Wikipedia

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

(Redirected from McDonnell Douglas F-15E)
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[5] 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
General information
TypeMultirole strike fighter
National originUnited States
ManufacturerMcDonnell Douglas (1985–1997)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–2017)
StatusIn service
Primary usersUnited States Air Force
Number built435 (F-15E/I/S/K/SG)[N 1]
History
Manufactured1985–2017
Introduction date1988[2][3]
30 September 1989 (IOC)[4]
First flight11 December 1986; 37 years ago (1986-12-11)
Developed fromMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
Developed intoBoeing F-15EX Eagle II

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. Boeing enhanced the F-15E design through the Advanced Eagle family, including the F-15EX Eagle II.

Development

edit

Origins

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 air superiority with little consideration for a ground-attack role; the F-15 Special Project Office opposed the idea of F-15s performing interdiction, giving rise to the phrase "Not a pound for air to ground."[6] 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.[7]

Despite a lack of official interest, McDonnell Douglas had quietly included a basic secondary ground attack capability in the F-15's design since the beginning and 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.[8] 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.[9] In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and Hughes began a close collaboration on the development of the F-15E's air-to-ground capabilities.[10]

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.[9] 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.[9] It was subsequently fitted with a Pave Tack laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs.[11] The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980 Farnborough Airshow.[12]

Enhanced Tactical Fighter

edit

In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to replace 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.[13] 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.[12]

 
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.[14][15] 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.[15] 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.[14][4] The USAF was initially expected to procure 400 aircraft, a figure later revised to 392.[15][16]

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.[14][4] 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.[14] This aircraft had the full F-15E avionics suite and the redesigned front fuselage, but not the aft fuselage and the common engine bay.[14] The latter was featured on 86-0184, while 86-0185 incorporated all the changes of the F-15E from the F-15.[14] On 31 March 1987, the first officially completed F-15E made its first flight.[17]

The first production F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in April 1988.[4] Production continued into the 2000s with 236 produced for the USAF through 2001.[18]

Upgrade programs and replacement

edit
Main article: Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
 
First production F-15E, 86-0183

The F-15E was upgraded with the Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007, and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010.[19] 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;[20] it was named APG-63(V)4 until it received the APG-82 designation in 2009.[21] The new radar is to be part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program,[22] which also includes a wideband radome (enabling operation on more radar frequencies) and environment control and electronic warfare improvements.[23] In 2015, Boeing and BAE Systems were awarded contracts to comprehensively upgrade of the electronic warfare system of all USAF F-15s, including the F-15E, with the AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS).[24] The first F-15E retrofitted with EPAWSS was delivered in 2022.[25]

Having a sturdier airframe rated for 8,000 hours of service life or up to 16,000 hours with proper depot maintenance programs, twice the lifetime of earlier variants, the F-15E is expected to remain in service past 2025.[26][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, with no replacement for the F-15E being slated at that time.[28]

The F-15E design would see some export success and Boeing continued developing upgrades for international customers. More radical upgrades to the air vehicle design resulted in the F-15 Advanced Eagle family that began with the F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) for the Royal Saudi Air Force, which first flew in 2013. It replaces the older hybrid electronic/mechanical system with a digital fly-by-wire control system that opens up two additional wing pylons and a revised wing structure for increased service life. The Advanced Eagle would have further developed variants with the F-15QA (Qatari Advanced) for the Qatari Emiri Air Force and the F-15EX Eagle II for the USAF. In FY 2020, USAF began procuring the F-15EX to replace the aging fleet of F-15C/D and supplement the F-22 Raptor to maintain air superiority fighter numbers, taking advantage of the existing export production line to quickly and affordably bring additional fighters into service; the F-15EX is also an option to replace the F-15E at a later time.[29][30] 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.[28][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] The project was terminated in late 2015.[34]

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."[35] 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.[36]

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.[37]

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.[38] The TEWS was replaced by the AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS digital electronic warfare suite beginning in 2022; EPAWSS replaces all TEWS components with lighter and more capable digital ones for increased performance.[25][39]

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 was replaced by the AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, which began flight tests in January 2010 and achieved initial operational capability in 2014.[40]

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 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.[41]

 
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, AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening, or the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper.[citation needed]

