McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights.^[1][2] Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas' design in 1967 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976.

Since the 1970s, the Eagle has been exported to Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and other nations. The F-15 was originally envisioned as a pure air superiority aircraft. Its design included a secondary ground-attack capability^[3] that was largely unused. The design proved flexible enough that an all-weather strike derivative, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was later developed, and entered service in 1989. The F-15 Eagle is expected to be in service with the U.S. Air Force past 2025.^[4] F-15 versions are still being produced for foreign users, with the F-15 production line set to end in 2019, 47 years after the type's first flight.^[5]

Development

Origins

Following studies in 1964–1965, the U.S. Air Force developed requirements for an air superiority fighter in October 1965. Then on 8 December 1965, the service issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the new fighter. The request called for both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. Eight companies responded with proposals. In the following study phase, four of these companies developed some 500 design concepts. Typical designs featured variable-sweep wings, weighed over 60,000 lb (27,200 kg), included a top speed of Mach 2.7 and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.75.^[6] The designs were not accepted by the Air Force as they compromised fighter qualities for ground attack qualities.^[7] Acceptance of John Boyd's Energy-Maneuverability (E-M) theory by the Air Force led to a change in requirements for improved maneuverability by the spring 1967. The design mission weight was reduced to 40,000 lb (18,100 kg), top speed reduced to Mach 2.3–2.5 and thrust-to-weight ratio increased to 0.97.^[6]

In 1967 U.S. intelligence was surprised^[8] to find that the Soviet Union was producing a large fighter aircraft, the MiG-25 'Foxbat'.^[9] It was not known in the West at the time that the MiG-25 was a high-speed interceptor, not an air superiority fighter,^[10] so its primary asset was speed, not maneuverability. The MiG-25's discovery led to changes in the USAF's fighter requirements.^[11]

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II of the USAF, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps was the only fighter with enough power, range, and maneuverability to be given the primary task of dealing with the threat of Soviet fighters while flying with visual engagement rules.^[9] As a matter of policy, the Phantoms could not engage targets without positive visual identification, so they could not engage targets at long ranges, as designed. Medium-range AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, and to a lesser degree even the AIM-9 Sidewinder, were often unreliable and ineffective at close ranges where it was found that guns were often the only effective weapon.^[12] The Phantom did not originally have any guns or cannons, but experience in Vietnam led to the addition of an internally mounted cannon in later versions.

F-X program

There was a clear need for a new fighter that overcame the close-range limitation of the Phantom while retaining long-range air superiority. After rejecting the U.S. Navy VFX program (which led to the F-14 Tomcat) as being unsuited to its needs, the U.S. Air Force issued its own requirements for the F-X (read as Fighter-Unknown, sometimes referred to as Fighter-Experimental), a specification for a relatively lightweight air superiority fighter.^[13] The requirements called for single-seat fighter having a maximum take-off weight of 40,000 lb (18,100 kg) for the air-to-air role with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a thrust to weight ratio of nearly 1 at mission weight.^[14] Four companies submitted proposals, with the Air Force eliminating General Dynamics and awarding contracts to Fairchild Republic, North American Rockwell, and McDonnell Douglas for the definition phase in December 1968. The companies submitted technical proposals by June 1969. The Air Force announced the selection of McDonnell Douglas on 23 December 1969.^[15] The winning design resembled the twin-tailed F-14, but with fixed wings; both designs were based on configurations studied in wind tunnel testing by NASA.^[16]

The Eagle's initial versions were the F-15 single-seat variant and TF-15 twin-seat variant. (After the F-15C was first flown in 1980 the designations were changed to "F-15A" and "F-15B"). These versions would be powered by new Pratt & Whitney F100 engines to achieve a combat thrust-to-weight ratio in excess of 1. A proposed 25 mm Ford-Philco GAU-7 cannon with caseless ammunition suffered development problems. It was dropped in favor of the standard M61 Vulcan gun. The F-15 used conformal carriage of four Sparrow missiles like the Phantom. The fixed wing was put onto a flat, wide fuselage that also provided an effective lifting surface. The first F-15A flight was made on 27 July 1972 with the first flight of the two-seat F-15B following in July 1973.^[17]

The F-15 has a "look-down/shoot-down" radar that can distinguish low-flying moving targets from ground clutter. The F-15 would use computer technology with new controls and displays to lower pilot workload and require only one pilot to save weight. Unlike the F-14 or F-4, the F-15 has only a single canopy frame with clear vision forward. The USAF introduced the F-15 as "the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the North American F-86 Sabre."^[18]

The F-15 was favored by customers such as the Israel and Japan air arms. Criticism from the fighter mafia that the F-15 was too large to be a dedicated dogfighter, and too expensive to procure in large numbers, led to the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, which led to the USAF General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the middle-weight Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.^[19]

