a request for help by US Special Forces five Iraqi helicopters were spotted The lead F 15E of two via its FLIR acquired a helicopter in the process of unloading Iraqi soldiers and released a GBU 10 bomb The F 15E crew thought the bomb had missed its target and were preparing to use a Sidewinder when the helicopter was destroyed The Special Forces team estimated that the Hind was roughly 800 feet 240 m over the ground when the 2 000 lb 910 kg bomb hit its target 57 As another Coalition bombing operation had commenced the F 15Es disengaged from combat with the remaining helicopters 54 F 15Es struck heavily defended targets throughout Iraq prioritizing SCUD missile sites Missions aimed at killing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein were undertaken by F 15Es bombing several suspected locations Prior to the ground war F 15Es flew tank plinking missions against Iraqi vehicles in Kuwait After 42 days of combat a cease fire came into effect on 1 March 1991 leading to the creation of Northern and Southern no fly zones over Iraq 58 Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch Edit An F 15E over Iraq in 1999 for Operation Northern Watch Following Desert Storm two no fly zones over Iraq were set up and enforced typically by US and UK aircraft In one incident an attack on up to 600 Kurdish refugees by Iraqi helicopters at Chamchamal northern Iraq was observed by a flight of F 15Es As they were not allowed to open fire the F 15Es instead conducted several high speed passes as close as possible to the Iraqi helicopters to create severe wake turbulence while aiming lasers at the helicopter s cockpits to attempt to blind their crews this caused the crash of one Hind Afterwards USAF leadership ordered F 15Es not to fly below 10 000 feet 3 000 m to deter a repetition 58 F 15Es of the 391st Fighter Squadron 492d Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Squadron regularly deployed to Turkey throughout the 1990s In January 1993 in breach of the ceasefire agreement Iraqi targets below the 32nd parallel north were attacked 10 F 15Es conducted a punitive strike days later 59 Most missions were of a defensive nature the Strike Eagles carried a flexible range of weapons on a typical mission AWACS aircraft were in close contact with F 15E crews who would receive new taskings while airborne and thus could fly unplanned attacks on Iraqi targets 59 After 1993 no fly zone violations were minimal as Iraq staged a minor withdrawal in 1997 Turkey approved the creation of Operation Northern Watch ONW and permitted US forces to use the Incirlik air base citation needed In December 1998 Operation Desert Fox was conducted when Iraq refused UNSCOM inspections On 28 December 1998 three F 15Es struck an SA 3 tracking radar and optical guidance unit each dropping two GBU 12 500 pound precision guided munitions PGMs 60 After Desert Fox Iraq frequently violated the no fly zones thus F 15Es conducted several pre planned retaliatory strikes in ONW alone weapons were expended on at least 105 days 61 Between 24 and 26 January 1999 F 15Es expended several AGM 130s and GBU 12s against SAM sites near Mosul northern Iraq 62 They also flew in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Provide Comfort II 58 Operations in the Balkans Edit F 15E departing Aviano Air Base Italy for a strike mission in Operation Allied Force on 28 March 1999 Operation Deny Flight was a United Nations enforced no fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the deteriorating situation in the Balkans In August 1993 F 15Es from 492d and 494th FS deployed to Aviano Italy In late 1993 NATO ordered a limited F 15E strike at Udbina airfield targeting Serbian forces in neighboring Croatia Eight F 15Es armed with GBU 12s took off to attack an SA 6 anti aircraft vehicle the mission was cancelled mid flight over the application of stringent Rules of Engagement 63 In December 1993 F 15Es launched to destroy a pair of SA 2s which had fired upon two Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS 1s 64 In August 1995 F 15Es of 90th Fighter Squadron were also deployed The 492d and 494th flew over 2 500 sorties since starting Deny Flight 2 000 of these by 492d In August 1995 in support of NATO s Operation Deliberate Force F 15Es flew strike missions against Serbian armor and logistics around the Bosnian capital Sarajevo On 9 September an F 15E deployed the type s first GBU 15 bomb dropping nine on Bosnian Serb ground forces and air defense targets near Banja Luka 64 In response to the displacement of Kosovars and the Serbian government s rejection of a NATO ultimatum Operation Allied Force was launched in March 1999 A total of 26 F 15Es flew the first strikes of Allied Force against Serb surface to air missile sites anti aircraft batteries and early warning radar stations 65 Strike