Correct. The F-15EX program has given us good insight into this. They had to reverify the entire F-15 flight regime to ensure it matched, despite the heavier wing structure like the F-15E, and having the same engine power as the -229s.
There is also this demonstration for the F-15QA which shows what the F-15 is capable of, just not necessarily without computer assistance.(Mouse aim is effectively FBW)
The thing is, you could theoretically do the same thing with an F-15A/C, though with less engine power, assuming the pilot is flying 100% correctly. And in game with Mouse Aim you are getting FBW
The acceleration is cracked without CFTs, superior to the 220s C’s. It also flies higher. Above 60k ft (18.3km) between M1.4 and M.2.2(max 63k ft). Reaching 65k ft. The C eagle can fly above 55k ft between M1.1 and M2.3 and tops exactly at 59k.
The 5,100lbs lighter frame of the C with 229s would’ve made an animal. Had they just made the engines same dimensions and a bit more money…
Some dude in another forum did the math with several manual and put the 129s on a C airframe. The EX uses these engines if I’m not mistaken.
The EX does use the GE-129s. It could also have used the GE-132s, which would have made it an even hotter-rod, but would have extended the testing/development longer than the Air Force could have used the rapid acquisition funds for the program. Such a loss
US F-15 A/Cs do not use anti-surface ammunition, Israeli ones did.
It is little known that the F-15 was capable of using anti-surface weapons from the beginning, including laser and optically guided.