Further development

The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered production in 1978 and conducted their first flights in February and June of that year.^[20] These models were fitted with the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000), which included 2,000 lb (900 kg) of additional internal fuel, provisions for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks, and an increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 lb (30,700 kg).^[21] The increased takeoff weight allows internal fuel, a full weapons load, conformal fuel tanks, and three external fuel tanks to be carried. The APG-63 radar uses a programmable signal processor (PSP), enabling the radar to be reprogrammable for additional purposes such as the addition of new armaments and equipment. The PSP was the first of its kind in the world, and the upgraded APG-63 radar was the first radar to use it. Other improvements on the C and D models included strengthened landing gear, a new digital central computer,^[22] and an overload warning system, which allows the pilot to fly the fighter to 9 g at all weights.^[20]

The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) was initiated in February 1983 with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 F-15Cs included the enhanced-capability Hughes APG-70 radar, which was developed for the F-15E. These 43 F-15Cs with APG-70 radar are sometimes referred as Enhanced Eagles. Earlier MSIP F-15Cs with the APG-63 were upgraded to the APG-63(V)1 to significantly improve maintainability and enable performance similar to the APG-70. Existing F-15s were retrofitted with these improvements.^[23]

In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and F-15 radar manufacturer, Hughes, teamed to privately develop a strike fighter version of the F-15. This version competed in the Air Force's Dual-Role Fighter competition starting in 1982. The Boeing F-15E strike variant was selected for production in 1984.^[24] Beginning in 1985, F-15C and D models were equipped with the improved P&W F100-220 engine and digital engine controls, providing quicker throttle response, reduced wear, and lower fuel consumption. Starting in 1997, original F100-100 engines were upgraded to a similar configuration with the designation F100-220E starting.^[25]

Beginning in 2007, 178 USAF F-15Cs were retrofitted with the AN/APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.^[26] A significant number of F-15s are to be equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).^[27] Lockheed Martin is working on an IRST system for the F-15C.^[28] A follow-on upgrade called the Eagle passive/active warning survivability system (EPAWSS) was planned but remained unfunded.^[29] The EPAWSS upgrade will include sophisticated jamming, integrated digital RWR/ geo-location and electro-optical/ IR threat detection and decoy capabilities.^[30]

Design

Overview

The F-15 has an all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage with a large cantilever shoulder-mounted wing. The empennage is metal and composite construction, with twin aluminum/composite honeycomb fins with boron-composite skins, resulting in an exceptionally thin tailplane and rudders with all-moving composite horizontal tail surfaces outboard of the fins. The F-15 has a spine-mounted air brake and retractable tricycle landing gear. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 axial-flow turbofan engines with afterburners mounted side-by-side in the fuselage. The cockpit is mounted high in the forward fuselage with a one-piece windscreen and large canopy to increase visibility. The airframe began to incorporate advanced superplastically formed titanium components in the 1980s.

The F-15's maneuverability is derived from low wing loading (weight to wing area ratio) with a high thrust-to-weight ratio enabling the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The F-15 can climb to 30,000 ft (10,000 m) in around 60 seconds. The thrust output of the dual engines is greater than the aircraft's weight, thus giving it the ability to accelerate in a vertical climb. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so that one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.^[13] The A and C-models are single-seat variants; these were the main air superiority versions produced. B and D-models add a second seat behind the pilot for training. E-models use the second seat for a weapon systems officer. Visibly, the F-15 has a unique feature vis a vis other modern fighter aircraft in that it does not have the distinctive turkey feather aerodynamic exhaust petals covering its engine nozzles. This is because the petal design on the F-15 was problematic and could fall off in flight; therefore they were removed, resulting in a 3% drag increase.^[31]

Avionics

A multi-mission avionics system includes a heads-up display (HUD), advanced radar, inertial guidance system (INS), flight instruments, ultra high frequency (UHF) communications, and Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) receivers. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, identification, friend or foe (IFF) system, electronic countermeasures suite and a central digital computer.^[32]

The heads-up display projects, through a combiner, all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.^[33]

The F-15's versatile APG-63 and 70 pulse-Doppler radar systems can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. These radars can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The APG-63 has a basic range of 100 miles (87 nmi; 160 km). The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the heads-up display. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.^[34]

Weaponry and external stores

A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.^[35]

The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 AMRAAM advanced medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal M61A1 20 millimetres (0.79 in) Gatling gun in the right wing root.^[36]

Low-drag conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) were developed for the F-15C and D models. They can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft.^[36] They degrade performance by increasing drag and cannot be jettisoned in-flight (unlike conventional external tanks). Each conformal fuel tank can hold 750 U.S. gallons (2,840 L) of fuel.^[37] These tanks increase range and reduce the need for in-flight refueling. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. Moreover, Sparrow or AMRAAM missiles can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks.^[21] The 57 FIS based at Keflavik NAS, Iceland was the only C-model squadron to use CFTs on a regular basis due to its extended operations over the North Atlantic. With the closure of the 57 FIS, the F-15E is the only variant to carry them on a routine basis. CFTs have also been sold to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Upgrades