Eagles were deployed to Aviano as well as RAF Lakenheath in the UK In theater F 15Es conducted close air support CAS missions a popular concept within the USAF 66 Missions typically lasted around 7 5 hours included two aerial refuelings F 15Es would carry a mix of air to air and air to ground munitions to perform both combat air patrol duties as well as strike missions in the same mission 66 Mobile SAM launchers posed a considerable threat to NATO aircraft and had made successful shoot downs most notably of a Lockheed F 117 Nighthawk In order to strike from increased distances the F 15E was equipped with the AGM 130 which provided a stand off strike capability 67 Operation Enduring Freedom Edit An F 15E over Afghanistan during Operation Mountain Lion 2006 Weeks after the September 11 attacks in 2001 the 391st Fighter Squadron deployed to Ahmad al Jaber air base Kuwait to support Operation Enduring Freedom during the War in Afghanistan F 15Es met little resistance during initial missions On the first night the main targets were Taliban military structures supply depots and al Qaeda training camps and caves Both the AGM 130 and GBU 15 2 000 lb 910 kg bombs were expended this was the GBU 15 s first combat usage 68 GBU 24s and GBU 28s were used against reinforced targets command and control centers and cave entrances F 15Es often operated in pairs alongside pairs of F 16Cs Within weeks of the start of combat operations there was a lack of targets to strike as nearly all targets had been already destroyed The Taliban had access to SA 7 and FIM 92 Stinger portable surface to air missiles posing no threat to most aircraft flying above 7 000 feet 2 100 m Additionally fixed SAM sites near cities as Mazar i Sharif and Bagram were struck early on Afghanistan had rapidly become a low threat environment for air operations 69 Aircraft commonly flew on call support missions for allied ground forces F 15Es usually carried MK 82 and GBU 12 bombs in this role other weapons were sometimes carried during one mission a GBU 28 two GBU 24s and six GBU 12s were released 69 Frequent targets during the rest of the war were individual insurgents light vehicles and supply convoys cannon fire was often expended as well as bombs from F 15Es 70 It was during combat over Afghanistan that four 391st crews conducted the longest fighter mission in history lasting a total of 15 5 hours nine of those hours spent flying over the target area Two F 15Es attacked two Taliban command and control facilities two buildings suspected of being used by Taliban fighters and a road block the F 15Es refueled 12 times during the mission 71 An F 15E of the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron launching heat decoys over Afghanistan 2008 On 4 March another incident known as the Battle of Roberts Ridge involved several F 15Es performing a CAS mission Aircraft destroyed a Taliban observation post and responded to nearby enemy mortar fire upon Navy SEAL forces searching for an ambushed MH 47E Chinook in the Shah i Kot Valley 72 Several bombs were dropped as the SEAL team took fire however one bomb missed due to the aircrew using incorrect coordinates 72 An MH 47 carrying a rescue team was downed by an RPG while attempting to support the SEALs 73 Following refueling the F 15Es dropped a further 11 GBU 12s in coordination with ground forces and fired their cannons on Taliban forces in close proximity to the survivors of the downed MH 47 73 F 16s of 18th Fighter Squadron also made strafing passes until cannon ammunition was depleted then resorting to further bomb drops The F 15Es suffered technical issues involving both radio and weapon failures several GBU 12s were dropped before returning to Al Jaber in Kuwait 74 Years later several incidents occurred On 23 August 2007 a friendly fire incident involved an F 15E mistakenly dropping a 500 lb 230 kg bomb on British forces killing three soldiers 75 the stated cause was confusion between the air controller and the F 15E on the bombing coordinates 76 On 13 September 2009 an F 15E shot down a non responsive MQ 9 Reaper drone over Northern Afghanistan to prevent it entering foreign airspace 77 Operation Iraqi Freedom Edit An F 15E disengaging from a KC 10 during Operation Iraqi Freedom Note the visible wingtip vortices In late 2002 during tension over suspected Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was ordered to maintain at least one squadron ready to deploy to the Persian Gulf During January 2003 the 336th was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base Qatar in coordination with planners of the Combined Air Operations Center at Prince Sultan Air Base Saudi Arabia 78 In late January F 15Es began flying in Operation Southern Watch typically performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions Additional roles included