The F-15E carries most air-to-ground weapons in the USAF inventory.[42] 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.[43][44] LIG Nex1 had been a participant in the F-15K program as a subcontractor to Rockwell Collins.[43][44] LIG Nex1 is also preparing to manufacture F-15's new multi-function display and flight control computer.[43] 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.[45] KAI is involved in the design and manufacture of the Conformal Weapons Bay (CWB) for the F-15 Silent Eagle.[46]

The engines used on early aircraft are Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220. Later batches feature the more powerful P&W F100-PW-229 engines.[47] Saudi Arabian and Israeli aircraft originally used P&W F100-229 engines.[48][49] In 2008, Saudi Arabia decided to re-engine their F-15S and F-15SA fleets with General Electric F110-GE-129 engines.[50][51] 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.[52] The Singapore Air Force equipped their F-15SG fleet with GE F110 engines.[53][54]

Operational history

edit

United States

edit

The F-15E was first delivered to the U.S. Air Force operational units in 1988.[3] 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.[4]

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.[55] 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.[56]

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.[57][58] 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.[59]

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.[60] As another Coalition bombing operation had commenced, the F-15Es disengaged from combat with the remaining helicopters.[57]

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.[61]

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.[61]

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.[62] 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.[62] 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).[citation needed] 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.[63] Between 24 and 26 January 1999, F-15Es expended several AGM-130s and GBU-12s against SAM sites near Mosul, northern Iraq.[64] They also flew in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Provide Comfort II.[61]

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 492nd 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.[65] In December 1993, F-15Es launched to destroy a pair of SA-2s which had fired upon two Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS 1s.[66] 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.[66]

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.[67] 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.[68] 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.[68] 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.[69]

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.[70] 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.[71]

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.[71] 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.[72] 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.[73]

 
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.[74] Several bombs were dropped as the SEAL team took fire, however one bomb missed due to the aircrew using incorrect coordinates.[74] An MH-47 carrying a rescue team was downed by an RPG while attempting to support the SEALs.[75] 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.[75] 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.[76]

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;[77] the stated cause was confusion between the air controller and the F-15E on the bombing coordinates.[78] 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.[79]

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.[80] 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.[80] 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.[81]

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.[81] 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.[82]

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.[83] On 3 April 2003, an F-15E mistook a USA 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.[84]

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, but crashed near Tikrit, Iraq.[85] Das and Watkins were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.[85] 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,[82] 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 Fighter Squadron 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] Between August 2014 and January 2015, F-15Es flew 37 percent of all USAF sorties.[92]

 
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.[93] On 20 February 2016, USAF F-15Es[94] 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;[95][96] two Serbians kidnapped by IS in 2015 were also reportedly killed.[97]

On 8 June 2017, an F-15E shot down a pro-Syrian Regime UAV near Al Tanf, Syria;[98] 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".[99] The drone may have been a Shahed 129;[100] on 20 June 2017, a second Shahed-129 was downed by an F-15E near the 50 mile exclusion zone around Al-Tanf.[101]

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.[102]

USAF F-15Es were deployed on 2 February 2024, during the airstrikes against Iranian backed militias in Iraq and Syria. USAF F-15Es helped blunt an Iranian attack against Israel on 13 April 2024 by shooting down over 70 Iranian one-way attack UAVs.[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.[citation needed]

Saudi Arabia

edit

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.[105] 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).[106] 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.[107] In June 2012, an FMS contract for 68 F-15S to F-15SA modification kits was placed with Boeing.[108] On 20 February 2013, the maiden flight of the first new-build F-15SA occurred.[109]

Saudi-led 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.[110] Early strikes were aimed at air defense sites, Army HQs, military airports, ballistic missiles depots, and launchers.[111] 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,[112] while Houthi and Iranian sources claimed they had shot it down.[113] 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.[114][115] On 9 January 2018, the Houthi media, Al-Masirah, announced that the F-15 had been damaged but did not crash.[116]

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.[117] As in the video of the previous similar hit recorded on 8 January, the target, while clearly hit, seems not falling to the ground when the video stops. Saudi forces confirmed the hit, while saying the jet safely landed at a Saudi base.[118] Saudi sources confirmed the incident involved a surface-to-air missile being launched at the jet from inside Saada airport.[119][120]

Variants

edit
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

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.[18][104]

F-15I

edit
 
IAF F-15I (Ra'am)

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.[121] In January 2016, Israel approved F-15I upgrades such as structural changes, an AESA radar, updated avionics, and new weapons.[122]

F-15K

edit
 
F-15K at Nellis AFB, Nevada, 2008 for the Red Flag 08-4 exercise

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.[123] The fuselage and wings are supplied by Korea Aerospace Industries,[124] flight control actuator by Hanwha Corporation,[125] electronic jammer and radar warning receiver by Samsung Thales,[126] head-up display, airborne communication system, and radar by LIG Nex1,[44][127] and engines by Samsung Techwin under license[128] before final assembly at Boeing's St. Louis facility.