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system.^[38] For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the F-15E carries a high-resolution APG-70 radar and LANTIRN pods to provide thermal imagery.^[34]

The APG-63(V)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar has been retrofitted to 18 U.S. Air Force F-15C aircraft.^[39] This upgrade includes most of the new hardware from the APG-63(V)1, but adds an AESA to provide increased pilot situational awareness. The AESA radar has an exceptionally agile beam, providing nearly instantaneous track updates and enhanced multi-target tracking capability. The APG-63(V)2 is compatible with current F-15C weapon loads and enables pilots to take full advantage of AIM-120 capabilities, simultaneously guiding multiple missiles to several targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation, or range.

Operational history

Introduction and early service

The largest operator of the F-15 is the United States Air Force. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered 13 November 1974.^[40] In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron, the 555th TFS, was delivered.^[40] These initial aircraft carried the Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon) APG-63 radar.

The first F-15 kill was scored by Israeli Air Force (IAF) ace Moshe Melnik in 1979.^[41] In 1979–81, during Israeli raids against Palestinian factions based in Lebanon, F-15As claimed downing 13 Syrian MiG-21 "Fishbeds" and two Syrian MiG-25 "Foxbats", the latter being the aircraft the F-15 was designed to kill. Syrians have confirmed the loss of 11 MiG-21s and two MiG-25s and claimed downing five F-15s(three by MiG-21s and two by MiG-25s). Plus two F-15s were downed by SAM.^[42] Israeli F-15As and Bs participated as escorts in Operation Opera and served during the 1982 Lebanon War. During the latter, Israeli F-15s shot down 40 Syrian jet fighters (23 MiG-21 "Fishbeds" and 17 MiG-23 "Floggers") and one Syrian SA.342L Gazelle helicopter. According to Israel, some F-15s were damaged in air combat with MiG-21s. In one case, on 9 June, a MiG-21 scored a direct hit on an F-15's engine with an R-60 missile. One engine was totally destroyed and the F-15 caught fire. The second engine continued to work and the F-15 returned to base, enveloped in flames. However, according to Syria, five F-15s were shot down by MiG-21s and three by MiG-23MLs.^[43][44] Later in 1985, during Operation Wooden Leg, IAF Eagles bombed the PLO headquarters in Tunisia.^[45] This was one of the few times air superiority F-15s (A/B/C/D models) were used in tactical strike missions. The air to ground role for the air superiority variants became more frequently used in Israeli service from the early 2000s with the integration of GPS guided bombs.^[46]

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C pilots reportedly shot down two Iranian Air Force F-4E Phantom IIs in a skirmish in June 1984.^[47][48]

Anti-satellite trials

The ASM-135 missile was designed to be a standoff anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon, with the F-15 acting as a first stage. The Soviet Union could correlate a U.S. rocket launch with a spy satellite loss, but an F-15 carrying an ASAT would blend in among hundreds of F-15 flights. From January 1984 to September 1986, two F-15As were used as launch platforms for the ASAT missile. The F-15As were modified to carry one ASM-135 on the centerline station with extra equipment within a special centerline pylon.^[49][50] The launch aircraft executed a Mach 1.22, 3.8 g climb at 65° to release the ASAT missile at an altitude of 38,100 ft (11,600 m).^[51][52] The flight computer was updated to control the zoom-climb and missile release.

The third test flight involved a retired P78-1 solar observatory satellite in a 345-mile (555 km) orbit, which was destroyed by kinetic energy.^[51] The pilot, USAF Major Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson, became the only pilot to destroy a satellite.^[52] The ASAT program involved five test launches. The program was officially terminated in 1988.^[49][52]

Gulf War and aftermath

The USAF began deploying F-15C, D and E model aircraft to the Persian Gulf region in August 1990 for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During Gulf War combat against Iraqi forces, the F-15 accounted for 36 of the 39 air-to-air victories by the U.S Air Force. Iraq has confirmed the loss of 23 of its aircraft in air-to-air combat.^[53] F-15Es were operated mainly at night, hunting modified SCUD missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.^[54] According to the USAF, its F-15Cs had 34 confirmed kills of Iraqi aircraft during the 1991 Gulf War, mostly by missile fire: five MiG-29 "Fulcrums", two MiG-25 "Foxbats", eight MiG-23 "Floggers", two MiG-21 "Fishbeds", two Su-25 "Frogfoots", four Su-22 "Fitters", one Su-7, six Mirage F1s, one Il-76 cargo plane, one Pilatus PC-9 trainer, and two Mi-8 helicopters, but not all these victories have confirmed by Iraq. Air superiority was achieved in the first three days of the conflict; many of the later kills were reportedly of Iraqi aircraft fleeing to Iran, rather than trying to engage U.S. aircraft. The single-seat F-15C was used for air superiority, and the F-15E was heavily used in air-to-ground attacks. An F-15E achieved an aerial kill of another Iraqi Mi-8 helicopter using a laser-guided bomb during the air war. The F-15E sustained two losses to ground fire in the Gulf War in 1991. Another one was damaged on the ground by a SCUD strike on Dhahran air base.^[55]