simulated combat against potential Iraqi targets and regional familiarization with local procedures and rules of engagement 78 During OSW F 15Es struck targets in southern and western Iraq including radars radio stations command and control sites and air defences On one night four F 15Es released multiple GBU 24s on the Iraqi Republican Guard Baath Party HQ in Basrah while another flight of four destroyed a nearby Air Defense Sector HQ with six GBU 10s 79 In late February the 336th received additional aircrews many drafted from the two non deployable squadrons at Seymour Johnson the 333d and 334th Fighter Squadrons and 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base for a total of four aircrews per F 15E 79 In March the 335th Fighter Squadron s personnel and aircraft joined the 336th at Al Udeid One objective was the destruction of Iraq s air defenses and Early Warning radar network near the Jordanian border allowing F 16s and helicopters to operate from Jordan from the war s outset Several radar sites and radio relay stations were hit in western Iraq near the H3 airfield encountering heavy anti aircraft fire 80 On 19 March as F 117 Nighthawks dropped bombs over Baghdad targeting a house where Saddam Hussein was believed to be F 15Es dropped GBU 28s around the H3 airfield On 20 March the effective start of the war F 15Es fired AGM 130s against communication command and control buildings and other key targets in Baghdad some weapons missed their intended targets possibly due to jamming by EA 6B Prowlers in the vicinity 81 On 3 April 2003 an F 15E mistook a M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System MLRS for an Iraqi surface to air missile site and dropped a 500 lb 230 kg laser guided bomb killing three and wounding five others 82 On 7 April 2003 an F 15E crewed by Captain Eric Das and Major William Watkins performed a key interdiction mission in support of special forces 83 it was likely shot down by AA fire while bombing targets around Tikrit 84 85 Das and Watkins were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart 83 During the war F 15Es were credited with destroying 60 of the Iraqi Medina Republican Guard s total force they also struck 65 MiGs on the ground 80 and destroyed key air defense and command buildings in Baghdad F 15Es worked with other jets deployed to Al Udeid including RAAF F A 18s USAF F 16s and F 117s RAF Panavia Tornados and US Navy F 14s citation needed Operation Odyssey Dawn Edit Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on 17 March 2011 18 USAF F 15Es were amongst other NATO and allied aircraft were deployed to enforce the Libyan no fly zone as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn On 21 March 2011 an F 15E from the 492d FS crashed near Bengazi Libya 86 Both crew members parachuted into territory held by resistance elements of the Libyan population and were eventually rescued by US Marines 87 88 Equipment problems caused a weight imbalance and contributed to the crash when leaving the target area 89 Operations against Islamic State 2014 present Edit USAF F 15Es have participated in Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State IS militants in Iraq and Syria On the morning of 23 September 2014 numerous American and Arab aircraft conducted air strikes in Syria against IS fighters training compounds headquarters and command and control facilities storage facilities a finance center supply trucks and armed vehicles 90 The Pentagon released videos of targets hit by ordnance deployed by F 15Es taken by their AN AAQ 33 Sniper targeting pods 91 92 Between August 2014 and January 2015 F 15Es flew 37 percent of all USAF sorties 93 A 492 FS F 15E of the 48th Fighter Wing taking off from RAF Lakenheath USAF F 15Es based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom performed several long range strikes against IS camps and prominent figures in Libya On 13 November 2015 a pair of F 15Es killed Abu Nabil al Anbari the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya in a strike near Darnah Eastern Libya 94 On 20 February 2016 USAF F 15Es 95 hit an IS training camp near Sabratha where foreign fighters were based reportedly killing Noureddine Chouchane a 36 year old Tunisian jihadist linked to the 2015 Sousse attacks Sources said that 49 people were killed and 6 wounded 96 97 two Serbians kidnapped by IS in 2015 were also reportedly killed 98 On 8 June 2017 an F 15E shot down a pro Syrian Regime UAV near Al Tanf Syria 99 according to OIR officials it was downed after deploying one of several weapons it was carrying near a position occupied by Coalition personnel It was similar in size to a U S MQ 1 Predator 100 The drone may have been a Shahed 129 101 on 20 June 2017 a second Shahed 129 was downed by an F 15E near the 50 mile exclusion zone around Al Tanf 102 On 21 