McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 27 July 1972 |
| Year of introduction | 1976 |
| Number produced | 1198 units |
| Average unit price | $29 million |
Description
The F-15 Eagle was designed in response to the Russian MiG-25 Foxbat and to replace the F-4 Phantom II in the early 1960s. Studies by the US Air Force led to the development of the F-X program, which called for a high-performance twin-engine aircraft capable of unprecedented speed and agility. McDonnell Douglas, now a subsidiary of Boeing, won the contract, and the first prototype of the F-15 made its maiden flight in 1972.
Structurally, the F-15 Eagle features a twin-tail design and a semi-monocoque fuselage with extensive use of lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminum alloys. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engines, which provide thrust and acceleration, enabling the F-15 to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.5. Its high thrust-to-weight ratio and large wing area allow the Eagle to excel in aerial combat, with low wing loading and remarkable maneuverability.
In terms of avionics, the F-15 Eagle is equipped with either the AN/APG-63 or AN/APG-70 radar, depending on the variant. These radar systems provide advanced air-to-air capabilities, including long-range target detection and tracking. The aircraft also has advanced electronic warfare systems, such as radar warning receivers and countermeasures. The primary armament of the F-15 includes air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, and AIM-120 AMRAAM. It can also carry a 20mm Vulcan M61A1 cannon for close-range combat.
The F-15 Eagle has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1976 and has also been exported to countries like Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The aircraft has participated in numerous conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, the Balkans conflict, and engagements over Lebanon and Syria. Its combat air-to-air kill ratio and overall combat effectiveness have earned it the reputation of being one of the most capable 3rd generation fighter aircraft.
There are several major versions of the F-15 Eagle. The initial F-15A/B variants were followed by the F-15C/D, which featured improved avionics, increased internal fuel capacity, and the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks for extended range. The F-15E Strike Eagle, a dedicated multi-role variant, was introduced in the late 1980s, offering advanced ground attack capabilities, additional air-to-ground weapon integration, and sophisticated avionics, including the LANTIRN navigation and targeting system. The F-15E can also carry a wide range of air-to-ground munitions, such as the AGM-65 Maverick missile, GBU-10/12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and JDAM GPS-guided bombs.
The F-15 Eagle holds a record of 101 aerial victories without any losses. It notably shot down 35 MiG-29 Fulcrum, its direct Soviet counterpart, over the Balkans, and 33 Iraqi aircraft during the first Gulf War. Over 1200 F-15s have been built.
Technical specifications
| Version: F-15C | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 1965 km (1221 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2655 km/h (1650 mph) |
| Wing area | 56.5 m² (608.2 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 13.1 m (42.8 ft) |
| Height | 5.6 m (18.5 ft) |
| Length | 19.4 m (63.7 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 19812 m (65000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 12701 kg (28001 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 30844 kg (67999 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 254.0 m/s (833.3 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 delivering 7915 kgp, up to 11340 kgp with afterburner |
| Ejection seat | McDonnell Douglas ACES II |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the F-15 Eagle in 2024.
All operators
Israel • Japan • Saudi Arabia • United States
Armament
Missiles payload:
Photo of F-15 Eagle
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