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.[129] 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.[130][131] ROKAF had received 50 F-15Ks by June 2011.[132] ROKAF expects the F-15K to be in service until 2060.[133]

The F-15K has several atypical features to the F-15E, such as an AAS-42 infra-red search and track system,[134] a customized Tactical Electronics Warfare Suite to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness,[134] cockpit compatibility with night vision devices, ARC-232 U/VHF radio with Link 16 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.[121] The F-15K is equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System[134] and weapons such as AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-84H Harpoon Block II, and KEPD 350. In December 2022, South Korea approved to upgrade all of its 59 F-15Ks with new components, including AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS electronic warfare system, and ADCP II mission computer.[135]

F-15S

edit
 
F-15S of the Royal Saudi Air Force

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] The F-15S fleet is being upgraded to a broadly comparable configuration as the later F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) and designated F-15SR with 66 aircraft planned to be upgraded by 2026.[138]

F-15SG

edit
 
F-15SG during Exercise Cope Tiger 2013 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base

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.[139][140] 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, AN/APG-63(V)3, night vision goggles and Link 16 terminals.[141][142] The F-15F designation was also reserved.[143] An order for 12 F-15SGs was placed in December 2005.[144] On 22 October 2007, Singapore exercised an option for eight more F-15SGs within the original contract. Four more were later bought.[145] The first F-15SG was rolled out on 3 November 2008; deliveries began in 2009;[146] all 24 were declared operational in September 2013.[147] Further F-15SGs were ordered, including 8 in 2010 and 8 in 2014, for a total of 40 F-15SGs by 2018.[148][149][150] The RSAF currently qualifies personnel on the F-15SG via the 428th Fighter Squadron, a joint USAF-RSAF unit located at Mountain Home Air Force Base.[151]

F-15 Advanced Eagle variants

edit
Main article: Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

The F-15 Advanced Eagle represents a more substantial upgrade baseline 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 APG-63(V)3 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.

F-15SA

edit

The F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) is a version for the Royal Saudi Air Force and the first member of the Advanced Eagle family. 84 were ordered in 2011, and the older F-15S were upgraded to a broadly comparable configuration.[109]

F-15QA Ababil

edit

The F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) Ababil[152][153] is an Advanced Eagle variant for the Qatar Emiri Air Force; in June 2017, Qatar signed a deal to buy 36 F-15QAs for US$12 billion (~$14.7 billion in 2023).[154]

F-15EX Eagle II

edit

The F-15EX, based on the F-15QA, was procured by the USAF in FY 2020 to replace its aging F-15C/Ds and supplement the F-22 to maintain fighter fleet size. A total of 144 aircraft was planned, although this was reduced to 104 in the most recent budget.[155]

F-15IA

edit

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.[156]

Proposed variants

edit

F-15H

edit

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 Hellenic Air Force,[157] but the government chose new F-16s and Mirage 2000-5s instead.[158]

F-15G

edit

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.[159]

F-15SE Silent Eagle

edit

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.[160] 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.[161] 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,[162] and successfully launched an AMRAAM missile from the CWB in July 2010.[163] Potential customers were Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea;[160] however the Saudis chose to procure the less ambitious F-15SA which became the first F-15 Advanced Eagle variant,[164] while Israel,[165] Japan,[166] and South Korea selected the F-35.[167] Some of the proposed F-15SE features were carried over to the F-15 Advanced Eagle family.[168]

F-15GSE Global Strike Eagle

edit

The F-15GSE was a 2006 proposal for a space strike version of the F-15E, for attacking satellites. It was to be an unmanned remotely-piloted variant, carrying a 3-stage-to-orbit solid rocket ASAT missile on its back between the twin-tails.[169]

Operators

edit
Main article: List of McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle operators
 