On 11 November 1990, a Saudi air force pilot defected with a F-15C fighter to Sudan during Operation Desert Shield. Saudi Arabia paid US$40 million for return of the aircraft, three months later.^[56] RSAF F-15s shot down two Iraqi Mirage F1s during the Operation Desert storm.^[57] According to Saudis, one F-15C was lost to a crash during the Gulf War in 1991.^[58] The IRAF claims this fighter was part of two F-15Cs that engaged two Iraqi MiG-25PDs, and that this F-15C was hit by R-40 missile before crashing.^[59]

They have since been deployed to support Operation Southern Watch, the patrolling of the No-Fly Zone in Southern Iraq; Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey; in support of NATO operations in Bosnia, and recent air expeditionary force deployments. In 1994, two U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks were mistakenly downed by USAF F-15Cs in northern Iraq in a friendly fire incident.^[60] USAF F-15Cs shot down four Yugoslav MiG-29s using AIM-120 missiles during NATO's 1999 intervention in Kosovo, Operation Allied Force.^[61]

Structural defects

All F-15 aircraft were grounded by the US Air Force after a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C came apart in flight and crashed on 2 November 2007. The newer F-15E fleet was later cleared for continued operations. The US Air Force reported on 28 November 2007 that a critical location in the upper longerons on the F-15C model was suspected of causing the failure, causing the fuselage forward of the air intakes, including the cockpit and radome, to separate from the airframe.^[62]

F-15A through D-model aircraft were grounded until the location received more detailed inspections and repairs as needed.^[63] The grounding of F-15s received media attention as it began to place strains on the nation's air defense efforts.^[64] The grounding forced some states to rely on their neighboring states' fighters for air defense protection, and Alaska to depend on Canadian Forces' fighter support.^[64]

On 8 January 2008, the USAF Air Combat Command (ACC) cleared a portion of its F-15A through D-model fleet for return to flying status. It also recommended a limited return to flight for units worldwide using the affected models.^[65] The accident review board report was released on 10 January 2008. The report stated that analysis of the F-15C wreckage determined that the longeron did not meet drawing specifications, which led to fatigue cracks and finally a catastrophic failure of the remaining support structures and breakup of the aircraft in flight.^[66] In a report released on 10 January 2008, nine other F-15s were identified to have similar problems in the longeron. As a result of these problems, General John D. W. Corley stated that "the long-term future of the F-15 is in question."^[67] On 15 February 2008, ACC cleared all its grounded F-15A/B/C/D fighters for flight pending inspections, engineering reviews and any needed repairs. ACC also recommended release of other U.S. F-15A/B/C/D aircraft.^[68]

Recent service

Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKs, MiG-29s and other fighters achieved success in air combat exercises against USAF F-15Cs during "Cope India" in February 2004. Both Sides agreed not to use BVR missiles, AIM 120 AMRAAM and AA-12 Adder respectively, for the exercise.^[69][70][71] During the USAF's Red Flag advanced combat training exercises in 2008, American F-15Cs, F-16Cs, and F-22s bested Indian Su-30MKIs; the Su-30s reportedly operated with their radars in training mode to keep their signals secret.^[72]

The F-15 in all air forces had a combined air-to-air combat record of 104 kills to 0 losses as of February 2008.^[73] No air superiority versions of the F-15 (A/B/C/D models) have been shot down by enemy forces. Over half of F-15 kills were achieved by Israeli Air Force pilots.

On 16 September 2009, the last F-15A, an Oregon Air National Guard aircraft, was retired marking the end of service for the F-15A and F-15B models in the United States.^[74]

With the retirement of the F-15A and B models, the F-15C and D models are being supplemented in U.S. service by the F-22 Raptor. However since F-22 production has been halted, the F-15 may be in service in current squadrons much longer than originally thought. As of 2013, Regular Air Force F-15C and F-15D fighters are based overseas with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) at Kadena AB in Japan^[75] and with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.^[76] Other Regular Air Force F-15s are operated by Air Combat Command as adversary/aggressor platforms at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and by Air Force Material Command in test and evaluation roles at Edwards AFB, California and Eglin AFB, Florida. All remaining combat coded F-15Cs and F-15Ds are operated by the Air National Guard.

