F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is the U.S. Air Force's mainstay fighter aircraft and is regarded as one of the most powerful air superiority fighters in the world.
In December 1969, the U.S. Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas to develop the F-X program, intended to produce a successor to the F-4 Phantom II. The first prototype of the F-15 flew on July 27, 1972.
Despite being larger than the F-4, the F-15 was made lighter through the use of titanium alloys and composite materials. Combined with powerful engines and an advanced fire control system, it boasts exceptional flight performance and combat capabilities.
The first production model was the F-15A, with the two-seat F-15B trainer version produced in parallel. Starting from the 446th aircraft, production shifted to the improved F-15C and two-seat F-15D models.
The F-15C added more internal fuel tanks to the space available inside the F-15A's fuselage, which increased its maximum takeoff weight.
An even more advanced version, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was developed to enhance ground-attack capabilities.
F-15E Strike Eagle (Dual-Role Fighter)
The F-15E is a variant of the Eagle with enhanced ground-attack performance while retaining air superiority capabilities. It can conduct both long-range strike missions and air combat.
To support this, conformal fuel tanks are mounted along the sides of the fuselage. These tanks not only extend range but also include six weapon stations, greatly increasing payload capacity.
Alongside this, the fire control system was upgraded to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The F-15E is also equipped with the LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) system, which dramatically improves navigation and attack capabilities during night operations.
Using infrared sensors, this system provides images to a wide-angle HUD and the rear-seat CRT display, allowing the pilot and weapons officer to see detailed terrain similar to daytime conditions. This ensures high-precision and safe nighttime operations.
Specifications:
- Crew: 2
- Wingspan: 13.05 m
- Length: 19.43 m
- Height: 5.63 m
- Maximum takeoff weight: 34,020 kg
- Engines: Two P&W F100-PW-100
- Thrust: 7,348 kg each (10,800 kg with afterburner ×2)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.1 at 12,200 m altitude
- Fixed armament: One M61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon
- First flight (F-15E production model): December 1, 1986