August 2021 a USAF F 15E shot down an unidentified drone with an AIM 9X Sidewinder missile as the drone approached US forces in Eastern Syria 103 Israel Edit Israeli Air Force F 15I Ra am The F 15I is operated by the Israeli Defense Force Air Force No 69 Squadron succeeding the F 4 Phantom II It is used akin to a strategic bomber due to its long range high munition capacity and advanced systems After the Gulf War in 1991 in which Israeli towns were attacked by SCUD missiles based in Iraq the Israeli government decided a long range strike aircraft was needed issuing a Request for Information RFI In response Lockheed Martin offered a version of the F 16 Fighting Falcon while McDonnell Douglas offered both the F A 18 Hornet and the F 15E On 27 January 1994 the Israeli government announced their intention to buy 21 modified F 15Es designated F 15I On 12 May 1994 the US Government authorized the purchase of up to 25 F 15Is by Israel In November 1995 Israel ordered four extra F 15Is 25 were built from 1996 to 1998 104 Some of the air to air missiles aircraft can carry the AIM 9L Rafael Python 4 and the Rafael Python 5 infrared homing missiles and the AIM 7 Sparrow and the AIM 120 AMRAAM radar guided missiles citation needed In 1999 Israel announced its intention to procure more fighters and that a possible contender was the F 15I However the contract went to the F 16I 105 Saudi Arabia Edit Saudi Arabian F 15S along with armaments In November 2009 Royal Saudi Air Force RSAF F 15s along with Saudi Tornados performed air raids amid the Houthi insurgency in north Yemen It was the RSAF s first military action over hostile territory since Operation Desert Storm 106 In October 2010 Saudi Arabia requested 84 F 15SA Saudi Advanced fighters upgrading of its existing F 15S fleet to F 15SA standard and related equipment and weapons through a Foreign Military Sale FMS 107 On 29 December 2011 the U S signed a 29 4 billion contract to sell 84 F 15SAs as well as the F 15S upgrades 108 In June 2012 an FMS contract for 68 F 15S to F 15SA modification kits was placed with Boeing 109 On 20 February 2013 the maiden flight of the first new build F 15SA occurred 110 Saudi led in intervention in Yemen 2015 present Edit See also List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Saudi Arabian led intervention in Yemen On 26 March 2015 Saudi F 15Ss along with other Arab coalition assets started striking targets in Yemen as part of the Saudi Arabian led intervention in Yemen called Operation Decisive Storm Opposing a joint force composed of former Houthi rebels and Yemeni Army forces the strikes at least initially were met by ineffective anti aircraft fire that reportedly only caused damage when falling to the ground 111 Early strikes were aimed at air defense sites Army HQs military airports ballistic missiles depots and launchers 112 During these attacks a Saudi F 15S crashed into the Gulf of Aden after circling over the sea its two pilots ejected safely and were recovered from the sea by a USAF HH 60G rescue helicopter Arab coalition reports claimed enemy fire was not involved 113 while Houthi and Iranian sources claimed they had shot it down 114 On 8 January 2018 a RSAF F 15S was reportedly shot down by a Houthi surface to air missile a Houthi released video shows the F 15 increasing speed and releasing decoy flares before being struck by a projectile and apparently suffering major damage 115 116 On 9 January 2018 the Houthi media Al Masirah announced that the F 15 had been damaged but did not crash 117 On 21 March 2018 Houthi rebels released a video allegedly showing a RSAF F 15 being hit in Saada province by a R 27 air to air missile adapted for surface to air use 118 As in the video of the previous similar hit recorded on 8 January the target while clearly hit seems not falling to the sky when the video stops Saudi forces confirmed the hit while saying the jet safely landed at a Saudi base 119 Saudi sources confirmed the incident involved a surface to air missile being launched at the jet from inside Saada airport 120 121 Variants EditFor earlier F 15A F 15B F 15C F 15D F 15J F 15DJ and other F 15 based variants see McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle A USAF F 15E refueling over the mountains of Afghanistan F 15E variants Edit F 15E Two seat all weather long range strike and ground attack aircraft for the USAF A total of 236 were built from 1985 to 2001 21 104 An IAF F 15I Ra am of the No 69 Hammers Squadron maneuvers away after receiving fuel from a KC 135 during Red Flag 2004 F 15I The F 15I is operated by the Israeli Air Force where it is known as the Ra am רעם Thunder It is a dual seat ground attack aircraft powered by two Pratt amp Whitney F100 PW 229 engines and is based on the F 15E The F 15I features different avionic systems to USAF F 15E to meet