| F-15E Strike Eagle | |
|---|---|
 An F-15E from the391st Fighter Squadron | |
| General information | |
| Type | Multirolestrike fighter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas (1985–1997) Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–2017) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 435 (F-15E/I/S/K/SG)[N 1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1985–2017 |
| Introduction date | 1988[2][3] 30 September 1989 (IOC)[4] |
| First flight | 11 December 1986; 38 years ago (1986-12-11) |
| Developed from | McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle |
| Developed into | Boeing F-15EX Eagle II |
TheMcDonnell Douglas (nowBoeing)F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weathermultirolestrike fighter[5] derived from theMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Intended for the Dual-Role Fighter (DRF) program (initially calledEnhanced Tactical Fighter), the F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high-speedinterdiction without relying on escort orelectronic-warfare aircraft.United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be generally distinguished from other US Eagle variants by darkeraircraft camouflage,conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) andLANTIRN pods mounted behind the engineintake ramps (although CFTs can also be mounted on earlier F-15 variants) and a tandem-seat cockpit.
Initially designed and manufactured byMcDonnell Douglas, the F-15E first flew in 1986 and production continued underBoeing following the companies' merger in 1997. The aircraft became the USAF's primary strike fighter/interdictor starting near the end of the Cold War, gradually replacing theF-111 Aardvark. The Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations inIraq,Afghanistan,Syria, andLibya, among others. During these operations, the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes againsthigh-value targets andcombat air patrols, and providedclose air support forcoalition troops. It has also been exported to several countries. The F-15E is expected to remain in USAF service until the 2030s. Enhanced versions of the design, called theF-15 Advanced Eagle, remain in production.
TheMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle was introduced by the USAF to replace its fleet ofMcDonnell 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 theGeneral 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, AFserial number71-0291, 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", withFAST standing for "Fuel and Sensor, Tactical.[9] It was subsequently fitted with aPave Tacklaser designatortargeting pod to allow the independent delivery ofguided bombs.[11] The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980Farnborough Airshow.[12]
In March 1981, the USAF announced theEnhanced 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 deepair interdiction missions without requiring additional support byfighter escort orjamming.[13]General Dynamics submitted theF-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted the F-15E. ThePanavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credibleair-superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it was not American-made, it was not seriously considered.[12]
The DRF evaluation team, under the direction ofBrigadier GeneralRonald 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 assist71-0291 in the evaluation, added to the program other F-15s, designated78-0468,80-0055, and81-0063. The single-engined F-16XL was a promising design, which with its radically redesignedcranked-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 itsmaiden 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 on86-0184, while86-0185 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 the405th 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]
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The F-15E was upgraded with the RaytheonAN/APG-82(V)1Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007, and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010.[19] It combines the processor of theAPG-79 used on theF/A-18E/F Super Hornet with the antenna of theAPG-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[update], 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 theF-15 Advanced Eagle family that began with the F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) for theRoyal 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 theQatar 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 theF-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 theF-35 Lightning II, set to replace other aircraft such as theF-16 Falcon; aF-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 theB-21 Raider. The F-15E may also be replaced by a clean-sheetsixth-generation aircraft design.[28][31]
On 24 March 2014, Boeing won a $30.6 million contract fromDARPA as part of theAirborne Launch Assist Space Access (ALASA) program. The goal of the program is to cut the cost of puttingmicrosatellites 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 toLockheed Martin to use theF-22 Raptor andVirgin Galactic to use theirSpaceShip 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]
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 and retaining the same aerodynamic shape, 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 incorporateSuperplastic forming and diffusion bonding technologies. The back seat is equipped for aweapon systems officer (WSO, pronounced "wizzo") to work theair-to-groundavionics via multiple screens; these view theradar,electronic warfare, orthermographic 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. theF-14 Tomcat and Navy variants of the F-4), whose back seat omittedflying 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 twoconformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that hug the fuselage to produce lower drag than conventional underwing/underbellydrop tanks. They carry 750 U.S. gallons (2,800 L) of fuel, and house six weaponshardpoints 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.
The tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) integrates all countermeasures on the craft: radar warning receivers, radar jammer, radar andchaff/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 byBAE Systems, improves situational awareness and communications capabilities via theLink 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]
TheAPG-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]
Itsinertial navigation system uses alaser 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 F-15E is commonly equipped withLANTIRN system pods for its interdiction role. Mounted externally under the engine intakes, the LANTIRN system 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 thehead-up display (HUD), producing an infrared image of the ground.[41]
TheAN/AAQ-13 navigation pod contains aterrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safelyfly 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 aforward-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 toinfrared homingair-to-surface missiles orlaser-guided bombs. The targeting pod is mounted beneath the left engine intake; configurations may be either theAN/AAQ-14,AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening, or theAN/AAQ-33 Sniper.[citation needed]
The F-15E carries most air-to-ground weapons in the USAF inventory.[42] It is also armed withAIM-9 Sidewinders andAIM-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 ElectricM61A1 20 mm cannon with 500 rounds, which is effective against enemy aircraft and "soft" ground targets.[citation needed]
Since 2004, South Korean firmLIG 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 toRockwell 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 theF-15 Silent Eagle.[46]
The engines used on early aircraft are the same as on previous F-15 variants, thePratt & WhitneyF100-PW-220 each producing 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) of thrust in afterburner. Later batches feature the more powerful F100-PW-229 engines with 29,160 lbf (129.7 kN) of thrust each.[47] Saudi Arabian and Israeli aircraft are also initially equipped with the F100-229 engines.[48][49] While the F-15E had also been flight tested with theGeneral ElectricF110-GE-129 with 29,500 lbf (131.2 kN) of thrust, the South Korean F-15K would be the first variant to adopt it in service. The F-15K would have two different engine types; the first batch are powered by F110-129 engines, while the second batch are powered by F100-229 engines.[50] In 2008, Saudi Arabia decided to re-engine their F-15S fleet with the F110-129 engines, which also enables commonality with their F-15SA fleet.[51][52] The Singapore Air Force equipped their F-15SG fleet with F110-129 engines.[53][54]
The F-15E was first delivered to the U.S. Air Force operational units in 1988.[3] The F-15E reachedinitial operational capability on 30 September 1989 atSeymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina with the4th Tactical Fighter Wing,336th Tactical Fighter Squadron.[4]
The F-15E was deployed in response to Iraq'sinvasion ofKuwait in August 1990 forOperation Desert Shield. The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron flew to Seeb Air Base in Oman to begin training exercises in anticipation of an Iraqi attack onSaudi Arabia; in December, the335th and 336th squadrons relocated toPrince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, closer to Iraq's border.[55] At the start ofOperation Desert Storm, 24 F-15Es launched an attack on five fixedScud 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 aMiG-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 nearBasrah, 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 bySA-3s,SA-6s,SA-8s andRolands as well as by anti-aircraft artillery. Two nights later, a second and final F-15E was downed by an IraqiSA-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 usingGBU-12s andCBU-87s. On 14 February, an F-15E scored its only air-to-air kill of the war: aMil 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 aGBU-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 killingIraqi PresidentSaddam Hussein were undertaken by F-15Es, bombing several suspected locations. Prior to the ground war, F-15Es flewtank 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 ofNorthern and Southern no-fly zones over Iraq.[61]
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 600Kurdish refugees by Iraqi helicopters atChamchamal, 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 the391st Fighter Squadron,492d Fighter Squadron, and494th 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 ofOperation Northern Watch (ONW) and permitted US forces to use theIncirlik air base.[citation needed]
In December 1998,Operation Desert Fox was conducted when Iraq refusedUNSCOM 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 severalAGM-130s and GBU-12s against SAM sites nearMosul, northern Iraq.[64] They also flew in support ofOperation Provide Comfort and Operation Provide Comfort II.[61]
Operation Deny Flight was aUnited Nations-enforced no-fly zone overBosnia and Herzegovina due to thedeteriorating situation in theBalkans. In August 1993, F-15Es from 492nd and 494th FS deployed toAviano,Italy. In late 1993,NATO ordered a limited F-15E strike atUdbina airfield, targetingSerbian forces in neighboringCroatia. 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 twoRoyal NavySea Harrier FRS 1s.[66] In August 1995, F-15Es of90th 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'sOperation 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 nearBanja Luka.[66]
In response to the displacement ofKosovars 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 Serbsurface-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 conductedclose 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 bothcombat 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 aLockheed 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]
Weeks after theSeptember 11 attacks in 2001, the 391st Fighter Squadron deployed toAhmad al-Jaber air base, Kuwait, to supportOperation Enduring Freedom during theWar in Afghanistan. F-15Es met little resistance during initial missions. On the first night, the main targets wereTaliban military structures, supply depots, andal-Qaeda training camps and caves. Both the AGM-130 andGBU-15 2,000 lb (910 kg) bombs were expended; this was the GBU-15's first combat usage.[70]GBU-24s andGBU-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 toSA-7 andFIM-92 Stinger portablesurface-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 carriedMK-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]
