F-15
The F-15 Eagle
is the most capable production fighter in the world. Since
entering operational service in 1974, the F-15 has attained a
perfect air combat record of 100.5 victories and zero losses.
F-15s destroyed 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air
combat during Operation Desert Storm. F-15s have also been
involved in enforcing no-fly zones since the war, in Desert Fox
operations, and Allied Force in Kosovo.
The F-15E dual-role fighter, meanwhile, provided devastatingly
effective flying at night and in bad weather to attack numerous
mobile Scud missile launchers and other high-value military and
ground targets. The F-15E also maintained a 95.5 percent average
mission capable rate, the highest of any fighter in the war.
Production of the F-15 has been extended into 2000 by orders for
72 F-15S aircraft for Saudi Arabia, and 25 F-15I aircraft for
Israel. Deliveries to Saudi Arabia began in mid-1995. Israel took
delivery of its newest fighter in January 1998. In addition, the
U.S. Air Force has contracted for 17 new attrition reserve F-15E
aircraft with deliveries in 1999 and 2000.
The F-15E can carry payloads of up to 23,000 pounds and is the
only fighter in U.S. production capable of performing the
interdiction mission. It also retains the full air-to-air
capability of the F-15C.
F-15Es are powered by twin Pratt & Whitney F100-P&W-229
engines, generating 29,000 pounds of thrust each.
The Hughes APG-70 radar provides high-resolution ground-mapping
data to cockpit displays that enable F-15E crews to identify
targets clearly and at great distances, significantly increasing
situational awareness. The Lockheed Martin LANTIRN (Low Altitude
Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) system gives the
F-15E the ability to fly at high speed and low altitude at night
and in bad weather and to strike targets with pinpoint precision.
Boeing makes the F-15E at its plant in St. Louis, Mo. Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries produces the F-15J under license in Japan.
Approximately 1,500 F-15s have been delivered worldwide to the
U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard and to the air forces of
Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia.