McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine air-superiority fighter designed to gain and maintain control of the air. Its combination of radar performance, acceleration, range and weapon load has made it one of the most successful post-war fighter designs.[1]
Development
The F-15 was developed after the United States Air Force concluded that it needed a dedicated air-superiority aircraft. McDonnell Douglas won the F-X competition in 1969, and the first prototype flew in 1972. The F-15A entered service in 1976, followed by the two-seat F-15B and improved F-15C and F-15D.
The design later produced the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle for deep interdiction and precision attack. Boeing continues the family through advanced export aircraft and the F-15EX Eagle II for the USAF.[2]
Design
The Eagle has a large wing, twin vertical tails, two powerful engines and a radar housed in a spacious nose. Its airframe was designed for high manoeuvrability and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, while substantial internal fuel and conformal fuel tanks on later variants extend range.
The original fighter carries a cannon and medium- and short-range air-to-air missiles. Modern versions use active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search-and-track equipment, electronic warfare systems and updated networking.
Operational history
F-15s have flown with the United States, Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia and have accumulated an extensive air-to-air combat record. Eagles have also performed air-policing and expeditionary deployments from Europe to the Middle East and the Pacific.
Although older F-15C/D aircraft are being retired, upgraded Eagles and the F-15EX are intended to remain in service alongside newer stealth aircraft.
Variants and operators
The aircraft family includes F-15A/B; F-15C/D; F-15J/DJ; F-15E Strike Eagle; F-15EX Eagle II. Equipment, weapons and mission systems differ among production blocks and national fleets.
Principal or notable users include United States Air Force; Japan Air Self-Defense Force; Royal Saudi Air Force; Israeli Air Force. Some operators have retired early versions while others continue upgrades or new procurement.[1]
Specifications
Published performance figures depend on configuration, fuel, altitude and mission profile. Representative figures for the family include a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a range of 2,144 nmi (3,970 km) ferry range. The usual crew is 1 or 2, and power is provided by 2 × Pratt & Whitney F100 afterburning turbofans.[1]