USAF is upgrading 178 F-15C/Ds with the AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar,^[26] and upgrade other F-15s with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System.^[27] The Air Force plans to keep 178 F-15C/Ds along with 224 F-15Es in service beyond 2025. The F-15E will remain in service for years to come because of the model's primary air-to-ground role and the lower number of hours on the F-15E airframes.^[4]

As part of the Air Force's FY 2015 budget, the F-15C faces cuts or retirement in response to sequestration. Cuts focus on platforms with single-mission capabilities. The retirement of some 250 F-15C fighters would save maintenance and upgrade costs, which could be redirected to speed procurement of the F-35 Lightning II. The air-to-air combat role would be taken up preeminently by the F-22 Raptor, while the F-35 would support it in conjunction with the Raptor. Even with this option being considered, the F-15C fleet is likely to be preserved to some degree, even if total fleet numbers drop.^[77][78]

Variants

Basic models

F-15A

Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 384 built 1972–79.^[79]

F-15B

Two-seat training version, formerly designated TF-15A, 61 built 1972–79.^[79]

F-15C

Improved single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 483 built 1979–85.^[79] The last 43 F-15Cs are being upgraded with AN/APG-70 radar.

F-15D

Two-seat training version, 92 built 1979–85.^[79]

F-15J

Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 139 built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi 1981–97, two built in St. Louis.^[79]

F-15DJ

Two-seat training version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 12 built in St. Louis, and 25 built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi during 1981–97.^[79]

F-15N Sea Eagle

The F-15N was a carrier-capable variant proposed in the early 1970s to the U.S. Navy as an alternative to the heavier and, at the time, considered as "riskier" technology program: Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The F-15N-PHX was another proposed naval version capable of carrying the AIM-54 Phoenix missile. These featured folding wingtips, reinforced landing gear and a stronger tailhook for shipboard operation.^[80]

F-15E Strike Eagle

See McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle for F-15E, F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, and other F-15E-based variants.

F-15SE Silent Eagle

See Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle for proposed F-15E variant with a reduced radar signature.

Prototypes

Twelve prototypes were built and were used for trials by the F-15 Joint Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base using McDonnell Douglas and United States Air Force personnel. Many of the prototypes were later used by NASA for trials and experiments.

F-15A-1, AF Ser. No. 71-0280

Was the first F-15 to fly on 11 July 1972 from Edwards Air Force Base, it was used as a trial aircraft for exploring the flight envelope, general handling and testing the carriage of external stores.

F-15A-1, AF Ser. No. 71-0281

The second prototype first flew on 26 September 1972 and was used to test the F100 engine.

F-15A-2, AF Ser. No. 71-0282

First flew on 4 November 1972 and was used to test the APG-62 radar and avionics.

F-15A-2, AF Ser. No. 71-0283

First flew on 13 January 1973 and was used as a structural test aircraft, it was the first aircraft to have the smaller wingtips to clear a severe buffet problem found on earlier aircraft.

F-15A-2, AF Ser. No. 71-0284

First flew on 7 March 1973 it was used for armament development and was the first aircraft fitted with an internal cannon.

F-15A-3, AF Ser. No. 71-0285

First flew on 23 May 1973 and was used to test the missile fire control system and other avionics.

F-15A-3, AF Ser. No. 71-0286

First flew on 14 June 1973 and was used for armament trials and testing external fuel stores.

F-15A-4, AF Ser. No. 71-0287

First flew on 25 August 1973 and was used for spin recovery, angle of attack and fuel system testing, it was fitted with an anti-spin recovery parachute. The aircraft was loaned to NASA from 1976 for engine development trials.

F-15A-4, AF Ser. No. 71-0288

First flew on 20 October 1973 and was used to test integrated aircraft and engine performance, it was later used by McDonnell Douglas as a test aircraft in the 1990s.

F-15A-4, AF Ser. No. 71-0289

First flew on 30 January 1974 and was used for trials on the radar, avionics and electronic warfare systems.

F-15B-3, AF Ser. No. 71-0290

The first two-seat prototype originally designated the TF-15A, it first flew on 7 July 1973.

F-15B-4, AF Ser. No. 71-0291

First flew on 18 October 1973 as a TF-15A and used as a test and demonstration aircraft. In 1976 it made an overseas sales tour painted in markings to celebrate the bicentenary of the United States.

Research and test

F-15 Streak Eagle (AF Ser. No.72-0119)

One stripped of most avionics and unpainted F-15A, demonstrated the fighter's acceleration – broke eight time-to-climb world records between 16 January and 1 February 1975 at Grand Forks AFB, ND. It was delivered to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in December 1980.^[81]

F-15 STOL/MTD (AF Ser. No. 71-0290)

The first F-15B was converted into a short takeoff and landing, maneuver technology demonstrator aircraft.^[82] In the late 1980s it received canard flight surfaces in addition to its usual horizontal tail, along with square thrust-vectoring nozzles. It was used as a short-takeoff/maneuver-technology (SMTD) demonstrator.^[83]

F-15 ACTIVE (AF Ser. No. 71-0290)

The F-15 S/MTD was later converted into an advanced flight control technology research aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles.^[82]

F-15 IFCS (AF Ser. No. 71-0290)

The F-15 ACTIVE was then converted into an intelligent flight control systems research aircraft. F-15B 71-0290 was the oldest F-15 still flying when retired in January 2009.^[83]

F-15 MANX

Concept name for a tailless variant of the F-15 ACTIVE, but the NASA ACTIVE experimental aircraft was never modified to be tailless.