On 4 March, another incident known as theBattle 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 ambushedMH-47E Chinook in theShah-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 anRPG 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 of18th 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, afriendly 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-responsiveMQ-9 Reaper drone over Northern Afghanistan to prevent it entering foreign airspace.[79]
In late 2002, during tension over suspected Iraqi possession ofweapons 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 thePersian Gulf. During January 2003, the 336th was deployed toAl Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in coordination with planners of theCombined 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 andrules 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 theIraqi 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 (the333d and334th Fighter Squadrons) and 391st Fighter Squadron atMountain 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 theJordanian 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, asF-117 Nighthawks dropped bombs overBaghdad, 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 byEA-6B Prowlers in the vicinity.[83] On 3 April 2003, an F-15E mistook a USAM270 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 nearTikrit, Iraq.[85] Das and Watkins were posthumously awarded theDistinguished Flying Cross and thePurple 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, includingRAAFF/A-18s, USAF F-16s and F-117s, RAF Panavia Tornados andUS Navy F-14s.[citation needed]
Following the adoption ofUnited Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on 17 March 2011, 18 USAF F-15Es were amongst other NATO and allied aircraft were deployed to enforce theLibyan no-fly zone as part ofOperation 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]
USAF F-15Es have participated inOperation Inherent Resolve againstIslamic 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]
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 killedAbu Nabil al-Anbari, the leader of theIslamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya, in a strike nearDarnah, Eastern Libya.[93] On 20 February 2016, USAF F-15Es[94] hit an IS training camp nearSabratha where foreign fighters were based, reportedly killing Noureddine Chouchane, a 36-year-old Tunisian jihadist linked to the2015 Sousse attacks. Sources said that 49 people were killed and 6 wounded;[95][96] twoSerbians kidnapped by IS in 2015 were also reportedly killed.[97]
On 8 June 2017, an F-15E shot down apro-Syrian Regime UAV nearAl 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 aShahed 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 anAIM-9X Sidewinder missile as the drone approached US forces in Eastern Syria.[102]
USAF F-15Es were deployed on 2 February 2024, during theairstrikes against Iranian backed militias in Iraq and Syria. USAF F-15Es helped blunt anIranian attack against Israel on 13 April 2024 by shooting down over 70 Iranian one-way attack UAVs.[103]
Concurrent with thefall of the Assad regime on 8 December, USAF F-15Es were deployed alongsideB-52s andA-10s in what the USAF said were "dozens" of airstrikes against over 75 ISIS targets. The strikes were intended to prevent ISIS from benefitting from the political upheaval in Syria.[104]
The F-15I is operated by theIsraeli Defense Force/Air Force No69 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 theGulf War in 1991, in which Israeli towns were attacked bySCUD 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 theF-16 Fighting Falcon, while McDonnell Douglas offered both theF/A-18 Hornet and the F-15E. On 27 January 1994, the Israeli government announced their intention to buy 21 modified F-15Es, designatedF-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.[105] Some of the air-to-air missiles aircraft can carry: theAIM-9L,Rafael Python 4 and theRafael Python 5 infrared-homing missiles; and theAIM-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 theF-16I.[citation needed]
In November 2009,Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15s, along with Saudi Tornados, performed air raids amid theHouthi insurgency in north Yemen. It was the RSAF's first military action over hostile territory since Operation Desert Storm.[106] 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 aForeign Military Sale (FMS).[107] 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.[108] In June 2012, an FMS contract for 68 F-15S to F-15SA modification kits was placed with Boeing; the upgraded aircraft are designated the F-15SR.[109] On 20 February 2013, the maiden flight of the first new-build F-15SA occurred.[110]
On 26 March 2015, Saudi F-15Ss, along with other Arab coalition assets, started striking targets in Yemen as part of theSaudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, calledOperation 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.[111] Early strikes were aimed at air defense sites, Army HQs, military airports, ballistic missiles depots, and launchers.[112] 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 USAFHH-60G rescue helicopter; Arab coalition reports claimed enemy fire was not involved,[113] while Houthi and Iranian sources claimed they had shot it down.[114] 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.[115][116] On 9 January 2018, the Houthi media, Al-Masirah, announced that the F-15 had been damaged but did not crash.[117]
On 21 March 2018,Houthi rebels released a video allegedly showing a RSAF F-15 being hit inSaada province by anR-27 air to air missile adapted for surface to air use.[118] 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.[119] Saudi sources confirmed the incident involved a surface-to-air missile being launched at the jet from inside Saada airport.[120][121]
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The F-15 Advanced Eagle represents a more substantial upgrade baseline over previous models in that it has a newfly-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, digitalJoint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems for pilot and WSO, and a digital electronic warfare system among other enhancements. Advanced Eagle variants include the F-15SA (Saudi Advanced), F-15QA (Qatari Advanced), F-15EX Eagle II, and F-15IA (Israeli Advanced).[110][153][154][155]
Data from USAF F-15E Flight Manual (TO 1F-15E-1),[175] USAF fact sheet,[176] Davies[177] and Boeing[178]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Boeing's Official YouTube channel(in English) | |
 The Advanced F-15: Ready for the Fight onYouTube |
