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}}The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing). Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force (USAF) selected McDonnell Douglas's design in 1969 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills by the Israeli Air Force.Spick 2000, p. 127.The Eagle has been exported to many countries including Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Although the F-15 was originally envisioned as a pure air superiority fighter, its design included a secondary ground-attack capability that was largely unused."PS 940 F-15 Armament Handbook, Oct-1979." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111061705weblink |date=11 January 2014}} scribd.com. Retrieved: 29 November 2012. It proved flexible enough that an improved all-weather strike derivative, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was later developed, entered service in 1989 and has been exported to several nations. Several additional F-15 variants have been produced.The USAF had planned to replace all of its air superiority F-15s with the F-22 Raptor by the 2010s, but the severely reduced F-22 procurement forced the service to operate some F-15C/Ds until 2026 and replace them with newly built F-15EX Eagle II in order to retain adequate number of air superiority fighters. The F-15E Strike Eagle is expected to continue operating in the USAF into the 2030s. The F-15 is in service with numerous countries, with production of enhanced variants ongoing.

Development

Early studies

File:220725-F-F3405-0004.jpg|thumb|Test facility craftsman Jack CulpepperJack CulpepperThe F-15 can trace its origins to the early Vietnam War, when the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy fought each other over future tactical aircraft. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was pressing for both services to use as many common aircraft as possible, even if performance compromises were involved. As part of this policy, the USAF and Navy had embarked on the TFX (F-111) program, aiming to deliver a medium-range interdiction aircraft for the Air Force that would also serve as a long-range interceptor aircraft for the Navy.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=42}}In January 1965, Secretary McNamara asked the Air Force to consider a new low-cost tactical fighter design for short-range roles and close air support to replace several types like the F-100 Super Sabre and various light bombers then in service. Several existing designs could fill this role; the Navy favored the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and LTV A-7 Corsair II, which were pure attack aircraft, while the Air Force was more interested in the Northrop F-5 fighter with a secondary attack capability. The A-4 and A-7 were more capable in the attack role, while the F-5 less so, but could defend itself. If the Air Force chose a pure attack design, maintaining air superiority would be a priority for a new airframe. The next month, a report on light tactical aircraft suggested the Air Force purchase the F-5 or A-7, and consider a new higher-performance aircraft to ensure its air superiority. This point was reinforced after the loss of two Republic F-105 Thunderchief aircraft to obsolete MiG-17s attacking the Thanh Hóa Bridge on 4 April 1965.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=42}}In April 1965, Harold Brown, at that time director of the Department of Defense Research and Engineering, stated the favored position was to consider the F-5 and begin studies of an "F-X"."F-X" should be read as "Fighter, Unknown designation number", but is often translated as "Fighter-Experimental". These early studies envisioned a production run of 800 to 1,000 aircraft and stressed maneuverability over speed; it also stated that the aircraft would not be considered without some level of ground-attack capability.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=43}} On 1 August, General Gabriel Disosway took command of Tactical Air Command and reiterated calls for the F-X, but lowered the required performance from Mach 3.0 to 2.5 to lower costs.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=44}}An official requirements document for an air superiority fighter was finalized in October 1965, and sent out as a request for proposals to 13 companies on 8 December. Meanwhile, the Air Force chose the A-7 over the F-5 for the support role on 5 November 1965,Munzenmaier, Walter. "'LTV A-7D/K Corsair II: The 'SLUF' in USAF and USANG Service 1968–1993," Famous Aircraft of the USAF and USAG, Volume 1. giving further impetus for an air superiority design as the A-7 lacked any credible air-to-air capability.Eight companies responded with proposals. Following a downselect, four companies were asked to provide further developments. In total, they developed some 500 design concepts. Typical designs featured variable-sweep wings, weight over {{convert|60000|lb|kg}}, included a top speed of Mach 2.7 and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.75.Jenkins 1998, pp. 5–7. When the proposals were studied in July 1966, the aircraft were roughly the size and weight of the TFX F-111, and like that aircraft, were designs that could not be considered an air-superiority fighter.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=46}}

Smaller, lighter

(File:F-15A first prototype 2.jpg|thumb|right|McDonnell Douglas F-15A (S/N 71-0280) during the type's first flight|alt=Jet aircraft with distinctive orange markings banking left over desert, with landing gears extended)Through this period, studies of combat over Vietnam were producing worrying results. Theory had stressed long-range combat using missiles and optimized aircraft for this role. The result was highly loaded aircraft with large radar and excellent speed, but limited maneuverability and often lacking a gun. The canonical example was the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, used by the USAF, USN, and U.S. Marine Corps to provide air superiority over Vietnam, the only fighter with enough power, range, and maneuverability to be given the primary task of dealing with the threat of Soviet fighters while flying with visual engagement rules.In practice, due to policy and practical reasons, aircraft were closing to visual range and maneuvering, placing the larger US aircraft at a disadvantage to the much less expensive day fighters such as the MiG-21. Missiles proved to be much less reliable than predicted, especially at close range. Although improved training and the introduction of the M61 Vulcan cannon on the F-4 did much to address the disparity, these early outcomes led to considerable re-evaluation of the 1963 Project Forecast doctrine.BOOK, Technology and the Air Force: A Retrospective Assessment,weblink DIANE Publishing, 978-1-4289-1358-5, 44-47, 11 October 2016, 13 March 2023,weblink live, Harnessing the genie: science and technology forecasting for the Air Force {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313154834weblink |date=13 March 2023}} AIR STAFF HISTORICAL STUDY (1988). This led to John Boyd's energy–maneuverability theory, which stressed that extra power and maneuverability were key aspects of a successful fighter design and these were more important than outright speed. Through tireless championing of the concepts and good timing with the "failure" of the initial F-X project, the "fighter mafia" pressed for a lightweight day fighter that could be built and operated in large numbers to ensure air superiority.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=46–47}} In early 1967, they proposed that the ideal design had a thrust-to-weight ratio near 1:1, a maximum speed further reduced to Mach 2.3, a weight of {{convert|40000|lb|kg}}, and a wing loading of {{convert|80|lb/sqft|kg/m2}}.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=47}}By this time, the Navy had decided the F-111 would not meet their requirements and began the development of a new dedicated fighter design, the VFAX program. In May 1966, McNamara again asked the forces to study the designs and see whether the VFAX would meet the Air Force's F-X needs. The resulting studies took 18 months and concluded that the desired features were too different; the Navy stressed loiter time and mission flexibility, while the Air Force was now looking primarily for maneuverability.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=49}}

Focus on air superiority

In 1967, the Soviet Union revealed the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 at the Domodedovo airfield near Moscow.Davies 2002, pp. 9–11."In July 1967, at Domodedovo airfield near Moscow, the Soviet Union unveiled a new generation of combat aircraft… [codenamed] Foxbat by NATO": "Development" in Modern Fighting Aircraft, 1983. The MiG-25 was designed as a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor aircraft, and made many performance tradeoffs to excel in this role.Bowman 1980, p. 193. Among these was the requirement for very high speed, over Mach 2.8, which demanded the use of stainless steel instead of aluminum for many parts of the aircraft. The added weight demanded a much larger wing to allow the aircraft to operate at the required high altitudes. However, to observers, it appeared outwardly similar to the very large F-X studies, an aircraft with high speed and a large wing offering high maneuverability, leading to serious concerns throughout the Department of Defense and the various arms that the US was being outclassed. The MiG-23 was likewise a subject of concern, and it was generally believed to be a better aircraft than the F-4. The F-X would outclass the MiG-23, but now the MiG-25 appeared to be superior in speed, ceiling, and endurance to all existing US fighters, even the F-X.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=48}} Thus, an effort to improve the F-X followed.Davies and Dildy 2007, p. 12.Both Headquarters USAF and TAC continued to call for a multipurpose aircraft, while both Disosway and Air Chief of Staff Bruce K. Holloway pressed for a pure air-superiority design that would be able to meet the expected performance of the MiG-25. During the same period, the Navy had ended its VFAX program and instead accepted a proposal from Grumman for a smaller and more maneuverable design known as VFX, later becoming the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. VFX was considerably closer to the evolving F-X requirements. The Air Force in-fighting was eventually ended by the worry that the Navy's VFAX would be forced on them; in May 1968, it was stated that "We finally decided – and I hope there is no one who still disagrees – that this aircraft is going to be an air superiority fighter".{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=49}}File:F-15 Eagle Cockpit.jpg|thumb|F-15A (cockpit]]|alt=Cockpit of jet fighter with circular dials and gauges: A control stick protrude from between where the pilot's legs would be.)In September 1968, a request for proposals was released to major aerospace companies. These requirements called for single-seat fighter having a maximum take-off weight of {{convert|40000|lb|kg}} for the air-to-air role with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a thrust-to-weight ratio of nearly 1:1 at mission weight.Jenkins 1998, pp. 8–10. It also called for a twin-engined arrangement, as this was believed to respond to throttle changes more rapidly and might offer commonality with the Navy's VFX program. However, details of the avionics were left largely undefined, as whether to build a larger aircraft with a powerful radar that could detect the enemy at longer ranges was not clear, or alternatively a smaller aircraft that would make detecting it more difficult for the enemy.{{sfn|Neufeld|2007|p=52}}Four companies submitted proposals, with the Air Force eliminating General Dynamics and awarding contracts to Fairchild Republic, North American Rockwell, and McDonnell Douglas for the definition phase in December 1968. The companies submitted technical proposals by June 1969. The Air Force announced the selection of McDonnell Douglas on 23 December 1969; like the Navy's VFX, the F-X skipped much of the prototype phase and jumped straight into full-scale development to save time and avoid potential program cancellation.Jenkins 1998, pp. 9–11. The winning design resembled the twin-tailed F-14, but with fixed wings; both designs were based on configurations studied in wind-tunnel testing by NASA.Davies and Dildy 2007, p. 14.(File:De McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle (CR 77-092) van 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (2157 054017).jpg|thumb|left|An early USAF F-15A)The Eagle's initial versions were the F-15 single-seat variant and TF-15 twin-seat variant. (After the F-15C was first flown, the designations were changed to "F-15A" and "F-15B"). These versions would be powered by new Pratt & Whitney F100 engines to achieve a combat thrust-to-weight ratio in excess of 1:1. A proposed 25-mm Ford-Philco GAU-7 cannon with caseless ammunition suffered development problems. It was dropped in favor of the standard M61 Vulcan gun. The F-15 used conformal carriage of four Sparrow missiles like the Phantom. The fixed wing was put onto a flat, wide fuselage that also provided an effective lifting surface. The airframe was designed with a 4,000 hour service life, although this was later increased through testing and extension modifications to 8,000 hours and some would fly beyond that.WEB,weblink Nellis F-15's Odometer Hits 10,000 Flight Hours, U.S. Air Force, 6 February 2017, The first F-15A flight was made on 27 July 1972, with the first flight of the two-seat F-15B following in July 1973.Spick 2000, pp. 130–131.The F-15 has a "look-down/shoot-down" radar that can distinguish low-flying moving targets from ground clutter. It would use computer technology with new controls and displays to lower pilot workload and require only one pilot to save weight. Unlike the F-14 or F-4, the F-15 has only a single canopy frame with clear vision forward. The USAF introduced the F-15 as "the first dedicated USAF air-superiority fighter since the North American F-86 Sabre".BOOK, The Cutting Edge: A Half Century of U.S. Fighter Aircraft R&D, Chapter 5: Return of the Air Superiority Fighter,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121013133518weblink">weblink 13 October 2012, live, Santa Monica, California, RAND Corporation, 1998, 0-8330-2595-3, Lorell, Mark A., Levaux, Hugh P., 21 July 2022, The F-15 was favored by customers such as the Israel and Japan air arms. Criticism from the fighter mafia that the F-15 was too large to be a dedicated dogfighter and too expensive to procure in large numbers, led to the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, which led to the USAF General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the middle-weight Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.Jenkins 2000, pp. 1–8.