Israeli requirements Initially Sharpshooter targeting pods designed for IAF F 16s were fitted for night time strikes but were less capable than the LANTIRN pods used on USAF F 15Es Israel later bought 30 LANTIRN pods The F 15Is initially lacked Radar Warning Receivers Israel installed its own Elisra SPS 2110 electronic warfare equipment as well as a new central computer and embedded GPS INS system All sensors can be slaved to the Display and Sight Helmet DASH helmet mounted sight providing both crew members a means of targeting which the F 15E lacks The F 15I uses the APG 70I radar its terrain mapping capability can locate targets difficult to spot while under adverse weather conditions and can detect large airliner sized targets at 150 nautical miles 170 mi 280 km and fighter sized targets at 56 nmi 64 mi 104 km it has a reduced resolution one third below the APG 70 122 In January 2016 Israel approved F 15I upgrades such as structural changes an AESA radar updated avionics and new weapons 123 F 15K The F 15K Slam Eagle Korean F 15K 슬램 이글 is a derivative of the F 15E operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force Several major components were outsourced to South Korean companies under an offset agreement wherein South Korea was responsible for 40 of production and 25 of assembly 124 The fuselage and wings are supplied by Korea Aerospace Industries 125 flight control actuator by Hanwha Corporation 126 electronic jammer and radar warning receiver by Samsung Thales 127 head up display airborne communication system and radar by LIG Nex1 41 128 and engines by Samsung Techwin under license 129 before final assembly at Boeing s St Louis facility F 15K at Nellis AFB Nevada 2008 for the Red Flag 08 4 exercise In 2002 ROKAF selected the F 15K for its F X fighter program during which the F 15K the Dassault Rafale the Eurofighter Typhoon and Sukhoi Su 35 were evaluated A total of 40 aircraft were ordered deliveries began in 2005 130 On 25 April 2008 a second batch of 21 F 15Ks were ordered worth 2 3 trillion Korean won US 2 3 billion This second batch differs from first batch aircraft in having Pratt amp Whitney F100 PW 229 EEP engines license produced by Samsung Techwin for commonality with the KF 16 fleet 131 132 ROKAF had received 50 F 15Ks by June 2011 133 ROKAF expects the F 15K to be in service until 2060 134 The F 15K has several atypical features to the F 15E such as an AAS 42 Infra red search and track 135 a customized Tactical Electronics Warfare Suite to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness 135 cockpit compatibility with night vision devices ARC 232 U VHF radio with Fighter Data Link and advanced APG 63 V 1 mechanical scanned array radar The APG 63 V 1 radar has common digital processing equipment with the APG 63 V 3 AESA radar and can be upgraded to an AESA radar via antenna replacement 122 The F 15K is equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System 135 and weapons such as AGM 84K SLAM ER AGM 84H Harpoon Block II and KEPD 350 F 15S The F 15S is a variant of the F 15E supplied to the Royal Saudi Air Force RSAF in the 1990s Saudi Arabia previously sought to buy up to 24 F 15Fs a proposed single seat variant but was blocked by the U S Congress 136 The F 15S initially referred to as F 15XP is almost identical to the USAF F 15E the only major difference in the AN APG 70 radar s performance in synthetic aperture mode 104 136 72 were built from 1996 to 1998 104 In October 2007 GE announced a US 300 million contract with Saudi Arabia for 65 GE F110 GE 129C engines for the F 15S 137 F 15SG The F 15SG formerly F 15T is a variant ordered by the Republic of Singapore Air Force RSAF after an evaluation involving five other fighters It was chosen on 6 September 2005 over the Dassault Rafale the only other remaining aircraft in contention 138 139 On 22 August 2005 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency DSCA notified Congress of a potential Foreign Military Sale FMS of weapons logistics and training to Singapore options included AIM 120C and AIM 9X missiles GBU 38 JDAM and AGM 154 JSOW air to ground weapons Night Vision Goggles and Link 16 terminals 140 141 The F 15F designation was also reserved 142 An order for 12 F 15SGs was placed in December 2005 143 On 22 October 2007 Singapore exercised an option for eight more F 15SGs within the original contract Four more were later bought 144 The first F 15SG was rolled out on 3 November 2008 deliveries began in 2009 145 all 24 were declared operational in September 2013 146 Further F 15SGs were ordered including 8 in 2010 and 8 in 2014 for a total of 40 F 15SGs by 2018 147 148 149 F 15 Advanced Eagle variants Edit The F 15 Advanced Eagle represents a more substantial upgrade over previous models in that it has a new fly by wire control system and wing structure