McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
Photo from USAF Homepage F-15E
The F-15E Strike Eagle the attack version of the venerable F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter. The concept of the F-15E can be seen as ironic because the motto for the F-15 fighter program was "not a pound for air to ground" this slogan reflects the decision of the air force to avoid a multi role fighter which could not out maneuver MiGs. So in the early 80s, with the F-111's not getting any younger, the USAF was faced with a dilemma. Fork it out to build a brand new advanced tactical aircraft, or buy (the unthinkable) the European Tornado. So it was McDonnell Douglas who suggested that perhaps the air force would consider turning the world 's best fighter into the world's best tactical bomber. Following a competition against the F-16XL the F-15E designated Strike Eagle was selected in 1984. The F-15E retains the same air-to-air capability as it's F-15C/D cousins, in addition the F-15E can carry large quantity and variety of air-to-ground munitions. Strike Eagles proved themselves in the skies over Iraq in the gulf war by delivering precision guided and conventional weapons onto their targets while suffering only three losses. With final retirement of the F-111's the F-15E will carry the USAF into the 21st century.
Specifications
(Data for F-15E)
Origin: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
Type: Fighter/Tactical Bomber
Crew: Pilot and Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) or "wizzo"
Powerplant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or F100-PW-229 afterburning turbofans each delivering 13 181 kg (29 000 lbs) of thrust (data for 229)
Dimensions
Span: 13.05 m (42' 9 3/4")
Length: 19.43 m (63' 9")
Height: 5.69 m (18' 8")
Max Weight: 36 741 kg (81 000 lbs)
Performance
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.5 (2 660 kph) (1 635 mph)
Cruising Speed: 917 kph (570 mph)
Climb Rate: 15 240 m (50 000 feet) /min
Service Ceiling: 19 810 m (65 000 feet)
Range with FAST packs: 5 560 km (3 450 miles)
Armament
One M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm multi-barrell cannon & upto 11 100 kg (24 500 lbs) of air-to-air and/or air-to-ground ordnance of almost any kind or configuration including: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-130, AGM-88 HARM, GBUs, CBUs, Iron bombs, etc.
First Flight: December 11, 1986
User(s): USA, Saudi Arabia
Production: 203 for US, 48 for Saudi Arabia
Unit Cost:
Go to previous aircraft 
Go to next aircraft
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page
Return to Homepage