Further development

The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered production in 1978 and conducted their first flights in February and June of that year.Jenkins 1998, pp. 33–34. These models were fitted with the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000), which included {{convert|2000|lb|kg}} of additional internal fuel, provisions for exterior conformal fuel tanks (CFT), and an increased maximum takeoff weight up to {{convert|68000|lb|kg}}. The increased takeoff weight allows internal fuel, a full weapons load, conformal fuel tanks, and three external fuel tanks to be carried. The APG-63 radar uses a programmable signal processor (PSP), enabling the radar to be reprogrammable for additional purposes such as the addition of new armaments and equipment. The PSP was the first of its kind in the world, and the upgraded APG-63 radar was the first radar to use it. Other improvements included strengthened landing gear, a new digital central computer,Davies and Dildy 2007, p. 115. and an overload warning system, which allows the pilot to fly up to 9 g at all weights.The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) was initiated in February 1983 with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 F-15Cs included the Hughes APG-70 radar developed for the F-15E (see below); these are sometimes referred as Enhanced Eagles. Earlier MSIP F-15Cs with the APG-63 were upgraded to the APG-63(V)1 to improve maintainability and to perform similar to the APG-70. Existing F-15s were retrofitted with these improvements. Also beginning in 1985, F-15C and D models were equipped with the improved P&W F100-PW-220 engine and digital engine controls, providing quicker throttle response, reduced wear, and lower fuel consumption. Starting in 1997, original F100-PW-100 engines were upgraded to a similar configuration with the designation F100-PW-220E starting.Davies and Dildy 2007, pp. 168–69. In 2000, the APG-63(V)2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar was retrofitted to 18 U.S. Air Force F-15C aircraft."18 APG-63(V)2." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025711weblink |date=12 November 2020}} Fas.org, 8 December 1999. Retrieved: 30 December 2010. The ZAP (Zone Acquisition Program) missile launch envelope has been integrated into the operational flight program system of all U.S. F-15 aircraft, providing dynamic launch zone and launch acceptability region information for missiles to the pilot by display cues in real-time.WEB, ZAP Missile Launch Envelope,weblink faac.com, FAAC / Arotech, 18 November 2019, 14 March 2017, 27 September 2020,weblink live, File:F-15E with the speed brake up.jpg|thumb|upright|F-15E with speed brake deployed and CFTs fitted]]In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and F-15 radar manufacturer, Hughes, teamed to privately develop a strike fighter version of the F-15. This version competed in the Air Force's Dual-Role Fighter competition starting in 1982. The F-15E strike variant was selected for production over General Dynamics' competing F-16XL in 1984; it is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air, and deep interdiction missions.Davies 2003, pp. 15–16, 25, 31–32. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multipurpose cathode ray tube displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler aircraft flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system.Lambert 1993, p. 523. For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the F-15E carries a high-resolution APG-70 radar and LANTIRN pods to provide thermography. The F-15E would be developed into the F-15 Advanced Eagle family, which features fly-by-wire controls; the Advanced Eagle is currently the basis of all current F-15 production.WEB, Qatar agrees purchase of F-15QA fighters from US,weblink Gareth Jennings, 15 June 2017, Jane's,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170615102902weblink">weblink 15 June 2017, dead, (File:AN-APG-63V3.jpg|thumb|left|AN/APG-63(V)3)Beginning in 2006, with the threat of curtailed procurement of the F-22 that was to replace all air superiority F-15s, USAF planned to modernize 179 F-15Cs in the best material condition in order to maintain fighter fleet size by retrofitting the AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar and updated cockpit displays; the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in October 2010.Davies and Dildy 2007, pp. 161–65."New USAF F-15C Radar Upgrades." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313154842weblink |date=13 March 2023}} Combat Aircraft, Key Publishing, 19 July 2018. Retrieved: 14 March 2019. A significant number of F-15s were equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System."Air Force will get new bomber, upgrades to fighters." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804154116weblink |date=4 August 2019}} Spacewar.com, 5 October 2006. Retrieved: 1 September 2011. Lockheed Martin developed an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system for tactical fighters such the F-15C, eventually resulting in the AN/ASG-34(V)1 IRST21 sensor mounted in the Legion Pod; the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR pod was also integrated as a makeshift interim IRST solution."Lockheed Martin Developing System Requirements for F-15C IRST Program." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504214359weblink |date=4 May 2010}} Lockheed Martin. Retrieved: 30 December 2010 A follow-on upgrade called the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) was planned.Trimble, Stephen. "US Air Force looks to dramatically extend F-15 service life." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816184720weblink |date=16 August 2019}} Flightglobal, 23 November 2011. Boeing was selected in October 2015 to serve as prime contractor for the EPAWSS, with BAE Systems selected as a subcontractor. The EPAWSS is an all-digital system with advanced electronic countermeasures, radar warning, and increased chaff and flare capabilities in a smaller footprint than the 1980s-era Tactical Electronic Warfare System. More than 400 F-15Cs and F-15Es were planned to have the system installed.Boeing, BAE To Develop New Electronic Warfare Suite for F-15 {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420225524weblink |date=20 April 2020}} – Ainonline.com, 1 October 2015In September 2015, Boeing unveiled its 2040C Eagle upgrade (also called "Golden Eagle"), designed to keep the F-15 relevant through 2040. Seen as a necessity because of the low numbers of F-22s procured, the upgrade builds upon the company's F-15SE Silent Eagle concept with low-observable features. Most improvements focus on lethality including quad-pack munitions racks to double its missile load to 16, conformal fuel tanks for extended range, "Talon HATE" communications pod to communicate with fifth-generation fighters, the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, long-range Legion IRST pod, and EPAWSS electronic warfare suite.Boeing doubles F-15C missile load in '2040C' Eagle upgrade {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917080521weblink |date=17 September 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 15 September 2015NEWS,weblink Boeing Completes Design Review for U.S. Air Force's Talon HATE Program, Sampson, Cheryl, 16 September 2016, mediaroom.com, Boeing, 31 December 2015, 13 December 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151213013314weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink News Releases/Statements, MediaRoom, 26 June 2017, 30 June 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170630111502weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Boeing selects new EPAWSS system for U.S. Air Force Fighter Aircraft, BAE Systems – United States, 26 June 2017, 30 August 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170830102303weblink">weblink live, The 2040C upgrade for the F-15C/D was not pursued, owing to the airframes' age that made it not economically sustainable, but many of the components such as EPAWSS and AESA radar were continued for F-15E upgrades as well as new-build F-15EX Eagle II ordered by USAF in 2020; the F-15EX took advantage of existing Advanced Eagle production line for export customers to minimize lead times and start-up costs to replace the remaining F-15C/Ds, whereas F-22 production restart was considered cost-prohibitive.

Design

Overview

(File:Eagle-pd.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Variable geometry engine air intake ramps with internal Pitot tubes and automatic control for constant optimal airflow to engines. Above: open intake, aligned ramp. Below: closed intake, inclined ramp)(File:F-15 takeoff.jpg|thumb|F-15C executing a maximum-performance takeoff|alt=Gray jet fighter taking off at steep angle of attack, with full afterburner, as evident by hot gas ejected from its engines)(File:F–15 Eagle.ogv|thumb|Video showing the F-15's maneuverability in simulated dogfighting)The F-15 has an all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage with a large-cantilever, shoulder-mounted wing. The wing planform of the F-15 suggests a modified cropped delta shape with a leading-edge sweepback angle of 45°. Ailerons and a simple high-lift flap are located on the trailing edge. No leading-edge maneuvering flaps are used. This complication was avoided by the combination of low wing loading and fixed leading-edge conical camber that varies with spanwise position along the wing. Airfoil thickness ratios vary from 6% at the root to 3% at the tip. {{cn|date=December 2022}}The empennage is of metal and composite construction, with twin aluminum/composite material honeycomb structure vertical stabilizers with boron-composite skin, resulting in an exceptionally thin tailplane and rudders. Composite horizontal all-moving tails outboard of the vertical stabilizers move independently to provide roll control in some flight maneuvers. The F-15 has a spine-mounted air brake and retractable tricycle landing gear. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 axial compressor turbofan engines with afterburners, mounted side by side in the fuselage and fed by rectangular inlets with variable intake ramps. The cockpit is mounted high in the forward fuselage with a one-piece windscreen and large canopy for increased visibility and a 360° field of view for the pilot. The airframe began to incorporate advanced superplastically formed titanium components in the 1980s.The F-15's maneuverability is derived from low wing loading (weight to wing area ratio) with a high thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The F-15 can climb to {{convert|30000|ft}} in around 60 seconds. At certain speeds, the dynamic thrust output of the dual engines is greater than the aircraft's combat weight and drag, so it has the ability to accelerate vertically. The weapons and flight-control systems are designed so that one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.Eden and Moeng 2002, p. 944. The A and C models are single-seat variants; these were the main air-superiority versions produced. B and D models add a second seat behind the pilot for training, although they are also fully combat capable. E models use the second seat for a weapon systems officer. Visibly, the F-15 has a unique feature vis-à-vis other modern fighter aircraft; it does not have the distinctive "turkey feather" aerodynamic exhaust petals covering its engine nozzles. Following problems during development of its exhaust petal design, including dislodgment during flight, the decision was made to remove them, resulting in a 3% aerodynamic drag increase.Davies and Dildy 2007, pp. 46–47.The F-15 was shown to be capable of controlled flight with only one wing after an Israeli F-15D suffered a mid-air collision with an A-4 Skyhawk that removed most of the right-wing, in the 1983 Negev mid-air collision. While the A-4 was instantly disintegrated with the pilot being automatically ejected, the F-15 was sent into an uncontrollable roll. Through the application of full afterburner as well as a landing at twice the normal speed, pilot Zivi Nedivi managed to land successfully at Ramon Airbase. Subsequent wind-tunnel tests on a one-wing model confirmed that controllable flight was only possible within a very limited speed range of +/- 20 knots and angle of attack variation of +/- 20 degrees. The event resulted in research into damage adaptive technology and a system called "Intelligent Flight Control System".WEB,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051223021558weblink">weblink 23 December 2005, The Story of Self-Repairing Flight Control Systems, Tomayako, James E., Christian, Gelzer, Dryden Historical Study No.1, NASA, 29 September 2021, live,