Operators
  F-15 Eagle
  F-15E Strike Eagle
  Both versions
 
A F-15K of the South Korean Air Force
 
A F-15SG of the Singapore Air Force
  Israel
  Republic of 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.[171]
    • 11th Fighter Wing (제11전투비행단), based at Daegu
      • 102nd Fighter Squadron
      • 122nd Fighter Squadron
      • 110th Fighter Squadron
  Saudi Arabia
  Singapore
  United States

Accidents and losses

edit
Main article: List of F-15 losses

Specifications (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 F-15E Flight Manual (TO 1F-15E-1),[176] USAF fact sheet,[177] Davies[178] and Boeing[179]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 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[180]
  • Empty weight: 34,600 lb (15,694 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,741 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 12,915 lb (5,858 kg) internal, 22,267 lb (10,100 kg) with conformal fuel tanks (CFT), 34,162 lb (15,496 kg) with CFTs and 3 600-gallon (2,270 L) external fuel tanks
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & 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: Mach 2.5, 1,650 mph (2,655 km/h) at high altitude[N 2]
    • Mach 1.2, 800 kn (921 mph; 1,482 km/h) at low altitude[N 3]
  • Combat range: 687 nmi (791 mi, 1,272 km) air interdiction
  • 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

edit

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Number built for F-15E= 237,[1] F-15I= 25,[1] F-15S= 72,[1] F-15K= 61, F-15SG= 40; total= 435
  2. ^ Mach 2.0, 1,320 mph (2,124 km/h) at high altitude with CFTs.
  3. ^ 700 kn (806 mph; 1,296 km/h) at low altitude with CFTs.

