The F-15 Eagle has been the world’s dominant, supersonic, all-weather, day/night air-superiority fighter for more than 40 years.
The F-15A first flew on July 27, 1972, and F-15A/Bs were delivered between 1974 and 1979, attaining IOC in September 1975. F-15C/Ds began replacing F-15A/Bs in 1979, offering superior maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons, and avionics. The C/D incorporates internal EW countermeasures and an added 2,000 lb of internal fuel (with provision for CFTs).
The aircraft accounted for 34 of 37 USAF air-to-air kills during its combat debut in Desert Storm. The final 43 production aircraft received the F-15E’s APG-70 radar, and the subsequent Multistage Improvement Program enhanced its tactical capabilities.
USAF received the first APG-63(V)3 AESA-modified F-15 in 2010, but comprehensive modernization, including Eagle Passive/ Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), was curtailed with the FY20 decision to replace the fleet with up to 144 new-build F-15EXs.
The fleet averages 8,400 flying hours and suffers performance-limiting structural problems requiring wing/forward fuselage SLEP of 128 airframes through FY24. DOD European Deterrence Initiative funds continue to retain F-15C/Ds at Lakenheath to augment allied air superiority due to tensions with Russia.
Contractors: Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas).
First Flight: Feb. 26, 1979 (F-15C).
Delivered: 1979-85 (F-15C/D).
IOC: 1979 (F-15C/D).
Production: 874.
Inventory: 211 (F-15C); 23 (F-15D).
Operator: ACC, AFMC, PACAF, USAFE, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Barnes Arpt., Mass.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Fresno ANGB, Calif.; Jacksonville Arpt., Fla.; Kadena AB, Japan; Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field), Ore.; NAS JRB New Orleans, La.; Portland Arpt., Ore.; RAF Lakenheath, U.K.
Active Variant: •F-15C. Upgraded version of the single-seat F-15A. •F-15D. Upgraded version of the two-seat F-15B.
Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.7 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 68,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engines, each 23,450 lb thrust; or two P&W F100-PW-229 turbofan engines with afterburners, each 29,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, ferry range 2,878 miles (3,450 miles with CFTs and three external tanks; further with air refueling).
Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (940 rd); four AIM-9 Sidewinders and four AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or eight AIM-120s; in a one-time test, an Eagle successfully launched an anti-satellite missile.
Accommodation: Pilot (C); two pilots (D), on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.