Avionics

File:AN-APG-63, view 1, X-band pulse-doppler radar, Hughes Aircraft, 1973 - National Electronics Museum - DSC00395.JPG|thumb|left|upright|AN/APG-63AN/APG-63A multimission avionics system includes a head-up display (HUD), advanced radar, AN/ASN-109 inertial guidance system, flight instruments, ultra high frequency communications, and tactical air navigation system and instrument landing system receivers. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic warfare system, Identification friend or foe system, an electronic countermeasures suite, and a central digital computer.Gunston 1986, p. 194.The HUD projects all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.Huenecke 1987, pp. 227–30.The F-15's versatile APG-63 and 70 pulse-Doppler radar systems can look up at high-flying targets and look-down/shoot-down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. These radars can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The APG-63 has a basic range of {{convert|100|mi|nmi km}}. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning (radar warning receiver) and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.Jenkins 1998, pp. 97–104.The improved APG-63(V)2 and (V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar upgrade included most of the hardware from the APG-63(V)1, but added an AESA to provide increased pilot situation awareness. The AESA radar has an exceptionally agile beam, providing nearly instantaneous track updates and enhanced multitarget tracking capability. The APG-63(V)2 and (V)3 are compatible with current F-15C weapon loads and enable pilots to take full advantage of AIM-120 AMRAAM capabilities, simultaneously guiding multiple missiles to several targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation, or range.

Weaponry and external stores

File:M61 Vulcan Mount on F15.jpg|thumb|M61 VulcanM61 VulcanA variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to release weapons effectively and safely, 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 selected weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.Huenecke 1987, pp. 232–236.The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 AMRAAM advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} M61 Vulcan Gatling gun in the right wing root.Lambert 1993, p. 521.(File:F-15C AIM-9 AIM-120 m02006120700063.jpg|thumb|left|F-15C underside with external stores)Low-drag conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), initially called Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) packs, were developed for the F-15C and D models. They can be attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft. These tanks slightly degrade performance by increasing aerodynamic drag and cannot be jettisoned in-flight. However, they cause less drag than conventional external tanks. Each conformal tank can hold 750 U.S. gallons (2,840 L) of fuel.Jenkins 1998, p. 111. These CFTs increase range and reduce the need for in-flight refueling. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. Moreover, Sparrow or AMRAAM missiles can be attached to the corners of the CFTs.Green and Swanborough 1998, p. 371. The USAF 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron based at NAS Keflavik, Iceland, was the only C-model squadron to use CFTs on a regular basis due to its extended operations over the North Atlantic. With the closure of the 57 FIS, the F-15E is the only variant to carry them on a routine basis. CFTs have also been sold to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Operational history

Introduction and early service

The largest operator of the F-15 is the United States Air Force. The first Eagle, an F-15B, was delivered on 13 November 1974.Scutts 1989, p. 47. In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron, the 555th TFS, was delivered. These initial aircraft carried the Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon) APG-63 radar.File:Israeli Air Force jets Fly-over Auschwitz concentration camp.jpg|thumb|Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle fighters overflying Auschwitz Concentration Camp, 2003]]The first kill by an F-15 was scored by Israeli Air Force (IAF) ace Moshe Melnik in 1979.WEB,weblink An Eagle evolves, Boeing, January 2004, 24 September 2010, 24 May 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110524164238weblink">weblink live, During IAF raids against Palestinian factions in Lebanon in 1979–1981, F-15As reportedly downed 13 Syrian MiG-21s and two Syrian MiG-25s. Israeli F-15As and Bs participated as escorts in Operation Opera, an air strike on an Iraqi nuclear reactor. In the 1982 Lebanon War, Israeli F-15s were credited with 41 Syrian aircraft destroyed (23 MiG-21s and 17 MiG-23s, and one Aérospatiale SA.342L Gazelle helicopter). During Operation Mole Cricket 19, Israeli F-15s and F-16s together shot down 82 Syrian fighters (MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-23Ms) without losses.JOURNAL, 85, June 2002, Grant, Rebecca, The Bekaa Valley War, Air Force Magazine Online, 22 September 2017,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120314212226weblink">weblink 14 March 2012, Israel was the only operator to use and develop the air-to-ground abilities of the air-superiority F-15 variants, doing so because the fighter's range was well beyond other combat aircraft in the Israeli inventory in the 1980s. The first known use of F-15s for a strike mission was during Operation Wooden Leg on 1 October 1985, with six F-15Ds attacking PLO Headquarters in Tunis with one GBU-15 guided bomb per aircraft and two F-15Cs restriking the ruins with six Mk-82 unguided bombs each."McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509174729weblink |date=9 May 2008}}. aerospaceweb.org. Retrieved: 24 September 2010. This was one of the few times air-superiority F-15s (A/B/C/D models) were used in tactical strike missions.NEWS, David Cenciotti,weblink F-15 fuel tank washes ashore in the southern Gaza Strip: Hamas claims it is from downed Israeli plane, The Aviationist site, 27 November 2012, 2 February 2014, 28 January 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140128053621weblink">weblink live, Israeli air-superiority F-15 variants have since been extensively upgraded to carry a wider range of air-to-ground armaments, including JDAM GPS-guided bombs and Popeye missile.WEB,weblink The Amazing Saga Of How Israel Turned Its F-15s Into Multi-Role Bombers, Tyler, Rogoway, jalopnik.com, 8 May 2015, 26 June 2017, 6 July 2017,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170706105707weblink">weblink live, Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C pilots reportedly shot down two Iranian Air Force F-4E Phantom IIs in a skirmish on 5 June 1984.Smith, William E. "The Gulf: Pushing the Saudis too far" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522080745weblink |date=22 May 2022}}. Time, 18 June 1984. Retrieved: 26 January 2008.Halloran, Richard. "2 Iranian fighters reported downed by Saudi Air Force" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903034950weblink |date=3 September 2017}}. The New York Times, 6 June 1984, p. 1. Retrieved: 26 January 2008.

Anti-satellite trials

File:ASAT missile launch.jpg|thumb|upright|ASM-135ASM-135The ASM-135 missile was designed to be a standoff antisatellite (ASAT) weapon, with the F-15 acting as a first stage. The Soviet Union could correlate a U.S. rocket launch with a spy satellite loss, but an F-15 carrying an ASAT would blend in among hundreds of F-15 flights. From January 1984 to September 1986, two F-15As were used as launch platforms for the ASAT missile. The F-15As were modified to carry one ASM-135 on the centerline station with extra equipment within a special centerline pylon.Jenkins 1998, p. 31."Celestial Eagle: Historic F-15 antisatellite mission remembered". {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031154weblink |date=24 September 2015}} US Air Force. Retrieved: 24 September 2010. The launch aircraft executed a Mach 1.22, 3.8 g climb at 65° to release the ASAT missile at an altitude of {{convert|38100|ft|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.WEB, Grier, Peter,weblink The flying tomato can, Air Force magazine, February 2009, 24 September 2010, 24 December 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131224234738weblink">weblink live, The flight computer was updated to control the zoom-climb and missile release.The third test flight involved a retired P78-1 solar observatory satellite in a {{convert|345|mi|km|adj=on}} orbit, which was destroyed by kinetic energy.Karambelas, Gregory and Sven Grahn, eds. "The F-15 ASAT story" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105173346weblink |date=5 January 2008}}. svengrahn.pp.se. Retrieved: 30 December 2010. The pilot, USAF Major Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson, became the only pilot to destroy a satellite. The ASAT program involved five test launches. The program was officially terminated in 1988.