Citations

edit
  1. ^ a b c Davies 2002, p. 90.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b Russian Air Power, Airlife Pub Ltd (1 July 2002), p. 37
  4. ^ a b c d e Ciborski, James R. "The F-15 Eagle: A Chronology." Archived 20 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine History Office, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, June 2002.
  5. ^ "Boeing: F-15E Strike Eagle". Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The Boeing Company. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  6. ^ Davies and Dildy 2007, pp. 9, 15, 20, 35.
  7. ^ Davies and Dildy 2007, inside cover.
  8. ^ Donald 1995, p. 40.
  9. ^ a b c Donald 1995, p. 42.
  10. ^ Davies 2003, pp. 15–16.
  11. ^ Jenkins 1997, p. 42.
  12. ^ a b Donald 1995, p. 44.
  13. ^ Rininger 2009, pp. 85, 88.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Jenkins 1998, p. 36.
  15. ^ a b c Donald 1995, p. 45.
  16. ^ Ulsamer, Edgar. "In Focus: The Dual-Role Eagle." Archived 19 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine Air Force magazine, April 1984.
  17. ^ Rininger 2009, p. 89.
  18. ^ a b "Boeing F-15E Eagle." Jane's All the World's Aircraft, Jane's Information Group, 2010 (subscription article, dated 26 February 2010).
  19. ^ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing Receives 1st F-15E Radar Modernization Program Test Asset from Raytheon." Archived 7 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  20. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Raytheon claims AESA upgrade contract for F-15E." Archived 5 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine Flightglobal.com, 1 November 2007.
  21. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Raytheon trumps Northrop with new AESA designation." Archived 7 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine Flight Daily News, 17 June 2009.
  22. ^ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing Selects Raytheon to Provide AESA Radar for U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles." Archived 6 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine Boeing, 1 November 2007.
  23. ^ "F-15E, B-1B Modernization and Upgrades." Archived 4 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine Defense Update, 23 July 2012.
  24. ^ Boeing, BAE To Develop New Electronic Warfare Suite for F-15 Archived 20 April 2020 at the Wayback Machine – Ainonline.com, 1 October 2015
  25. ^ a b Losey, Stephen (9 September 2022). "More F-15Es to get electronic warfare upgrades in award to BAE". Defense News.
  26. ^ Tirpak, John A. "Making the Best of the Fighter Force." Archived 21 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine Air Force, March 2007.
  27. ^ Majumdar, David (17 August 2012). "USAF Plans F-15 Modernization, But Pilots Want Better Displays". Flight Global.
  28. ^ a b USAF mulls options for replacement of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle Archived 20 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 13 December 2012.
  29. ^ "The F-15EX has a new name". 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  30. ^ "Let's Talk About the Air Force Potentially Replacing the F-15E with the F-15EX". The War Zone. 2 August 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022.
  31. ^ What will replace the F-15E Strike Eagle? Archived 29 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 17 December 2012.
  32. ^ Boeing wins contract to design DARPA Airborne Satellite Launch Vehicle Archived 1 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine – Boeing press release, 27 March 2014
  33. ^ Boeing Targets 66 Percent Launch Cost Reduction with ALASA – Spacenews.com, 28 March 2014
  34. ^ Mike Gruss (30 November 2015). "DARPA Scraps Plan To Launch Small Sats from F-15 Fighter Jet". spacenews.com. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  35. ^ Hallion, Richard P. "A Troubling Past: Air Force Fighter Acquisition since 1945." Archived 25 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine Airpower Journal, Winter 1990. Retrieved: 1 September 2011.
  36. ^ Jenkins 1998, pp. 35–36.
  37. ^ Davies 2003, pp. 63–64.
  38. ^ MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal." Archived 19 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine baesystems.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  39. ^ a b "Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS)". BAE Systems. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  40. ^ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing F-15E Radar Modernization Program Receives New Designation." Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing, 15 September 2009.
  41. ^ Jenkins 1998, pp. 100–101.
  42. ^ a b "F-15E Strike Eagle". U.S. Air Force. Archived from the original on 26 October 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  43. ^ a b c "S. Korean Firm Wins Contract To Supply F-15 Displays." [dead link‍] defensenews.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  44. ^ a b c Sung-Ki, Jung. "S. Korean Firm Exports Head-Up Display to USAF." defensenews.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  45. ^ "F-15/Apache Fuselage Monopolization Program." Archived 9 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine koreaaero.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  46. ^ Carder, Phil and Changgyun Koh. "Boeing, Korea Aerospace Industries Sign Agreement for Production of F-15SE Silent Eagle Conformal Weapons Bay." Archived 20 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  47. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - Engines". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  48. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - F-15S Differences". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  49. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - F-15I Differences". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  50. ^ "Saudi Arabia awards GE F110 deal to re-engine Boeing F-15S". 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  51. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "F-15E.info: Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - F-15SA Differences". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  52. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - F-15K Differences". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  53. ^ Serflek, Szabolcs. "Strike Eagle reference and resources - F-15E.info - F-15SG Differences". f-15e.info. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  54. ^ "Singapore Chooses GEs F110 for its F-15 Strike Eagles". Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  55. ^ Davies 2005, p. 14.