that enables two additional underwing weapons hardpoints increasing the number from nine to eleven Additional enhancements include the option of a large area display cockpit the Raytheon AN APG 82 V 1 or AN APG 63 V 3 active electronically scanned array AESA radar General Electric F110 129 engines digital Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems for pilot and WSO and a digital electronic warfare system among other enhancements In a typical escort configuration the Advanced Eagle can carry 16 AIM 120 AMRAAM four AIM 9X Sidewinder short range missiles and two AGM 88 HARMs For precision strike it can carry 16 Small Diameter Bombs SDBs four AMRAAMs one 2 000 lb Joint Direct Attack Munition JDAM two HARMs and two fuel drop tanks 150 F 15SA The F 15SA Saudi Advanced is a version for the RSAF and the first to have the new fly by wire flight control system in place of the hybrid electronic mechanical system used by previous F 15s which allows for weapons carriage on the previously unused outer wing hardpoints 151 The F 15SA includes the APG 63 v 3 active electronically scanned array AESA radar digital electronic warfare systems DEWS and infrared search and track IRST systems It also had a redesigned cockpit once intended for the F 15SE 107 152 153 F 15QA The F 15QA Qatar Advanced 150 Ababil 154 is a variant for the Qatar Air Force In November 2016 the US State Department approved the sale of up to 72 F 15QAs to Qatar in a 21 1 billion deal that included weapons support equipment and training 155 156 In June 2017 Qatar signed a deal to buy 36 F 15QAs for US 12 billion 157 On 13 April 2020 the first F 15QA took its maiden flight 158 On 22 June 2021 Boeing announced that it will integrate an Elbit Systems anti jamming systems into the F 15QA allowing it to fly into heavy electromagnetic interference environment uninterrupted 159 F 15IA The F 15IA Israel Advanced is a variant for the Israeli Air Force based on the F 15EX and Advanced Eagle The Israeli Defense Forces approved the plan to acquire 25 new build F 15IA and upgrade 25 F 15Is to the F 15IA standard in February 2020 160 F 15EX Eagle II An F 15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flies above Northern California May 2021 In 2018 the USAF and Boeing discussed the F 15X a proposed single seat variant based on the F 15QA to replace USAF F 15C Ds Improvements included the AMBER weapons rack to carry up to 22 air to air missiles infrared search and track advanced avionics and electronics warfare equipment AESA radar and revised structure with a service life of 20 000 hours 161 162 Also known as Advanced F 15 both single and two seat variants were proposed called F 15CX and F 15EX respectively with identical capabilities The USAF opted for the two seat variant which can be optionally flown by a single pilot or both pilot and WSO the latter for complex missions and controlling Loyal Wingman UAVs in the future One reason for this decision is that only two seat F 15 models remained in production 163 164 The USAF opted for the F 15EX to maintain fleet size as F 22 production ended the F 35 was delayed and its F 15Cs aged Although it is not expected to be survivable against modern air defenses by 2028 the F 15EX can perform homeland and airbase defense no fly zone enforcement against limited air defenses and deploy standoff munitions 165 In July 2020 the U S Defense Department ordered eight F 15EXs over three years for 1 2 billion 166 167 In August 2020 the USAF announced plans to replace F 15Cs in the Florida and Oregon Air National Guards with F 15EXs 168 The F 15EX made its maiden flight on 2 February 2021 169 The first F 15EX was delivered to the USAF in March 2021 and was flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for further testing 170 On 7 April 2021 its official name Eagle II was announced 171 The FY2021 defense appropriations bill funded F 15EX procurement at 1 23 billion for 12 aircraft for a total of 20 aircraft funded and ordered to date 172 By May 2022 the USAF had orders for 144 F 15EXs it has proposed reducing its orders to 80 173 First operational F 15EXs are not to receive conformal fuel tanks 174 Proposed variants Edit F 15H The F 15H Strike Eagle H for Hellas was a 1990s proposed export version of F 15E for Greece which was selected by the Greek Ministry of Defence and the Greek Air Force 175 but the government chose new F 16s and Mirage 2000 5s instead 176 F 15G A F 15G Wild Weasel was a proposed two seat version to replace the F 4G Wild Weasel in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses SEAD role The F 15G was studied in 1986 A proposed modification to F 15Cs for the SEAD role was studied in 1994 95 but F 16Cs were modified to perform this role instead 177 F 15Es are capable of carrying ARMs such as the AGM 88 HARM and performing the SEAD role