Gulf War and aftermath

The USAF began deploying F-15C, D, and E model aircraft to the Persian Gulf region in August 1990 for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During the Gulf War, the F-15 accounted for 36 of the 39 air-to-air victories by U.S. Air Force against Iraqi forces. Iraq has confirmed the loss of 23 of its aircraft in air-to-air combat."The First Night" by Cooper, Sadik (IAPR, Vol.26) The F-15C and D fighters were used in the air-superiority role, while F-15E Strike Eagles were used in air-to-ground attacks mainly at night, hunting modified Scud missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.Davies 2002, pp. 31–40. According to the USAF, its F-15Cs had 34 confirmed kills of Iraqi aircraft during the 1991 Gulf War, most of them by missile fire: five Mikoyan MiG-29s, two MiG-25s, eight MiG-23s, two MiG-21s, two Sukhoi Su-25s, four Sukhoi Su-22s, one Sukhoi Su-7, six Dassault Mirage F1s, one Ilyushin Il-76 cargo aircraft, one Pilatus PC-9 trainer, and two Mil Mi-8 helicopters. According to NHHC, F-15s may have also shot down a friendly F-14 Tomcat."In my opinion, one of our F14s was most likely shot down by an F-15. Although the F-14 was officially listed as being downed by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile, there were no SAM batteries in that area"/H-058-1: Operation Desert Storm, Part 6 (January 1991). Samuel J. Cox, Director, Naval History and Heritage Command./H-Gram Journal â„– 058. January 15, 2021. P.26 In addition, the F-15E achieved its first-ever air-to-air kill on 14 February 1991, destroying an Iraqi Mi-24 "Hind" helicopter with a GBU-10 laser-guided bomb.WEB, Schogol, Jeff, 2022-07-07, How an F-15 scored an air-to-air kill by dropping a bomb on an enemy helicopter,weblink 2023-07-11, Task & Purpose, en-US, Air superiority was achieved in the first three days of the conflict; many of the later kills were reportedly of Iraqi aircraft fleeing to Iran, rather than engaging American aircraft. Two F-15Es were lost to ground fire, and another was damaged on the ground by a Scud strike on King Abdulaziz Air Base."1st. Fighter Wing timeline." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819140043weblink |date=19 August 2009}} istfighter.com Retrieved: 24 September 2010.On 11 November 1990, a Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) pilot defected to Sudan with an F-15C fighter during Operation Desert Shield. Saudi Arabia paid US$40 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=40000000|start_year=1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) for return of the aircraft three months later."Defection of Saudi F-15 Fighter Pilot Damaging to US War Effort", Defence and Foreign Affairs Weekly, 23 December 1990 RSAF F-15s shot down two Iraqi Mirage F1s during the Operation Desert storm.Peeters, Sander. WEB,weblink Different Middle Eastern air-to-air victories since 1964, acig.info, 7 April 2015, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160304085958weblink">weblink 4 March 2016, One Saudi Arabian F-15C was lost to a crash during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.Cikhart, Jakub. "Damaged and lost allied planes and helos." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817132641weblink |date=17 August 2014}} dstorm.eu. Retrieved: 7 April 2015. The IQAF claimed this fighter was part of two USAF F-15Cs that engaged two Iraqi MiG-25PDs, and was hit by an R-40 missile before crashing.Cooper, Tom. "Operation Samarrah", October 2010.File:DF-ST-92-07383-C.jpg|thumb|An RSAF F-15 approaches a KC-135 for refueling during Operation Desert Shield.]]They have since been deployed to support Operation Southern Watch, the patrolling of the Iraqi no-fly zones in Southern Iraq; Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey; in support of NATO operations in Bosnia, and recent air expeditionary force deployments. In 1994, two U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks were mistakenly downed by USAF F-15Cs in northern Iraq in a friendly-fire incident.Jenkins 1998, p. 47. USAF F-15Cs shot down four Yugoslav MiG-29s using AIM-120 and AIM-7 Radar guided missiles during NATO's 1999 intervention in Kosovo, Operation Allied Force.U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627164441weblink |date=27 June 2009}}

Structural defects

All F-15s were grounded by the USAF after a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C came apart in flight and crashed on 2 November 2007. The newer F-15E fleet was later cleared for continued operations. The USAF reported on 28 November 2007 that a critical location in the upper longerons on the F-15C was the failure's suspected cause, causing the fuselage forward of the air intakes, including the cockpit and radome, to separate from the airframe."Air Force World, Animated image" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203201232weblink |date=3 February 2014}} (frames from an animated image by Boeing recreating the breakup.) Air Force Magazine, February 2008. Retrieved: 7 February 2008.F-15A through D-model aircraft were grounded until the location received detailed inspections and repairs as needed."F-15 A-D models ordered to stand down for additional inspections." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201004708weblink |date=1 December 2007}} US Air Force, 28 November 2007. Retrieved: 1 September 2011. The grounding of F-15s received media attention as it began to place strains on the nation's air-defense efforts.Lindlaw, Scott (for Associated Press). "F-15 grounding strains U.S. air defenses." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607005127weblink |date=7 June 2009}} ABC News 26 December 2007. The grounding forced some states to rely on their neighboring states' fighters for air-defense protection, and Alaska to depend on Canadian Forces' fighter support.On 8 January 2008, the USAF Air Combat Command (ACC) cleared a portion of its older F-15 fleet for return to flying status. It also recommended a limited return to flight for units worldwide using the affected models.weblink" title="archive.today/20121212202520weblink">"Air Combat Command clears selected F-15s for flight." Air Force, 9 January 2008. Retrieved: 1 September 2011. The accident review board report, which was released on 10 January 2008, stated that analysis of the F-15C wreckage determined that the longeron did not meet drawing specifications, which led to fatigue cracks and finally a catastrophic failure of the remaining support structures and breakup of the aircraft in flight.weblink" title="archive.today/20121212223713weblink">"F-15 Eagle accident report released." US Air Force, 10 January 2008. Retrieved: 26 January 2008. In a report released on 10 January 2008, nine other F-15s were identified to have similar problems in the longeron. As a result, General John D. W. Corley stated, "the long-term future of the F-15 is in question".weblink" title="archive.today/20120728192408weblink">"Air Force leaders discuss F-15 accident, future." U.S. Air Force, 10 January 2008. On 15 February 2008, ACC cleared all its grounded F-15A/B/C/D fighters for flight pending inspections, engineering reviews, and any needed repairs. ACC also recommended release of other U.S. F-15A/B/C/Ds."ACC issues latest release from stand down for F-15s." {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113152438weblink |date=13 January 2009}} US Air Force, 15 February 2008.

Later service

(File:144th FW F-15 Eagle.JPG|thumb|left|A USAF F-15C flying over Fresno, California, 2013)The F-15 had a combined air-to-air combat record of 104 kills to no losses {{as of|2008|2|lc=yes|alt=through 2008}}. The F-15's air superiority versions, the A/B/C/D models, have not suffered any losses to enemy action.Davies and Dildy 2007, inside cover.Correll, John. "The Reformers." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530123243weblink |date=30 May 2009}} Air Force Magazine, February 2008, Vol. 91 Number 2, p. 44. Over half of F-15 kills have been achieved by Israeli Air Force pilots.On 16 September 2009, the last F-15A, an Oregon Air National Guard aircraft, was retired, marking the end of service for the F-15A and F-15B models in the United States.Hughel, Staff Sgt. John. "Final F-15A model retired from Oregon Guard." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924104706weblink |date=24 September 2011}} ng.mil, 13 October 2009. Retrieved: 26 August 2011. With the retirement of those early models, the F-15C and D models continued operational service to supplement the new F-22 Raptor in frontline US service. Because the DOD was primarily focused on asymmetric counterinsurgency warfare in the Middle East in the 2000s, the F-22 procurement was curtailed to just 187 operational aircraft and the USAF had to extend F-15C/D operations well beyond its planned retirement date in order to maintain adequate numbers of air superiority fighters; in 2007, the USAF planned to keep 179 F-15C/Ds along with 224 F-15Es in service beyond 2025.Tirpak, John A. "Making the Best of the Fighter Force." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122113839weblink |date=22 January 2022}} Air Force magazine, March 2007. During the 2010s, USAF F-15C/Ds were regularly based overseas with the Pacific Air Forces at Kadena AB in Japan"18th Operations Group." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181331weblink |date=3 March 2016}} Kadena Air Base, 11 September 2007. Retrieved: 2 February 2014. and with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom."48th Operations Group." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182909weblink |date=3 March 2016}} RAF Lakenheath website, 1 August 2013. Other regular USAF F-15s are operated by ACC as adversary/aggressor platforms at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and by Air Force Materiel Command in test and evaluation roles at Edwards AFB, California, and Eglin AFB, Florida. All remaining combat-coded F-15C/Ds are operated by the Air National Guard.File:McDonnell Douglas F-15 arrives RIAT Fairford 10thJuly2014 arp.jpg|thumb|USAF F-15E arrives for the 2014 Royal International Air TattooRoyal International Air TattooTo keep the F-15C/D viable, the fleet saw a series of upgrades, with 179 aircraft receiving the AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar starting in 2010 along with eventual addition of IRST pods and cockpit enhancements. However, problems with the aging fleet meant the F-15C faced cuts or retirement in the USAF's FY 2015 budget in response to sequestration."USAF weighs scrapping KC-10, A-10 fleets."{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Defensenews.com. Retrieved: 15 September 2013."Sequester may force USAF to retire entire fleets of aircraft." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921042646weblink |date=21 September 2013}} Flightglobal.com. Retrieved: 17 September 2013. By the mid 2010s, the aging F-15C/D fleet was no longer economically sustainable to the 2030s as hoped,{{refn|The F-15C/D airframes would have an average age of 37 years by 2021; 75% were beyond their certified service lives leading to groundings from structural issues, and life extensions were deemed too expensive.|group=N}} and the USAF chose to forgo the more comprehensive F-15 2040C upgrade proposed by Boeing; in April 2017, USAF officials announced plans to retire the F-15C/D in the mid-2020s and press other aircraft such as F-16s into roles occupied by the F-15 while exploring options to recapitalize its fighter fleet.NEWS, Insinna, Valerie, US Air Force chief ambivalent on F-15 Eagle retirement,weblink Defense News, 12 April 2017, 23 April 2017, 13 March 2023,weblink live, In late 2018 and early 2019, following a series of DoD Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation (CAPE) Office studies on affordably recapitalizing the fighter fleet, the Pentagon in its FY 2020 budget requested new-build F-15EXs — an advanced variant based on the export F-15QA then in production — to replace the F-15Cs and supplement the F-22s to maintain fighter fleet size, with planned total procurement of 144 aircraft.NEWS,weblink Pentagon To Request $1.2 Billion for New Boeing F-15 Fighters, Bloomberg Government, 21 December 2018, 24 December 2018, 23 December 2018,weblink live, This allowed USAF to use the existing export production line to quickly and affordably bring fighters into operational service, as restarting the F-22 line was considered cost-prohibitive.WEB, Clark, Colin,weblink Shanahan Ethics Agreement Out; How The F-15X Decision Was Made, Breaking Defense, 22 March 2019, F-15EX Named the Eagle II {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411031354weblink |date=11 April 2021}}. Air Force Magazine. 7 April 2021. In 2022, it was announced the USAF plan to retire their fleet of F-15C/Ds by 2026, while the F-15Es would retire in the 2030s.WEB, John A., Tirpak,weblink Air Force Would Reduce Fleet by 250 Old Aircraft, Bring on 82-plus New Ones, Air Force Magazine, 28 March 2022, 31 March 2022, 31 March 2022,weblink live,