  56. ^ Davies 2005, p. 22.
  57. ^ a b "Tim Bennett's War." Archived 3 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine Air Force magazine online, January 1993.
  58. ^ Davies 2005, pp. 17–24.
  59. ^ Davies 2005, p. 25.
  60. ^ Davies 2005, pp. 29–30.
  61. ^ a b c Davies 2005, pp. 30–31.
  62. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 33.
  63. ^ Davies 2005, pp. 35–36.
  64. ^ Davies 2005, p. 35.
  65. ^ Davies 2005, p. 43.
  66. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 44.
  67. ^ Davies 2005, p. 46.
  68. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 47.
  69. ^ Davies 2005, p. 59.
  70. ^ Davies 2005, p. 63.
  71. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 64.
  72. ^ Davies 2005, p. 65.
  73. ^ Davies 2005, pp. 68–69.
  74. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 72.
  75. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 73.
  76. ^ Davies 2005, p. 76.
  77. ^ Harding, Thomas, Tom Coghlan and Aislinn Simpson. "Outcry as 'friendly fire' kills three UK soldiers." Archived 22 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Telegraph, 25 August 2007.
  78. ^ "Grid reference confusion led to death of Anglian soldiers." Archived 23 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine hmsolicitors.co.uk, 16 December 2009.
  79. ^ Harwood, Matthew. "USAF Shoots Down Out-of-Control Reaper Over Northern Afghanistan." Archived 23 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine Securitymanagement.com, 16 September 2009.
  80. ^ a b Davies 2005, pp. 77–78.
  81. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 80.
  82. ^ a b Davies 2005, p. 82.
  83. ^ Davies 2005, p. 83.
  84. ^ Dao, James. "A Trail of Pain From a Botched Attack in Iraq in 2003." Archived 22 January 2023 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, 15 April 2005.
  85. ^ a b Hafemeister, Rob. "Das Given Posthumous Awards: Former Amarilloan honored in death." Archived 3 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Air Force Times, 18 August 2003. Retrieved: 4 September 2011.
  86. ^ Crilly, Rob. "Libya: US fighter jet crash lands in field near Benghazi." Archived 14 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine The Telegraph, 22 March 2011.
  87. ^ "U.S. F-15 fighter crashes in Libya." Archived 30 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine CNN, 22 March 2011. Retrieved: 27 February 2011.
  88. ^ Meyer, Sebastian. "Libyan residents discover wreckage of US plane." Archived 10 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Daily Telegraph, 22 March 2011.
  89. ^ "United States Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report – F-15E Strike Eagle, T/N 91-000304." Archived 21 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine USAF, 26 October 2011.
  90. ^ Air Force fighters, bombers conduct strikes against ISIL targets in Syria Archived 6 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine – AF.mil, 23 September 2014
  91. ^ Watch an ISIS compound be wiped out through an F-15E Strike Eagle's SNIPER advanced targeting pod Archived 3 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine – Theaviationist.com, 30 September 2014
  92. ^ A-10 Performing 11 Percent of Anti-ISIS Sorties – Defensenews.com, 19 January 2015
  93. ^ Dzimwasha, Taku (14 November 2015). "Isis: US F-15 jet fighters kill Islamic State's Libyan chief Abu Nabil". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  94. ^ Sanchez, Raf (19 February 2016). "US 'targets Tunisia beach massacre organiser' in strikes against Islamic State in Libya". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022.
  95. ^ Alastair Jamieson. "U.S. Fighter Jets Target ISIS in Libya's Sabratha; Dozens Killed". NBC News. Archived from the original on 19 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  96. ^ Botelho, Greg; Starr, Barbara (19 February 2016). "U.S. strikes ISIS camp in Libya; 49 killed". CNN. Archived from the original on 19 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  97. ^ Botelho, Greg; Starr, Barbara (20 February 2016). "U.S. strikes ISIS camp in Libya; 49 killed". CNN. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  98. ^ Gordon, Michael R. (8 June 2017). "U.S. Says It Shot Down Drone That Attacked Fighters in Syria". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 8 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  99. ^ "Coalition statement on at Tanf". Archived from the original on 12 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  100. ^ "Iranian-Backed Militias Employ Drone Against U.S. Forces in Syria". 8 June 2017. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
  101. ^ Ryan Browne; Barbara Starr (20 June 2017). "First on CNN: US shoots down another pro-regime drone in Syria". CNN. Archived from the original on 9 May 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  102. ^ "US-led coalition aircraft shoots down drone over Syria". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  103. ^ "USAF Fighters Shoot Down Iranian Drones in Defense of Israel". 15 April 2024.
  104. ^ a b c d Davies 2002.
  105. ^ "Saudis bomb Yemen rebels across border." MSNBC, 5 November 2009.
  106. ^ "Saudi Arabia – F-15SA Aircraft" Archived 16 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 20 October 2010.
  107. ^ Wolf, Jim. "U.S. Saudi fighter jet sale to help offset Iran." Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Reuters, 29 December 2011.