F-15 Flight Research Facility (AF Ser. No. 71-0281 and AF Ser. No. 71-0287)

Two F-15A aircraft were acquired in 1976 for use by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center for numerous experiments such as: Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HiDEC), Adaptive Engine Control System (ADECS), Self-Repairing and Self-Diagnostic Flight Control System (SRFCS) and Propulsion Controlled Aircraft System (PCA).^[84] 71-0281, the second flight-test F-15A, was returned to the Air Force and became a static display at Langley AFB in 1983.

F-15B Research Testbed (AF Ser. No. 74-0141)

Acquired in 1993, it was an F-15B modified and used by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center for flight tests.^[85]

Operators

 Israel

• Israeli Air Force has operated F-15s since 1977. The IAF has 43 F-15A/B/C/D (20 F-15A, 6 F-15B, 11 F-15C, and 6 F-15D) aircraft in service as of January 2011.^[86]

 Japan

• Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates Mitsubishi F-15J and F-15DJ fighters.

 Saudi Arabia

• Royal Saudi Air Force has 70 F-15C/D (49 F-15C and 21 F-15D) Eagles in operation as of January 2011.^[86]

 USA

• United States Air Force operates 254 F-15C/D aircraft (114 Regular Air Force and 140 Air National Guard) as of September 2010.^[87][88]
• NASA used to test Highly Integrated Digital Engine Control system (HIDEC) at Edwards AFB, 1988^[89]

Notable accidents

• On 1 May 1983, during an Israeli Air Force training dogfight, an F-15D collided with a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Unknown to pilot Zivi Nedivi and his copilot, the right wing of the Eagle was sheared off roughly two feet (60 cm) from the fuselage. The A-4 disintegrated and its pilot ejected and parachuted to safety, while the F-15 nosed down and entered a violent roll. Zivi decided to attempt recovery and engaged afterburner to increase speed, allowing him to regain control of the aircraft. The pilot was able to prevent stalling and maintain control because of the lift generated by the large horizontal surface area of the fuselage, the stabilators, and remaining wing areas. The F-15 landed at twice the normal speed to maintain the necessary descent and its tailhook was torn off during the landing. Zivi managed to bring his F-15 to a complete stop approximately 20 ft (6 m) from the end of the runway. He was later quoted as saying "It's highly likely that if I would have seen it clearly, I would have ejected..."; the fuel leak and vapors along the wing had prevented him from seeing what had happened to the wing itself. The aircraft was repaired and saw further combat service.^[90][91][92]
• On 19 March 1990, an F-15 from the 3rd Wing stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska accidentally fired an AIM-9M Sidewinder missile at another F-15. The damaged aircraft was able to make an emergency landing; it was subsequently repaired and returned to service.^[93] This was not in combat, but does mark the first time an F-15 was struck by an air-to-air missile, accident or otherwise.
• On 22 November 1995, during air-intercept training over the Sea of Japan, a Japanese F-15J flown by Lt. Tatsumi Higuchi was shot down by an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile inadvertently fired by his wingman in an accident similar to the one that occurred on 19 March 1990. The pilot ejected safely. Both F-15Js involved were from JASDF 303rd Squadron, Komatsu AFB.^[94]
• On 26 March 2001, two US Air Force F-15Cs crashed near the summit of Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms during a low flying training exercise over the Scottish Highlands.^[95] Both Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth John Hyvonen and Captain Kirk Jones died in the accident, which resulted in a court martial for an RAF air traffic controller, who was later found not guilty.^[96][97]
• On 2 November 2007, a 27-year-old F-15C (AF Ser. No. 80-0034) of the 131st Fighter Wing, Missouri Air National Guard), crashed during air combat maneuvering training near St. Louis, Missouri. The pilot, Major Stephen W. Stilwell, ejected but suffered serious injuries. The crash was the result of an in-flight breakup due to structural failure. On 3 November 2007, all non-mission critical models of the F-15 were grounded pending the outcome of the crash investigation,^[98] and on the following day, grounded non-mission critical F-15s engaged in combat missions in the Middle East.^[99] By 13 November 2007, over 1,100 were grounded worldwide after Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia grounded their aircraft as well.^[100] F-15Es were cleared on 15 November 2007 pending aircraft passing inspections.^[101] On 8 January 2008, the USAF cleared 60 percent of the F-15A/B/C/D fleet for return to flight.^[65] On 10 January 2008, the accident review board released its report stating the 2 November crash was related to the longeron not meeting drawing specifications.^[66] The Air Force cleared all its grounded F-15A-D fighters for flight on 15 February 2008 pending inspections, reviews and any needed repairs.^[68] In March 2008, Stilwell, the injured pilot, filed a lawsuit against Boeing, the F-15's manufacturer.^[102]
• On 20 February 2008, two F-15Cs from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida, flown by 1st Lt Ali Jivanjee and Capt Tucker Hamilton collided over the Gulf of Mexico during a training mission. Both pilots ejected and were rescued, but one died later from his injuries.^[103] The accident investigation report released 25 August 2008 found that the accident was the result of pilot error and not mechanical failure. Both pilots failed to clear their flight paths and anticipate their impending high-aspect, midair impact according to Brig Gen Joseph Reynes Jr., the leader of the investigation team.^[104]