Yemen Civil War

During the Yemeni Civil War (2015–present), Houthis have used R-27T missiles modified to serve as surface-to-air missiles. A video released on 7 January 2018 also shows a modified R-27T hitting a Saudi F-15 on a forward-looking infrared camera. Houthi sources claim to have downed the F-15, although this has been disputed, as the missile apparently proximity detonated, though the F-15 continued to fly in its trajectory seemingly unaffected.WEB,weblink Yemen's Houthis Claim Saudi F-15 Kill with SAM Over Capital City of Santis, Tom, Demerly, 9 January 2018, theaviationist.com, 2 February 2019, 15 November 2019,weblink live, WEB,weblink Yemen rebels release F-15 'shoot down' footage, Jane's 360, Binnie, Jeremy, 9 January 2018, 3 April 2018,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180324102001weblink">weblink 24 March 2018, dead, Rebels later released footage showing an aircraft wreck, but serial numbers on the wreckage suggested the aircraft was a Panavia Tornado, also operated by Saudi forces. On 8 January, the Saudi admitted the loss of an aircraft but due to technical reasons.WEB,weblink Saudi warplane crashes in Yemen; pilots escape, Aljazeera, 7 January 2018, 29 September 2021, live, 4 July 2019,weblink On 21 March 2018, Houthi rebels released a video where they hit and possibly shot down a Saudi F-15 in Saada province.WEB,weblink Saudi Military F - 15 fighter jet shot down in Yemen: Report, 22 March 2018, Times of Islamabad, 2 February 2019, 30 June 2019,weblink live, In the video a R-27T air-to-air missile adapted for surface-to-air use was launched and appeared to hit a jet. As in the video of the previous similar hit recorded on 8 January, the target, while clearly hit, did not appear to be downed. Saudi forces confirmed the hit, while saying the jet landed at a Saudi base.WEB,weblink #RSAF Col. Turki Al Malki: At 15:48 (GMT+3) today, a coalition aircraft flying in the area of operations over Sa'dah, #Yemen, got hit by a SAM missile launched from Sa'dah Airport. The aircraft completed the assigned mission and returened to its air base safely., محمد بن, خالد, 21 March 2018, twitter.com, 2 February 2019, 13 May 2018,weblink live, WEB,weblink Saudi Arabia says F-15 survived SAM hit over Yemen - Jane's 360, www.janes.com, 2 February 2019, 19 August 2018,weblink live, Saudi official sources confirmed the incident, reporting that it happened at 3:48 pm local time after a surface-to-air defense missile was launched at the fighter jet from inside Saada airport.WEB,weblink Coalition fighter jet unsuccessfully targeted by defense missile over Saada, english.alarabiya.net, 21 March 2018, 2 February 2019, 18 May 2019,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190518161314weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Saudi Arabia says F-15 survived SAM hit over Yemen - Jane's 360, www.janes.com, 2 February 2019, 19 August 2018,weblink live, After the Houthi attack on Saudi oil infrastructure on 14 September 2019, Saudi Arabia tasked F-15 fighters armed with missiles to intercept low flying drones, difficult to intercept with ground-based high altitude missile systems like the MIM-104 PatriotWEB,weblink Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen ramp up drone, missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, NBC News, De Luce, Dan, 12 March 2021, 29 September 2021, live, 27 September 2021,weblink with several drones being downed since then.WEB,weblink Yemen's Houthi Rebels Strike Airliner In New Drone Attack On Saudi Airport, The Warzone, Newdick, Thomas, 10 February 2021, 29 September 2021, live, 20 October 2021,weblink On 2 July 2020, a Saudi F-15 shot down two Houthi Shahed 129 drones above Yemen.WEB,weblink Saudi F-15 jet shoots down Iranian drones above Yemen, dronedj.com, 13 July 2020, 29 September 2021, live, 27 October 2021,weblink On 7 March 2021, during a Houthi attack at several Saudi oil installations, Saudi F-15s shot down several attacking drones using heatseeking AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, with video evidence showing at least two Samad-3 UAVs and one Qasef-2K downed.WEB,weblink Middle East: Saudi F-15s shoot down Iran-backed Houthi Drones, seelatest.com, 8 March 2021, 29 September 2021, live, 27 September 2021,weblink WEB,weblink Continued Houthi Strikes Threaten Saudi Oil and the Global Economic Recovery, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Knights, Michael, 12 March 2021, 29 September 2021, live, 21 October 2021,weblink On 30 March 2021, a video made by Saudi border guards showed a Saudi F-15 shooting down a Houthi Quasef-2K drone with an AIM-120 AMRAAM fired at short range.WEB,weblink Watch A Saudi F-15 Fighter Swoop In Low To Blast A Houthi Rebel Drone Out Of The Sky, The Warzone, Trevithick, Joseph, 30 March 2021, 29 September 2021, live, 20 October 2021,weblink

Variants

{{about|F-15A, B, C, D, and related variants|F-15E, F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, F-15SA, F-15QA, and other F-15E-based variants|McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle}}

Basic models

File:USAF F-15C fires AIM-7 Sparrow 2.jpg|thumb|USAF F-15C fires an alt=Gray jet aircraft flying above missile following firing of the weapon.File:F15-cockpit-view-tanker-067.jpg|thumb|upright|A view of an F-15E cockpit from an aerial refuelingaerial refueling

F-15A

Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 384 built in 1972–1979Davies 2002.

F-15B

Two-seat training version, formerly designated TF-15A, 61 built in 1972–1979

F-15C

Improved single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 483 built in 1979–1985. The last 43 F-15Cs were upgraded with AN/APG-70 radar and later the AN/APG-63(V)1 radar.

F-15D

Two-seat training version, 92 built in 1979–1985.

F-15J

Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 139 built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1981–1997, two built in St. Louis.

F-15DJ

Two-seat training version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 12 built in St. Louis, and 25 built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi in the period 1981–1997.

F-15N Sea Eagle

The F-15N was a carrier-capable variant proposed in the early 1970s to the U.S. Navy as an alternative to the heavier and, at the time, considered to be "riskier" technology program, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. It did not have a long-range radar or the long-range missiles used by the F-14. The F-15N-PHX was another proposed naval version capable of carrying the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, but with an enhanced version of the AN/APG-63 radar on the F-15A. These featured folding wingtips, reinforced landing gear and a stronger tailhook for shipboard operation.Jenkins 1998, pp. 71–72.WEB,weblink Putting Eagles Out to Sea, Tacairnet, 15 April 2015, 29 September 2021, live, 4 June 2021,weblink

F-15 2040C

Proposed upgrade to the F-15C, allowing it to supplement the F-22 in the air superiority role. The 2040C concept is an evolution of the Silent Eagle proposed to South Korea and Israel, with some low-observable improvements but mostly a focus on the latest air capabilities and lethality. Proposal includes infra-red search and track, doubling the number of weapon stations, with quad racks for a maximum of 16 air-to-air missiles, Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), conformal fuel tanks, upgraded APG-63(V)3 AESA radar and a "Talon HATE" communications pod allowing data transfer with the F-22. This upgrade program was not pursued due to the age of the existing airframes, but some of the upgrades were applied to the new-build F-15EX.NEWS, Boeing Positions F-15 as F-22 Supplement,weblink Defense News, 15 September 2015, 13 March 2023,weblink live, WEB,weblink Boeing doubles F-15C missile load in '2040C' Eagle upgrade, 15 September 2015, Flight global, 26 June 2017, 17 September 2015,weblink live,

Strike Eagle derivatives

F-15E Strike Eagle

Two-seat all-weather multirole strike version, fitted with conformal fuel tanks. It was developed into the F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, and is the basis of the F-15 Advanced Eagle family. Over 400 F-15E and derivative variants produced since 1985.

F-15 Advanced Eagle

Further development of the F-15E with revised wing structure and digital fly-by-wire and is the basis for the F-15SA, F-15QA, F-15EX, and other variants. Current production baseline.

F-15SE Silent Eagle

A proposed F-15E variant from March 2009 with a reduced radar cross-section via changes such as replacing conformal fuel tanks with conformal weapons bays and canting the twin vertical tails 15 degrees outward, which would reduce their radar signature while providing a slight boost to lift to help offset the loss of conformal fuel tanks.WEB,weblink Boeing Unveils New International F-15 Configuration -- the F-15SE, 17 March 2009, Boeing,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20111108191057weblink">weblink 8 November 2011, WEB, 20 January 2022, Silent Eagle: Boeing's plan to make the F-15 a 'stealth' fighter,weblink 21 January 2022, Sandboxx, en-US, 20 January 2022,weblink live,

F-15EX Eagle II

Two-seat Advanced Eagle version for the USAF, can be fitted with conformal fuel tanks.

Prototypes

(File:F-15A first prototype 1.jpg|thumb|F-15A 71–0280, the first prototype)Twelve prototypes were built and used for trials by the F-15 Joint Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base using McDonnell Douglas and United States Air Force personnel. Most prototypes were later used by NASA for trials and experiments.

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

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

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

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

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

First flew on 4 November 1972 and was used to test the APG-63 radar and avionics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F-15B-1, AF Ser. No. 71-0290

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

F-15B-2, AF Ser. No. 71-0291

First flew on 18 October 1973 as a TF-15A and used as a test and demonstration aircraft. In 1976 it made an overseas sales tour painted in markings to celebrate the bicentenary of the United States. Also used as the development aircraft for the F-15E as well as the first F-15 to use Conformal Fuel Tanks.