  108. ^ "U.S. Defense.gov Contracts for Tuesday, 26 June 2012". Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  109. ^ a b "Boeing Presents First F-15SA of Saudi Arms Package" Archived 12 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine. AIN Online
  110. ^ Shaheen, Kareem (29 May 2015). "Yemen: anti-aircraft fire cause of most civilian casualties in Sana'a, report says". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  111. ^ Pillalamarri, Akhilesh (28 March 2015). "3 Saudi Weapons of War Yemen's Houthis Should Fear". Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  112. ^ Barnes, Julian E. (28 March 2015). "U.S. Rescues Saudi Pilots from Crashed Fighter Jet". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  113. ^ "Yemen's 'barely functional' air force points to US involvement in strikes". Janes. Archived from the original on 7 May 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  114. ^ Trevithick, Joseph; Rogoway, Tyler. "Houthi Rebels Release FLIR Video Showing Shoot Down of Saudi F-15S Over Yemen (Updated)". The War Zone. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  115. ^ "Yemen's Houthis Claim Saudi F-15 Kill with SAM Over Capital City of Sanaa". The Aviationist. 9 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  116. ^ "القوات الجوية تعلن إدخال منظومة صواريخ أرض جو جديدة لميدان المعركة". almasirah.net (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2 February 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  117. ^ "Saudi Military F - 15 fighter jet shot down in Yemen: Report". 22 March 2018. Archived from the original on 30 June 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  118. ^ "محمد بن خالد on Twitter". Archived from the original on 13 May 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  119. ^ "Coalition fighter jet unsuccessfully targeted by defense missile over Saada". english.alarabiya.net. 21 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  120. ^ "Saudi Arabia says F-15 survived SAM hit over Yemen - Jane's 360". janes.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  121. ^ a b Fulghum, David A. "Saudis Want Raytheon AESA Radar On F-15s." Archived 17 March 2020 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 16 August 2010.
  122. ^ "Israel gives green light to F-15I upgrade". Flight global. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  123. ^ "Trade Offsets: An Instrument of Government Procurement." Archived 26 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Blue Sky Management and Consultant, 30 June 2011.
  124. ^ "KAI Major Programs: Airframe." Archived 9 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine Korea Aerospace Industries, 30 June 2011.
  125. ^ "Hanwha Corporation – Aerospace Products." Archived 8 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine Hanwha Corporation, 30 June 2011.
  126. ^ Streetly, Martin. "Aircraft Self-Protection Expands in Asia." Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine asianmilitaryreview, 13 July 2011.
  127. ^ "LIGNEX1 CO., LTD e-Catalog: Radar." Archived 13 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine tradeKorea.com. Retrieved: 30 June 2011.
  128. ^ "Samsung Techwin produces F-15K engines." Archived 29 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Deagel.com. Retrieved: 30 June 2011.
  129. ^ "F-15K's First Flight Successful." Archived 9 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 7 March 2005.
  130. ^ "F-15K" (in Korean) Archived 16 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Yonhap News. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  131. ^ "Boeing F-15K Eagle" [permanent dead link‍], Flug Revue, 5 May 2008.
  132. ^ "Boeing Delivers 2 F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea." Archived 7 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing, 2 June 2011.
  133. ^ Perrett, Bradley "South Korea Nears F-X Phase 3 Decision." Archived 27 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine Aviationweek.com, 3 June 2013.
  134. ^ a b c "F-15K Differences." Archived 3 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine F-15E.info. Retrieved: 13 July 2011.
  135. ^ Newdick, Thomas (29 December 2022). "South Korea To Spend Billions Upgrading Its F-15K Slam Eagle Fighters". The Drive. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  136. ^ a b Jenkins 1998, p. 41.
  137. ^ "Royal Saudi Air Force Selects General Electric Company to Re-engine F-15S Aircraft." Archived 24 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine General Electric Aerospace, 3 October 2007.
  138. ^ Hoyle, Craig (5 February 2024). "Saudi Arabia discussing potential F-15EX buy, Boeing says". Flight Global.
  139. ^ Ionides, Nicholas. "Singapore finally opts for F-15T." Archived 20 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 13 September 2005.
  140. ^ "The Defence Procurement Processes" (Press release). Ministry of Defence (Singapore). Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
  141. ^ "Notification to the US Congress about the Singapore F-15 FMS." Archived 6 March 2006 at the Wayback Machine DSCA. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  142. ^ "F-15SG: Singapore's RSAF Decides to Fly Like An Eagle". Defense Industry Daily. 1 October 2014. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  143. ^ "DOD 4120.15-L - Addendum". designation-systems.net. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  144. ^ "Singapore Seals Deal to Acquire Twelve F-15SG" (Press release). Ministry of Defence (Singapore). 12 December 2005. Archived from the original on 25 March 2006.
  145. ^ "Singapore Exercises Option for Additional F-15SGs." Archived 23 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine Singapore Ministry of Defence, 22 October 2007.
  146. ^ "Boeing Rolls Out 1st F-15SG to Singapore." Boeing, 3 November 2008.
  147. ^ "Singapore's F-15 fighter jets are operationally ready: RSAF" Archived 21 December 2021 at the Wayback Machine AsiaOne, 18 September 2013.