citation needed F 15SE Silent Eagle The F 15SE Silent Eagle was a proposed variant with fifth generation fighter features such as internal weapons carriage and radar absorbent material The Silent Eagle featured conformal weapons bays CWB to hold weapons internally instead of conformal fuel tanks the twin vertical tails are canted outward 15 degrees to reduce radar cross section the majority of the CWB s area is for weapons storage a minority is used for fuel storage 178 The F 15SE was optimized for air to air missions lacking all aspect stealth features for missions inside areas protected by ground based anti aircraft systems 179 The first production F 15E s n 86 0183 was modified to become a Silent Eagle demonstrator It first flew in July 2010 with a left side conformal weapons bay 180 and successfully launched an AMRAAM missile from the CWB in July 2010 181 Potential customers were Saudi Arabia Israel Japan and South Korea 178 however the Saudis chose to procure the F 15SA 182 while Israel 183 Japan 184 and South Korea selected the F 35 185 F 15GA Boeing offered 90 F 15GA German Advanced fighters to Germany as replacements for its Tornado IDSs and ECRs 186 Luftwaffe chose 35 F 35A and 15 Eurofighter Typhoon ECR EW variant instead 187 F 15ID The F 15ID is a proposed export version of the F 15EX for the Indonesian Air Force In February 2022 the US State Department approved the sale of up to 36 F 15IDs and related equipment to Indonesia worth around 13 9 billion 188 The variant is also known as F 15IDN 189 As of 21 November 2022 Indonesia s planned purchase of F 15s is in advanced stages and awaiting final sign off from the government as stated by the Indonesian Minister of Defense Speaking after meeting his U S counterpart Lloyd Austin in Jakarta Prabowo Subianto said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer proposed and he is confident the package is affordable 190 F 15GSE Global Strike Eagle The F 15GSE was a 2006 proposal for a space strike version of the F 15E for attacking satellites It is proposed to be an unmanned remotely piloted variant carrying a 3 stage to orbit solid rocket ASAT missile on its back between the twin tails 191 Operators EditMain article List of F 15 operators Current operators of the F 15 in light blue F 15E Strike Eagle in red both in dark blue A F 15K of the South Korean Air Force A F 15SG of the Singapore Air Force IsraelIsraeli Air Force 25 F 15I aircraft in use as of January 2014 192 69 Squadron Hatzerim AFB South KoreaRepublic of Korea Air Force 59 F 15Ks in service in 2019 Sequentially 40 and 21 units were delivered of which two units crashed 193 11th Fighter Wing 제11전투비행단 based at Daegu 102nd Fighter Squadron 122nd Fighter Squadron 110th Fighter Squadron QatarQatar Emiri Air Force 36 F 15QAs on order 194 Flying Wing 5 Al Udeid Air Base 195 51st Squadron Saudi ArabiaRoyal Saudi Air Force 70 F 15S Eagles in service as of January 2014 192 with 84 F 15SAs on order 110 No 3 Wing RSAF King Abdulaziz Air Base No 92 Squadron RSAF No 5 Wing RSAF King Khalid Air Base No 6 Squadron RSAF No 55 Squadron RSAF SingaporeRepublic of Singapore Air Force 40 F 15SGs 196 197 142 Squadron Gryphon 198 149 Squadron Fighting Shikra 199 United StatesUnited States Air Force 219 F 15Es in operation as of April 2019 200 4th Fighter Wing Seymour Johnson AFB North Carolina 333d Fighter Squadron 334th Fighter Squadron 335th Fighter Squadron 336th Fighter Squadron 48th Fighter Wing RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom 492d Fighter Squadron 494th Fighter Squadron 53d Wing Eglin Air Force Base Florida 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron Nellis Air Force Base Nevada 57th Wing Nellis AFB Nevada 17th Weapons Squadron 96th Test Wing Eglin AFB Florida 40th Test Squadron 366th Fighter Wing Mountain Home Air Force Base Idaho 389th Fighter Squadron 391st Fighter Squadron 414th Fighter Group Seymour Johnson AFB NC 307th Fighter SquadronAccidents and losses EditMain article List of F 15 lossesSpecifications F 15E Edit An F 15E undergoing maintenance showing the M61 Vulcan Gatling gun with its cover removed An F 15E releasing a GBU 28 Bunker Buster during a test LANTIRN pods mounted underneath the engine intakes of an F 15E Strike Eagle the AN AAQ 13 navigation pod to the left with the AN AAQ 14 targeting pod to the right Data from USAF fact sheet 201 Davies 202 amp Boeing 203 General characteristicsCrew 2 pilot and weapon systems officer Length 63 ft 9 6 in 19 446 m Wingspan 42 ft 9 6 in 13 045 m Height 18 ft 6 in 5 64 m Wing area 608 sq ft 56 5 m2 Airfoil root NACA 64A006 6 tip NACA 64A203 204 Empty weight 31 700 lb 14 379 kg Max takeoff weight 81 000 lb 36 741 kg Powerplant 2 Pratt amp Whitney F100 PW 220 afterburning turbofan 14 590 lbf 64 9 kN thrust each dry 23 770 lbf 105 7 kN with afterburner or 2 F100 PW 229 