Research and test

File:NASA F-15B 836 with Quiet Spike.jpg|thumb|NASA F-15B Research Testbed, aircraft No. 836 (AF Ser. No. 74-0141). Note the Quiet Spike adaption to reduce and control sonic boomsonic boom

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

An unpainted F-15A stripped of most avionics demonstrated the fighter's acceleration capabilities. The aircraft broke eight time-to-climb world records between 16 January and 1 February 1975 at Grand Forks AFB, ND. It was delivered to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in December 1980.WEB,weblink McDonnell Douglas F-15 Streak Eagle, 13 August 2019, 13 August 2019,weblink live, Undergoing restoration in 2023 to be put on display in 2024.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

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

The first F-15B was converted into a short takeoff and landing, maneuver technology demonstrator aircraft.Jenkins 1998, pp. 65–70. In the late 1980s it received canard flight surfaces in addition to its usual horizontal tail, along with square thrust-vectoring nozzles. It was used as a short-takeoff/maneuver-technology demonstrator (S/MTD)."Sonic Solutions." {{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Aviation Week & Space Technology (online version, subscription required), 5 January 2009, p. 53. Retrieved: 24 September 2010.

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

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

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

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

F-15 MANX

Concept name for a tailless variant of the F-15 ACTIVE, but the NASA ACTIVE experimental aircraft was never modified to be tailless.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

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

Two F-15A aircraft were acquired in 1976 for use by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center for numerous experiments. Notable experiments include Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HiDEC), Adaptive Engine Control System (ADECS), Self-Repairing and Self-Diagnostic Flight Control System (SRFCS) and Propulsion Controlled Aircraft System (PCA)."F-15 Flight Research Facility fact sheet." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128060557weblink |date=28 January 2011}} Dryden Flight Research Center (NASA). Retrieved: 24 September 2010. 71-0281, the second flight-test F-15A, was returned to the Air Force and became a static display at Langley AFB in 1983.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

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

Acquired in 1993, it was an F-15B modified and used by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center for flight tests."F-15B Research Testbed fact sheet." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206070937weblink |date=6 December 2010}} Dryden Flight Research Center (NASA). Retrieved: 24 September 2010.

Operators

File:Eagle operators.png|thumb|upright=1.8|Operators {{legend|#00ffff|F-15 Eagle}} {{legend|#ff0000|F-15E Strike EagleF-15E Strike EagleThis article only covers the F-15A, B, C, D, and related variants. For the operators of other F-15E-based variants, like the F-15E, F-15I, F-15S, F-15K, F-15SG, or F-15EX, see McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.(File:Two F-15I Ra'am.JPEG|thumb|Two Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am from the 69th Squadron)

{{Flagu|Israel}}

• Israeli Air Force has operated F-15s since 1977. The IAF operates 38 F-15A, 6 F-15B, 16 F-15C and 11 F-15D in service as of 2022.WEB, WORLD AIR 2024 FORCES.pdf,weblink live,weblink 17 February 2023, 24 December 2021, Flightglobal.com,

File:Two Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15 jets.jpg|thumb|Japan Air Self-Defense ForceJapan Air Self-Defense Force

{{Flagu|Japan}}

• Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates 155 Mitsubishi F-15J and 44 F-15DJ fighters produced under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.WEB, Embraer, In association with, 2024 World Air Forces directory,weblink 2023-12-23, Flight Global, en,

{{Flagu|Saudi Arabia}}

• Royal Saudi Air Force has 46 F-15C and 16 F-15D fighters in operation as of 2024.

{{Flagu|United States}}

• United States Air Force operates 168 F-15C and 18 F-15D total aircraft as of mid-2022.WEB,weblink AFA Login, secure.afa.org, 2 February 2019, 3 February 2019,weblink live, MAGAZINE, Kaminski, Tom, February 2023, An Abrupt Beginning, Combat Aircraft Monthly, Key Publishing, Key Publishing Ltd, 30,
• NASA currently operates one F-15B 836 as a test bed for a variety of flight research experimentsWEB, Gibbs, Yvonne, NASA Armstrong Fact Sheet: F-15B Aeronautics Research Test Bed,weblink NASA, 3 June 2015, 30 March 2021, 3 August 2020,weblink live, and two F-15D, 884 and 897, for research support and pilot proficiency.WEB, F=15D Support Aircraft, 19 April 2017,weblink NASA, 30 March 2021, 8 May 2021,weblink live, NASA in the past used an F-15B 835 to test Highly Integrated Digital Engine Control system (HIDEC) at Edwards AFB in 1988."71-0287 / 835. Highly Integrated Digital Engine Control system (HIDEC)." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122060747weblink |date=22 January 2015}} Flickr. Retrieved: 7 April 2015."NASA Dryden Past Projects: F-15 835 Flight Research Facility." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162415weblink |date=2 April 2015}} NASA Dryden. Retrieved: 7 April 2015.

Notable accidents

(File:Two F-15 jets over the Oregon Coast in 2003.jpg|thumb|Two F-15s over the coast of Oregon)A total of 175 F-15s have been lost to non-combat causes as of June 2016. However, the F-15 aircraft is very reliable with only 1 loss per 50,000 flight hours.WEB, Ranter, Harro,weblink ASN Aviation Safety WikiBase: F-15., Aviation Safety Network, 17 June 2016, 17 June 2016, 22 October 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141022035334weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink F-15 Eagle Losses & Ejections, ejection-history.org.uk,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180222130958weblink">weblink 22 February 2018, 2 March 2008, dead,

• On 1 May 1983, an Israeli Air Force F-15D collided mid-air with an A-4 Skyhawk during a training flight, causing the F-15's right wing to shear off almost completely. Despite the damage, the pilot was able to reach a nearby airbase and land safely – albeit at twice the normal landing speed. The aircraft was subsequently repaired and saw further combat action.Jenkins 1998, p. 45.
• On 26 March 2001, two US Air Force F-15Cs crashed near the summit of Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms during a low flying training exercise over the Scottish Highlands.WEB,weblink Second body found at F-15 crash site, BBC News, 30 March 2001, 8 March 2009, 17 August 2022,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20220817055943weblink">weblink live, Both Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth John Hyvonen and Captain Kirk Jones died in the accident, which resulted in a court martial for an RAF air traffic controller, who was later found not guilty.WEB,weblink Air controller found not guilty, BBC News, 25 February 2003, 8 March 2009, 23 August 2003,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20030823225110weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Crash controller 'partly blamed', BBC News, 6 February 2006, 18 July 2009, 9 February 2006,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20060209032853weblink">weblink live,
• On 2 November 2007, a 27-year-old F-15C (AF Ser. No. 80-0034) of the 131st Fighter Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, crashed following an in-flight breakup due to structural failure during combat training near St. Louis, Missouri. The pilot, Major Stephen W. Stilwell, ejected but suffered serious injuries. On 3 November 2007, all non-mission critical F-15s were grounded pending the crash investigation's outcome.WEB,weblink Air Force grounds F-15s in Afghanistan after Missouri crash, CNN, 5 November 2007, 24 September 2010, 11 January 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100111074849weblink">weblink live, weblink" title="archive.today/20120723183808weblink">"Air Force suspends some F-15 operations." US Air Force, 4 November 2007. Retrieved: 24 September 2010. By 13 November 2007, over 1,100 F-15s were grounded worldwide after Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia grounded their aircraft as well.WEB, Warwick, Graham,weblink F-15 operators follow USAF grounding after crash, Flight International, 14 November 2007, 1 September 2011, 7 June 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090607045101weblink">weblink dead, F-15Es were cleared on 15 November 2007 pending individual inspections.Wicke, Tech. Sgt. Russell. weblink" title="archive.today/20120718115853weblink">"Officials begin to clear F-15Es to full-mission status." US Air Force, 15 November 2007. Retrieved: 24 September 2010. On 8 January 2008, the USAF cleared 60 percent of the F-15A/B/C/D fleet to fly. On 10 January 2008, the accident review board released its report, which attributed the crash to the longeron not meeting specifications. On 15 February 2008, the Air Force cleared all F-15s for flight, pending inspections and any needed repairs. In March 2008, Stilwell filed a lawsuit against Boeing which was later dismissed in April 2009.WEB,weblink Pilot hurt in jet breakup sues Boeing, CNN, 25 March 2008, 24 September 2010, 25 April 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090425031018weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20220908131525weblink">weblink 8 September 2022, live, Shadow of State Secrets, Donohue, Laura K., Penn Law Review, 8 September 2022, 12 September 2022, 109,

{{For|accidents involving F-15E and related variants|List of F-15 losses}}

Specifications (F-15C)

(File:McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle schematic.jpg|thumb|Schematic diagram of F-15)File:McDonnell Douglas F-15C with the conformal FAST PACK fuel tanks 060905-F-1234S-017.jpg|thumb|Front view of an F-15C. Note the conformal FAST PACK fuel tanks on the trailers]](File:McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle two-view silhouette showing external stores.png|thumb|Diagram of the F-15A Eagle's weapon loadout){{Aircraft specs

weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090613094619weblink">"F-15 Eagle fact sheet." U.S. Air Force, March 2008. Retrieved: 1 September 2011. Jane's All the World's Aircraft,Lambert 1993, p. 522. Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle,Davies 2002, Appendix 1. Florida International University,HTTP://WWW.ALLSTAR.FIU.EDU/AERO/P&WENGINES02.HTML

WEBSITE=WWW.ALLSTAR.FIU.EDU

ARCHIVE-DATE=10 JANUARY 2015

URL-STATUS=DEAD, USAF F-15A/B/C/D Flight Manual (TO 1F-15A-1) Change 5TO 1F-15A-1, USAF SERIES F-15A/B/C/D AIRCRAFT BLOCK 7 AND UP >PUBLISHER=OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, 1 March 1986, |prime units?=kts|crew=1|length ft=63|length in=9|length note=|span ft=42|span in=10|span note=|height ft=18|height in=6|height note=|wing area sqft=608|wing area note=|swept area sqft=|swept area note=|volume ft3=|volume note=|aspect ratio=

root: NACA airfoil>NACA 64A006.6; tip: NACA airfoil

LEDNICER

TITLE= THE INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO AIRFOIL USAGE

WEBSITE= SELIG

ACCESS-DATE= 16 APRIL 2019

ARCHIVE-URL= HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20190326174850/HTTPS://M-SELIG.AE.ILLINOIS.EDU/ADS/AIRCRAFT.HTML, live, |empty weight lb=28000|empty weight note=|gross weight lb=44500|gross weight note=|max takeoff weight lb=68000|max takeoff weight note=