Specifications (F-15C)

Data from USAF fact sheet,^[105] Jane's All the World's Aircraft,^[106] Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle^[107]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1: pilot
• Length: 63 ft 9 in (19.43 m)
• Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.05 m)
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.63 m)
• Wing area: 608 ft² (56.5 m²)
• Airfoil: NACA 64A006.6 root, NACA 64A203 tip
• Empty weight: 28,000 lb (12,700 kg)
• Loaded weight: 44,500 lb (20,200 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 68,000 lb (30,845 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney F100-100 or −220 afterburning turbofans
  • Dry thrust: 14,590 lbf^[108] (64.9 kN) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 23,770 lbf for −220^[108] (105.7 kN for −220) each
• Fuel capacity: 13,455 lb (6,100 kg) internal^[109]

Performance

• Maximum speed:
  
  • High altitude: Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph, 2,665+ km/h)
  • Low altitude: Mach 1.2 (900 mph, 1,450 km/h)
• Combat radius: 1,061 nmi (1,222 mi, 1,967 km)for interdiction mission
• Ferry range: 3,450 mi(3,000 nmi, 5,550 km)with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
• Service ceiling: 65,000 ft (20,000 m)
• Rate of climb: >50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
• Wing loading: 73.1 lb/ft² (358 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.07 (−220)

Armament

• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barreled Gatling cannon, 940 rounds
• Hardpoints: Total 11 (not including CFTs): two under-wing (each with additional two missile launch rails), four under-fuselage (for semi-recessed carriage of AIM-7 Sparrows) and a single centerline pylon station, optional fuselage pylons (which may include conformal fuel tanks, known initially as Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) pack for use on the C model) with a capacity of 16,000 lb (7,300 kg) and provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Missiles:
    
    • 4× AIM-7 Sparrow
    • 4× AIM-9 Sidewinder
    • 8× AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • Bombs:
    
    • Mark 82
    • Mark 84
    • GBU-10
    • GBU-31
  • Other:
    
    • up to 3× 600 US gallons (2,300 L) external drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range/loitering time.
    • MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod – to carry personal belongings, and small pieces of maintenance equipment.^[79]

Avionics

• Radar:
  • Raytheon AN/APG-63 or AN/APG-70^{[110][N 1]} or
  • Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)1 or
  • Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) or
  • Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)^{[111][N 2]}
  • Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System^[111]
• Countermeasures:
  • Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pod^[112]
  • Hazeltine AN/APX-76 or Raytheon AN/APX-119 Identify Friend/Foe (IFF) interrogator^[113]
  • Magnavox AN/ALQ-128 Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS) – part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS)^[112]
  • Loral AN/ALR-56 Radar warning receivers (RWR) – part of TEWS^[114]
  • Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems ALQ-135 Internal Countermeasures System (ICS) – part of TEWS^[112]
  • Marconi AN/ALE-45 Chaff/Flares dispenser system – part of TEWS^[115]

Aircraft on display

Although the F-15 continues to be a front-line fighter, a number of older USAF and IAF models have been retired, with several placed on outdoor display or in museums. These include:

Germany

F-15A

• 74-0085 - Spangdahlem AB.^[116]
• 74-0109 - Auto Technik Museum, Speyer.^[117]

Netherlands

F-15A

• 74-0083 (Marked as 77-0132) - Militaire Luchtvaart Museum, Kamp Zeist.^[118]

Japan

F-15A

• 74-0088 - Kadena AB.^[119]

Israel

F-15A

• 73-0098 - Israeli Air Museum, Hatzerim.^[120]
• 73-0107 - gate guard at Tel Nof AB.^[121]

United Kingdom

F-15A

• 74-0131 - Wings of Liberty Memorial Park, RAF Lakenheath.^[122]
• 76-0020 - American Air Museum, Duxford.^[123]