thrust 17 800 lb dry 79 kN 29 160 lb 129 7 kN with afterburner each Performance Maximum speed 1 434 kn 1 650 mph 2 656 km h Mach 2 5 at high altitude782 kn 900 mph 1 448 km h M1 2 at low altitude dd dd dd Combat range 687 nmi 791 mi 1 272 km Ferry range 2 100 nmi 2 400 mi 3 900 km with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks Service ceiling 60 000 ft 18 000 m g limits 9 Rate of climb 50 000 ft min 250 m s Thrust weight 0 93Armament Guns 1 20 mm 0 787 in M61A1 Vulcan 6 barreled Gatling cannon 500 rounds of either M 56 or PGU 28 ammunition Hardpoints 4 wing pylons fuselage pylons bomb racks on CFTs with a capacity of 23 000 lb 10 400 kg of external fuel and ordnance Missiles Air to air missiles 4 AIM 7 Sparrow 4 AIM 9 Sidewinder 8 AIM 120 AMRAAM Air to surface missiles 6 AGM 65 Maverick 2 AGM 84 Harpoon 2 AGM 84H K SLAM ER AGM 88 HARM AGM 130 AGM 154 JSOW AGM 158 JASSM Taurus KEPD 350 Integrated on South Korean Air Force F 15Ks Bombs Mark 82 bomb Mark 84 bomb GBU 15 GBU 10 Paveway II GBU 12 Paveway II GBU 24 Paveway III GBU 27 Paveway III GBU 28 Bunker buster GBU 31 or GBU 38 8 GBU 31s or 16 GBU 38s JDAM GBU 54 Laser JDAM LJDAM GBU 39 Small Diameter Bomb SDB B61 or B83 nuclear bomb CBU 87 or CBU 103 CEM CBU 89 or CBU 104 GATOR KGGB Integrated on South Korean Air Force F 15Ks CBU 97 or CBU 105 SFW CBU 107 Passive Attack Weapon BLU 107 Durandal Others up to 3 600 US gallons 2 300 L external drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range loitering time 1x 1 800 litres 480 US gal Super cruise drop tank Avionics Radar Raytheon AN APG 70 or AN APG 82 AN ASQ 236 Radar Pod 205 Targeting pods LANTIRN or Lockheed Martin Sniper XR or LITENING targeting pods Countermeasures Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN ALQ 131 electronic countermeasures pod 206 Hazeltine AN APX 76 or Raytheon AN APX 119 Identify Friend Foe IFF interrogator 207 Magnavox AN ALQ 128 Electronic Warfare Warning Set EWWS part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems TEWS 206 Loral AN ALR 56 Radar warning receivers RWR part of TEWS 208 Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems ALQ 135 Internal Countermeasures System ICS part of TEWS 206 Marconi AN ALE 45 Chaff Flares dispenser system part of TEWS 209 See also Edit Aviation portal4th generation jet fighterRelated development McDonnell Douglas F 15 EagleAircraft of comparable role configuration and era Panavia Tornado Sukhoi Su 30 Sukhoi Su 34 Sukhoi Su 35 Shenyang J 11 Shenyang J 16Related lists List of fighter aircraft List of military aircraft of the United StatesReferences EditNotes Edit Number built for F 15E 237 4 F 15I 25 4 F 15S 72 4 F 15K 61 F 15SG 40 F 15SA 84 5 F 15QA 4 6 F 15EX 2 7 total 525 Citations Edit Splendid Vision Unswerving Purpose Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force During the First Century of Powered Flight Dept of the Air Force 18 March 2003 p 253 a b Russian Air Power Airlife Pub Ltd 1 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2010 Parsch Andreas AN ALE Airborne Countermeasures Ejectors Archived 13 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine Designation systems 20 November 2008 Retrieved 27 September 2010 Bibliography Edit Davies Steve Combat Legend F 15 Eagle and Strike Eagle London Airlife Publishing 2002 ISBN 1 84037 377 6 Davies Steve Boeing F 15E Strike Eagle All Weather Attack Aircraft London Airlife Publishing 2003 ISBN 1 84037 378 4 Davies Steve F 15C E Eagle Units of operation Iraqi Freedom Osprey Combat Aircraft 47 Oxford UK Osprey Publishing Limited 2004 ISBN 978 1 84176 802 1 Davies Steve F 15E Strike Eagle Units in Combat 1990 2005 Oxford UK Osprey Publishing Limited 2005 ISBN 1 84176 909 6 Davies Steve and Doug Dildy F 15 Eagle Engaged The World s Most Successful Jet Fighter Oxford UK Osprey Publishing 2007 ISBN 1 84603 169 9 Donald David F 15E Strike Eagle World Airpower Journal Vol 21 AIRtime Publishing 1995 Jenkins Dennis R McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle Supreme Heavy Weight Fighter Hinckley UK Midland Publishing 1998 ISBN 1 85780 081 8 Rininger Tyson F 15 Eagle at War St Paul Minnesota Zenith Imprint 2009 ISBN 0 7603 3350 5 Spick Mike ed The Great Book of Modern Warplanes St Paul Minnesota MBI 2000 ISBN 0 7603 0893 4 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to F 15E Strike Eagle External videoBoeing s Official YouTube channel in English The Advanced F 15 Ready for the Fight on YouTubeF 15E USAF fact sheet F 15 page and F 15EX Super Eagle page on Boeing com Boeing F 15IA Israeli Advanced poster F 15E info Strike Eagle site Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title McDonnell Douglas F 15E Strike Eagle amp oldid 1135308456 Proposed variants, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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