13455|lb}} internalSpick 2000, p. 137.|more general=|eng1 number=2|eng1 name=Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220|eng1 type=afterburning turbofans|eng1 lbf=14590|eng1 lbf-ab=23770|eng1 note=|power original=|thrust original=|max speed kts=|max speed note=

Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph, 2,124 km/h) at high altitude with CFTs.|group=N}} Mach 1.2, {{cvt|800|kn|mph km/h|0}} at sea level{{refn|Mach 1.06, {{cvt|700|kn|mph km/h|0}} at low altitude with CFTs.|group=N}}|cruise speed kts=|cruise speed note=|stall speed kts=|stall speed note=|never exceed speed kts=|never exceed speed note=|minimum control speed kts=|minimum control speed note=|range nmi=|range note=|combat range nmi=1061|combat range note=for interdiction mission|ferry range nmi=3000|ferry range note=with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks|endurance=|ceiling ft=65,000|ceiling note=|g limits=+9|roll rate=

ARCHIVE-DATE=14 OCTOBER 2011

TITLE=F-15C EAGLE SAC-FEBRUARY 1992, MCDONNELL DOUGLAS,

According to combat loading condition 8 in F-15C Eagle SAC-February 1992}}|time to altitude=|wing loading lb/sqft=73.1|wing loading note=|fuel consumption lb/mi=|thrust/weight=1.07 (1.26 with loaded weight and 50% internal fuel)|more performance=

20 mm caliber>20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barrel rotary cannon, 940 rounds|hardpoints=Total 9: two under-wing (each with additional two missile launch rails), four under-fuselage (for semi-recessed carriage of AIM-7 Sparrows) and a single centerline pylon station, optional fuselage pylons (which may include conformal fuel tanks)