United States

F-15A

• 71-0280 - Lackland AFB, Texas.^[124]
• 71-0281 - Langley AFB, Virginia.^[125]
• 71-0283 - Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.^[126]
• 71-0285 - USAF Personnel Recruiting Office, St. Louis, Missouri.^[127]
• 71-0286- Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, Rantoul, Illinois.^[128]
• 72-0119 "Streak Eagle" - in storage at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.^[129]
• 73-0085 - Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia.^[130]
• 73-0086 - Louisiana Military Museum, Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Louisiana.^[131]
• 73-0099 (Marked as 77-0099) - Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia.^[132]
• 74-0081 - Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.^[133]
• 74-0084 - Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, Anchorage, Alaska.^[134]
• 74-0095 - Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida.^[135]
• 74-0114 - Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.^[136]
• 74-0117 - Langley AFB, Virginia.^[137]
• 74-0118 - Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona.^[138]
• 74-0119 - Castle Air Museum, Atwater, California.^[139]
• 74-0124 - Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida.^[140]
• 75-0026 - National Warplane Museum, Elmira Corning Regional Airport, New York.^[141]
• 75-0045 - USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, Alabama.^[142]
• 76-0008 - March Field Air Museum, Riverside, California.^[143]
• 76-0009 - Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Klamath Falls, Oregon.^[144]
• 76-0014 - Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville, Oregon.^[145]
• 76-0024 - Peterson Air and Space Museum, Peterson AFB, Colorado.^[146]
• 76-0027 - National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.^[147]
• 76-0037 - Holloman AFB, New Mexico.^[148]
• 76-0040 - USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.^[149]
• 76-0048 - McChord Air Museum, McChord AFB, Washington.^[150]
• 76-0063 - Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.^[151]
• 76-0066 - Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon.^[152]
• 76-0076 (Marked as 85-0125) - roadside park, DeBary, Florida.^[153]
• 76-0080 - Jacksonville International Airport, Florida.^[154]
• 76-0088 - St. Louis International Airport, Lambert Field, Missouri.^[155]
• 76-0108 - Kelly AFB, Texas.^[156]
• 76-0110 - gate guard, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.^[157]
• 77-0068 - Arnold AFB, Manchester, Tennessee.^[158]
• 77-0090 - Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB, Utah.^[159]
• 77-0102 - Pacific Coast Air Museum, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, California. One of two Massachusetts Air National Guard 102d Fighter Wing aircraft scrambled in first response to terrorist air attacks on 11 September 2001.^[160]
• 77-0146 - Veterans Park, Callaway, Florida.^[161]
• 77-0150 - Yanks Air Museum, Chino, California.^[162]

F-15B

• 73-0108 - Luke AFB, Arizona.^[163]
• 73-0114 - Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Edwards AFB, California.^[164]
• 77-0161 - Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina.^[165]

Notable appearances in media

The F-15 was the subject of the IMAX movie Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, about the RED FLAG exercises. In Tom Clancy's nonfiction book, Fighter Wing (1995), a detailed analysis of the Air Force's premier fighter aircraft, the F-15 Eagle and its capabilities are showcased.^[166]

The F-15 has also been a popular subject as a toy, and a fictional likeness of an aircraft similar to the F-15 has been used in cartoons, books, video games, animated television series, and animated films. The F-15 was mentioned in a veteran's old war story in the 2005 song Something to Be Proud Of by Montgomery Gentry.^[167]

See also

• 4th generation jet fighter

Related development

• McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
• McDonnell Douglas F-15 STOL/MTD
• Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Grumman F-14 Tomcat
• Mikoyan MiG-29M
• Panavia Tornado ADV
• Sukhoi Su-27/Shenyang J-11

Related lists

• List of fighter aircraft
• List of active United States military aircraft

References

Notes

Citations

Bibliography

Further reading

• Braybrook, Roy. F-15 Eagle. London: Osprey Aerospace, 1991. ISBN 1-85532-149-1.
• Crickmore, Paul. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (Classic Warplanes series). New York: Smithmark Books, 1992. ISBN 0-8317-1408-5.
• Drendel, Lou. Eagle (Modern Military Aircraft Series). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1985. ISBN 0-8974-7271-3.
• Drendel, Lou and Don Carson. F-15 Eagle in action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1976. ISBN 0-89747-023-0.
• Fitzsimons, Bernard. Modern Fighting Aircraft, F-15 Eagle. London: Salamander Books Ltd., 1983. ISBN 0-86101-182-1.
• Gething, Michael J. and Paul Crickmore. F-15 (Combat Aircraft series). New York: Crescent Books, 1992. ISBN 0-517-06734-X.
• Kinzey, Bert. The F-15 Eagle in Detail & Scale (Part 1, Series II). El Paso, Texas: Detail & Scale, Inc., 1978. ISBN 0-8168-5028-3.
• Rininger, Tyson V. F-15 Eagle at War. Minneapolis, USA: Zenith Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-7603-3350-1. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-15 Eagle.

• F-15 Eagle USAF Fact Sheet
• F-15 Eagle history page on Boeing.com
• McDonnell Douglas F-15A, and F-15C on USAF National Museum web site
• F-15 Eagle in service with Israel
• F-15 page on GlobalSecurity.org
• The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle page on Vectorsite.net

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