  148. ^ "Singapore probably has up to 40 F-15SG". 25 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  149. ^ Yeo, Mike (8 August 2017). "Boeing completes deliveries of F-15SG jets to Singapore". Defense News. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  150. ^ "Trade Registers". armstrade.sipri.org. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  151. ^ "Peace Carvin V: Singapore celebrates 5th Anniversary with U.S. Air Force". Mt. Home AFB. USAF. Retrieved 20 July 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  152. ^ "240719-F-KS661-1006". Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  153. ^ "Boeing F-15QA Ababil". Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  154. ^ "Qatar Signs $12 Billion Deal for U.S. F-15 Jets Amid Gulf Crisis". Bloomberg News. 14 June 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  155. ^ "F-15EX First Operational Units Will Not Get Conformal Fuel Tanks". 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  156. ^ Egozi, Arie. "Israel Buys Stealth & Lotsa Weapons: 2nd Squadron Of F-35s & F-15s" Archived 12 March 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Breakingdefense.com, 18 February 2020.
  157. ^ "Thirty new F-16 block 52+ aircraft for Greece." Archived 29 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine F-16.net. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
  158. ^ "Greece Buys 50 F-16s and 15 Mirage 2000s." Archived 24 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine AeroWorldNet, 3 May 1999.
  159. ^ Jenkins 1998, p. 71.
  160. ^ a b Butler, Amy. "Boeing Unveils New, Stealthy Silent Eagle F-15." Archived 5 July 2022 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 18 March 2009. Retrieved: 2 January 2013.
  161. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing unveils upgraded F-15 Silent Eagle with fifth-generation features." Archived 4 August 2022 at the Wayback Machine Flight global, 17 March 2009.
  162. ^ Carder, Phillip and Mary Ann Brett. "Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Makes 1st Flight." Archived 6 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing, 9 July 2010. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  163. ^ Carder, Phillip and Mary Ann Brett. "Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Completes 1st Weapon Launch." Archived 7 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boeing, 20 July 2010. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  164. ^ "US finalises $11.4 billion Saudi order for F-15s". Flight International. 9 March 2012. Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  165. ^ "Israeli Purchase of Fighter Jets Seen as Litmus Test for Continued US Support". VoA news. 17 August 2010. Archived from the original on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  166. ^ "US Lockheed Martin F-35 chosen as Japan fighter jet". BBC News. 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  167. ^ "South Korea to obtain 40 F-35As". Flightglobal. 22 November 2013. Archived from the original on 28 November 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  168. ^ Perrett, Bradley; Sweetman, Bill; Amy Butler (26 August 2013). "South Korean Fighter Order: AF Backs F-35". Aviation Week. Space Technology. Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  169. ^ Timothy T. Chen; Preston W. Ferguson; David A. Deamer; John Hensley (2006). "Responsive Air Launch Using F-15 Global Strike Eagle". 4th Responsive Space Conference. The Boeing Company. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.560.4885. RS4-2006-2001. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020.
  170. ^ a b "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2014 Aerospace. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014.
  171. ^ "F-15K Slam Eagle". Archived from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  172. ^ "Singapore probably has up to 40 F-15SGs". 25 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  173. ^ "Singapore Quietly Expanding Fighter Force". USNI News. 25 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  174. ^ "Reply to Media Queries on RSAF's 142 Squadron". Mindef.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  175. ^ "Inauguration of the RSAF's First Local F-15SG Squadron." Archived 5 August 2012 at archive.today MINDEF press release, 5 April 2010. Retrieved: 20 April 2010.
  176. ^ TO 1F-15E-1, Flight Manual: USAF Series F-15E Aircraft (Technical report). Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. 15 April 1993.
  177. ^ F-15E Strike Eagle fact sheet Archived 15 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine, US Air Force, April 2019. Retrieved: 19 February 2023.
  178. ^ Davies 2002, Appendix 1.
  179. ^ "F-15 Strike Eagle". Boeing. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  180. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Selig. U Iillinois. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  181. ^ "AN/ASQ-236 Radar Pod" (fact sheet). USAF. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  182. ^ a b c Parsch, Andreas. "AN/ALQ – Airborne Countermeasures Multipurpose/Special Equipment." Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Designation systems, 9 October 2007. Retrieved: 27 September 2010.
  183. ^ Parsch, Andreas. "AN/APX – Airborne Identification Radars." Archived 25 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine Designation systems, 9 October 2007. Retrieved: 27 September 2010.
  184. ^ Parsch, Andreas. "AN/ALR – Airborne Countermeasures Receivers." Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Designation systems, 20 November 2008. Retrieved: 27 September 2010.
  185. ^ 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.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-15E Strike Eagle.
External videos
Boeing's Official YouTube channel (in English)
  The Advanced F-15: Ready for the Fight on YouTube
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McDonnell_Douglas_F-15E_Strike_Eagle&oldid=1259089478"