16000

abbr=on}}|hardpoint missiles= 4× AIM-7 Sparrow 4× AIM-9 Sidewinder 8× AIM-120 AMRAAM|hardpoint other= up to 3 × {{convert|600|USgal|L}} external drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range/loitering time. MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod – to carry personal belongings, and small pieces of maintenance equipment.|avionics= Radar: Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-63 or AN/APG-70Parsch, Andreas. "AN/APG: Airborne fire control radars." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031141weblink |date=12 June 2010}} Designation-Systems.Net, 20 November 2008. Retrieved: 27 September 2010.{{refn|Although several F-15C aircraft were produced with APG-70 radar, all have been retrofitted to the AN/APG-63(V)1 configuration.|group=N}} or Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)1 or Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) or Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)Schanz, Marc V., Assoc. Editor. WEB,weblink F-15s To Get New Radars, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120331200437weblink">weblink 31 March 2012, Aerospace World: Air Force Magazine, Journal of the Air Force Association Volume 90, Issue 6, p. 18, December 2007. {{ISSN|0730-6784}}.{{refn|Both active AF and ANG F-15Cs will receive another (up to) 48 V3 units between 2009 and 2015, over the existing 19 aircraft.|group=N}} Countermeasures: Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures podParsch, Andreas. "AN/ALQ – Airborne Countermeasures Multipurpose/Special Equipment." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606164150weblink |date=6 June 2011}} Designation-systems.net, 9 October 2007. Retrieved: 27 September 2010. Hazeltine AN/APX-76 or Raytheon AN/APX-119 Identify Friend/Foe (IFF) interrogatorParsch, Andreas. "AN/APX – Airborne Identification Radars." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625054231weblink |date=25 June 2017}} Designation-Systems.Net, 9 October 2007. Retrieved: 27 September 2010. Magnavox AN/ALQ-128 Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS) – part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS) Loral AN/ALR-56 Radar warning receivers (RWR) – part of TEWSParsch, Andreas. "AN/ALR – Airborne Countermeasures Receivers." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606164150weblink |date=6 June 2011}} Designation-Systems.Net, 20 November 2008. Retrieved: 27 September 2010. Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems ALQ-135 Internal Countermeasures System (ICS) – part of TEWS Marconi AN/ALE-45 Chaff/Flares dispenser system – part of TEWSParsch, Andreas. "AN/ALE: Airborne countermeasures ejectors" {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713170538weblink |date=13 July 2017}}. Designation-Systems.Net, 20 November 2008. Retrieved: 27 September 2010. Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System Lockheed Martin Legion Pod with AN/ASG-34(V)1 IRST }} Aircraft on display Although the F-15 continues to be in use, a number of older USAF and IAF models have been retired, with several placed on outdoor display or in museums. Germany F-15A 74-0085 – Spangdahlem AB"F-15 Eagle/74-0085." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726182810weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 74-0109 – Auto Technik Museum, Speyer"F-15 Eagle/74-0109." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726211651weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. Netherlands F-15A 74-0083 (marked as 77–0132) – Nationaal Militair Museum, Kamp Zeist, former Camp New Amsterdam AB. Aircraft was based at Camp New Amsterdam and left as a gift when the base was closed in 1995."F-15 Eagle/74-0083." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726200910weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. Japan F-15A 74-0088 – Kadena AB"F-15 Eagle/74-0088." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726210931weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. Israel F-15A 73-0098 – Israeli Air Museum, Hatzerim"F-15 Eagle/73-0098." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726174838weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 73-0107 – gate guard at Tel Nof AB"F-15 Eagle/73-0107." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726213513weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. Saudi Arabia F-15B 71-0291 - painted in false Saudi markings as '1315' at Royal Saudi Air Force Museum{{cn|date=January 2022}} United Kingdom File:Imperialwarmuseumduxfordamericanairmuseumwithf15.jpg|thumb|F-15A 76–0020 at the American Air Museum, Imperial War Museum DuxfordImperial War Museum DuxfordF-15A 74-0131 – Wings of Liberty Memorial Park, RAF Lakenheath"F-15 Eagle/74-0131." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726175141weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 76-0020 – American Air Museum, Duxford"F-15 Eagle/76-0020." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726222253weblink |date=26 July 2013}} warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. United States File:18-15-286-F15A.jpg|thumb|F-15A display at the Museum of Aviation, Robins AFBRobins AFB F-15A 71-0280 – 37th Training Wing HQ Parade Ground, Kelly Field (formerly Kelly AFB), San Antonio, Texas"F-15 Eagle/71-0280." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091425weblink |date=2 April 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 9 December 2015. 71-0281 – Tactical Air Command Memorial Park, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton, Virginia"F-15 Eagle/71-0281." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606001537weblink |date=6 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 9 December 2015. 71-0283 – Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Virginia"F-15 Eagle/71-0283." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713083448weblink |date=13 July 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 9 December 2015. 71-0285 – Boeing Avionic Antenna Laboratory, St. Charles, Missouri"F-15 Eagle/71-0285." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092410weblink |date=4 March 2016}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 9 December 2015. 71-0286 – A GF-15A; Saint Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, in storage. Previously on display at Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, Rantoul, IllinoisWEB, USAF Serial Number Search (71-0286),weblink 14 February 2018, 23 May 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100523192834weblink">weblink live, 72-0119 "Streak Eagle" – at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio"F-15 Eagle/72-0119." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211092247weblink |date=11 December 2015}} National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 73-0085 – Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia"F-15 Eagle/73-0085." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202085313weblink |date=2 December 2012}} Museum of Aviation. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 73-0086 – Louisiana Military Museum, Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Louisiana"F-15 Eagle/73-0086." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602024101weblink |date=2 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 9 December 2015. 73-0099 – Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia"F-15 Eagle/73-0099." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211154200weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0081 – Elmendorf AFB, Alaska"F-15 Eagle/74-0081." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223174249weblink |date=23 February 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0084 – Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, Anchorage, Alaska"F-15 Eagle/74-0084." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218083525weblink |date=18 December 2015}} Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0095 – Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida"F-15 Eagle/74-0095." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626152829weblink |date=26 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. This aircraft was flipped and severely damaged by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.WEB,weblink "Tyndall Air Force Base In Ruins After Michael, Fighter Jets Seen Inside Roofless Hangars." The War Zone. Retrieved: 12 October 2018., 11 October 2018, 12 October 2018, 12 October 2018,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20181012020430weblink">weblink live, 74-0114 – Mountain Home AFB, Idaho"F-15 Eagle/74-0114." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153517weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0117 – Langley AFB, Virginia"F-15 Eagle/74-0117." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606001537weblink |date=6 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0118 – Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona"F-15 Eagle/74-0118." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211131123weblink |date=11 December 2015}} Pima Air & Space Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0119 – Castle Air Museum, Atwater, California"F-15 Eagle/74-0119." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114232620weblink |date=14 November 2016}} Castle Air Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 74-0124 – Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida"F-15 Eagle/74-0124." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012072145weblink |date=12 October 2014}} Air Force Armament Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 75-0026 – National Warplane Museum, Elmira Corning Regional Airport, New York"F-15 Eagle/75-0026." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629072227weblink |date=29 June 2013}} National Warplane Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 75-0033 – Eglin Parkway entrance to 33d Fighter Wing complex, Eglin AFB, FloridaWEB,weblink Harold A. Skaarup, author of Shelldrake, silverhawkauthor.com, 2 February 2019, 1 September 2018,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180901215808weblink">weblink dead, 75-0045 – USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, Alabama"F-15 Eagle/75-0045." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218083627weblink |date=18 December 2015}} USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0008 – March Field Air Museum at March ARB, Riverside, California"F-15 Eagle/76-0008." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108111417weblink |date=8 January 2016}} March Field Air Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0009 – Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Klamath Falls, Oregon"F-15 Eagle/76-0009." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211152506weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0012 – Air Heritage Aviation Museum, Beaver County Airport, Beaver Falls, PennsylvaniaWEB, McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle – Air Heritage Inc.,weblink 20 August 2022, en-US, 6 October 2022,weblink live, 76-0014 – Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville, Oregon"F-15 Eagle/76-0014." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206162346weblink |date=6 December 2011}} Evergreen Aviation Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 76-0018 – Hickam Field, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Oahu, Hawaii"F-15 Eagle/76-0018." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705145336weblink |date=5 July 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0024 – Peterson Air and Space Museum, Peterson AFB, Colorado"F-15 Eagle/76-0024." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127015054weblink |date=27 January 2015}} Peterson Air and Space Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0027 – National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio"F-15 Eagle/76-0027." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211082639weblink |date=11 December 2015}} National Museum of the USAF. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0037 – Holloman AFB, New Mexico"F-15 Eagle/76-0037." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529185302weblink |date=29 May 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0040 – Otis ANGB, Cape Cod, Massachusetts"F-15 Eagle/76-0040." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602041203weblink |date=2 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0042 - United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado 76-0048 – McChord Air Museum, McChord AFB, Washington"F-15 Eagle/76-0048." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322022101weblink |date=22 March 2014}} McChord Air Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 76-0057 - Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada.WEB, McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle, s/n 76-0057 USAF,weblink Aerial Visuals, April 28, 2023, Aircraft previously bore "Vegas Strong" paint scheme to honor victims of Oct 1, 2017 shooting.WEB, 'Vegas Strong' F-15 Fighter Jet Debuts at Nevada Air Show, Fox News,weblink 76-0063 – Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii"F-15 Eagle/76-0063." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211052454weblink |date=11 December 2015}} Pacific Aviation Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0066 – Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon"F-15 Eagle/76-0066." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153306weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0067 – Dyess Air Force Base, Linear Air Park display area on baseWEB, Dyess Air Park,weblink live, 29 December 2022, Dyess Air Force Base, 29 December 2022,weblink 76-0076 (marked as 33rd Fighter Wing F-15C 85–0125) – roadside park, DeBary, Florida"F-15 Eagle/76-0076." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153317weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0080 – Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida"F-15 Eagle/76-0080." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211152519weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0088 – 131st Bomb Wing Heritage Park, Whiteman AFB, MissouriWEB, No Jet Left Behind, Air & Space Forces Magazine, April 21, 2015,weblink January 22, 2024, 76-0108 – Lackland AFB/Kelly Field Annex, Texas"F-15 Eagle/76-0108." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602065906weblink |date=2 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 76-0110 – gate guard, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho"F-15 Eagle/76-0110." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153517weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 77-0068 – Arnold AFB, Manchester, Tennessee"F-15 Eagle/77-0068." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211151327weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 77-0084 – 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California and Nellis Air Force Base, NevadaWEB, SDASM Archives, McDonnell F-15A 77-0084 7TFS 49TFW Nellis AFB 4Feb87 [RJF], 12 October 2015,weblink 5 June 2021, 28 April 2022,weblink live, 77-0090 – Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB, Utah"F-15 Eagle/77-0090." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302185845weblink |date=2 March 2013}} Hill Aerospace Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 77-0102 – Pacific Coast Air Museum, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, California. One of two Massachusetts Air National Guard 102d Fighter Wing aircraft scrambled in first response to terrorist air attacks on 11 September 2001"F-15 Eagle/77-0102." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223073344weblink |date=23 February 2013}} Pacific Coast Air Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. 77-0146 – Veterans Park, Callaway, Florida"F-15 Eagle/77-0146." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153804weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 77-0150 – Yanks Air Museum, Chino, California"F-15 Eagle/77-0150." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122020434weblink |date=22 January 2015}} Yanks Air Museum. Retrieved: 26 March 2013. F-15B 73-0108 – Luke AFB, Arizona"F-15 Eagle/73-0108." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602051248weblink |date=2 June 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 73-0114 – Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Edwards AFB, California"F-15 Eagle/73-0114." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102195232weblink |date=2 January 2017}} Air Force Flight Test Center Museum. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. 75-0084 – Russell Military Museum, Russell, Illinois"F-15 Eagle/75-0084." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625121826weblink |date=25 June 2015}} Russell Military Museum. Retrieved: 1 July 2015. 77-0154 - Sheppard Air Force Base, Witchita Falls, TexasWEB, Airframe Dossier—McDonnell Douglas F-15B Eagle, s/n 77-0154 USAF,weblink April 29, 2023, Aerial Visuals, 77-0159 - Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Camp Douglas, WisconsinWEB, Airframe Dossier—McDonnell Douglas F-15B Eagle, s/n 77-0159 USAF., November 11, 2023,weblink Aerial Visuals, 77-0161 – Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina"F-15 Eagle/77-0161." {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211153114weblink |date=11 December 2015}} aerialvisuals.ca. Retrieved: 10 December 2015. F-15C 79-0022 – Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, Pueblo, ColoradoNEWS,weblink Bringing Home PWAM's F-15 and F-16 from Tucson, Arizona, 16 March 2018, Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 25 September 2018, en-US, 25 September 2018,weblink dead, Credited with a MiG-23 kill during Operation Desert Storm while flown by Donald Watros.WEB,weblink Jan J. Safarik: Air Aces Home Page, Å afařík, Jan Josef, aces.safarikovi.org, 25 September 2018, 4 July 2018,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180704182355weblink">weblink live, It is painted in the colors of the 22nd Fighter Squadron deployed from Bitburg AB, Germany to Incirlik AB, Turkey. 79-0078 – Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GeorgiaNEWS,weblink Weekend Reading - Museum of Aviation, Museum of Aviation, 25 September 2018, en-US, 25 September 2018,weblink live, Currently stored at the museum awaiting restoration and display. Credited with two MiG-21 kills during Operation Desert Storm while flown by Thomas Dietz, while on deployment with 53rd Fighter Squadron to Al Kharj AB, Saudi Arabia from Bitburg AB, Germany{{cn|date=November 2023}} 80-0014 – Chico Air Museum, Chico, California; transported from Langley AFB, Virginia{{cn|date=November 2023}} 86-0156 - National Museum of the United States Air Force - On display in the Cold War Gallery. This aircraft scored two MiG-29 kills of the Yugoslavia Air Force during Operation Allied Force flown by Captain Jeff "Claw" Hwang of the 493rd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, UK.{{cn|date=November 2023}} Notable appearances in media The F-15 was the subject of the IMAX movie (Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag), about the RED FLAG exercises. In Tom Clancy's nonfiction book, (Fighter Wing: A Guided Tour of an Air Force Combat Wing) (1995), a detailed analysis of the Air Force's premier fighter aircraft, the F-15 Eagle and its capabilities are showcased.Clancy, Tom. Fighter Wing: A Guided Tour of an Air Force Combat Wing. New York: Berkley Books, 1995. {{ISBN|0-425-14957-9}}.The F-15 has also been a popular subject as a toy, and a fictional likeness of an aircraft similar to the F-15 has been used in cartoons, books, video games, animated television series, and animated films. See also {hide}aircontent|see also= Fourth-generation jet fighter|related= McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle McDonnell Douglas F-15 STOL/MTD Mitsubishi F-15J Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|similar aircraft= Grumman F-14 Tomcat Mikoyan MiG-29M Sukhoi Su-27 / Shenyang J-11 Dassault Mirage 4000|lists= List of fighter aircraft List of active United States military aircraft {edih} References Notes {{Reflist|group=N}} Citations {{reflist}} Bibliography Aloni, Shlomo. Israeli F-15 Eagle Units in Combat (Osprey Combat Aircraft 67). Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-84603-047-5}}. Bowman, Martin W. US Military Aircraft. London: Bison Books, 1980. {{ISBN|0-89009-292-3}}. Davies, Steve. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, All-Weather Attack Aircraft. London: Airlife Publishing, Ltd., 2003. {{ISBN|1-84037-378-4}}. Davies, Steve. Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle. London: Airlife Publishing, Ltd., 2002. {{ISBN|1-84037-377-6}}. 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 and Doug Dildy. F-15 Eagle Engaged, The World's Most Successful Jet Fighter. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-84603-169-4}}. Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng, eds. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. {{ISBN|0-7607-3432-1}}. Gething, Michael J. F-15 Eagle (Modern Fighting Aircraft). New York: Arco, 1983. {{ISBN|0-668-05902-8}}. Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. New York: Barnes & Noble Inc., 1988. {{ISBN|0-7607-0904-1}}. Gunston, Bill. American Warplanes. New York: Crescent Books. 1986. {{ISBN|0-517-61351-4}}. Huenecke, Klaus. Modern Combat Aircraft Design. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1987. {{ISBN|0-87021-426-8}}. Jenkins, Dennis R. F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000, pp. 1–8. {{ISBN|0-07-134696-1}}. Jenkins, Dennis R. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 1998. {{ISBN|1-85780-081-8}}. Lambert, Mark, ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1993–94. Alexandria, Virginia: Jane's Information Group Inc., 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}. BOOK, Neufeld, Jacob, The F-15 Eagle: Origins and Development 1964–1972, Air Power History, 2007, Spring 2001,weblink 22 April 2017, Today's Best Military Writing, 978-1-4299-1069-9, Scutts, Jerry. Supersonic Aircraft of USAF. New York: Mallard Press, 1989. {{ISBN|0-7924-5013-2}}. Spick, Mike, ed. The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI, 2000. {{ISBN|0-7603-0893-4}}. Further reading Braybrook, Roy. F-15 Eagle. London: Osprey Aerospace, 1991. {{ISBN|1-85532-149-1}}. Crickmore, Paul. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (Classic Warplanes series). New York: Smithmark Books, 1992. {{ISBN|0-8317-1408-5}}. Drendel, Lou. Eagle (Modern Military Aircraft Series). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1985. {{ISBN|0-8974-7271-3}}. Drendel, Lou and Don Carson. F-15 Eagle in action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1976. {{ISBN|0-89747-023-0}}. Fitzsimons, Bernard. Modern Fighting Aircraft, F-15 Eagle. London: Salamander Books Ltd., 1983. {{ISBN|0-86101-182-1}}. Gething, Michael J. and Paul Crickmore. F-15 (Combat Aircraft series). New York: Crescent Books, 1992. {{ISBN|0-517-06734-X}}. Kinzey, Bert. The F-15 Eagle in Detail & Scale (Part 1, Series II). El Paso, Texas: Detail & Scale, Inc., 1978. {{ISBN|0-8168-5028-3}}. Rininger, Tyson V. F-15 Eagle at War. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-0-7603-3350-1}}. External links {{Commons|McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle}} F-15 Eagle USAF Fact Sheet F-15 Eagle history page on Boeing.com weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100531131634weblink">McDonnell Douglas F-15A, and weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071226165111weblink">F-15C on USAF National Museum web site weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20050217223037weblink">F-15 Eagle in service with Israel The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle page {{McDD aircraft}}{{US fighters}}{{USAF system codes}}{{Authority control}}