F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is an extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the USAF to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat.
The first F-15A flight was in July 1972. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered in November 1974. In January 1976, the first Eagle built for a combat squadron was delivered.
The F-15 can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 Eagle has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace.
The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are made possible through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. A multi-mission avionics system sets the F-15 apart from other fighter aircraft. It includes a head-up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, flight instruments, ultrahigh frequency communications, tactical navigation system and instrument landing system.
The F-15 Eagle's pulse-Doppler radar system has the ability to look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It 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 radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. In dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is then projected on the head-up display. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.
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.
| Primary Function | Tactical fighter |
|---|---|
| Contractor | McDonnell Douglas Corp. |
| Power Plant | Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or 229 turbofan engines with afterburners |
| Thrust | (C/D models) 23,450 pounds each engine |
| Length | 63.8 feet (19.44 meters) |
| Height | 18.5 feet (5.6 meters) |
| Wingspan | 42.8 feet (13 meters) |
| Speed | 1,875 mph (Mach 2.5 plus) |
| Ceiling | 65,000 feet (19,812 meters) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | (C/D models) 68,000 pounds (30,844 kilograms) |
| Range | 3,450 miles (3,000 nautical miles) ferry range with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks |
| Crew | F-15A/C: one. F-15B/D/E: two |
| Date Deployed | July 1972 |
| Unit Cost | $15 million |
| Inventory | Active force, 423; Reserve, 0; ANG, 45 |
Bibliography:
All Information gathered from Air Force Link.
