McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
History
The F-15E Strike Eagle was developed in the early 1980s by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) as a solution to the U.S. Air Force’s demand for a dual-role fighter that would dominate in both air-to-air combat and precision ground-attack missions. Unlike the earlier F-15C, designed solely for air superiority, the F-15E was tailored to penetrate heavily defended airspace, destroy high-value targets, and return safely. Equipped with advanced avionics, a larger payload capacity, and conformal fuel tanks for extended range, the Strike Eagle quickly proved to be a game-changer.
Its combat debut in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 showcased its precision strike capabilities as it targeted enemy command centers, supply lines, and SCUD missile launchers, all while retaining the ability to defend itself in air-to-air engagements. Following ODS, the F-15E continued its legacy in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Northern Watch, enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq. During the Kosovo conflict, it played a significant role in Operation Allied Force, striking Serbian military infrastructure with pinpoint accuracy.
The F-15E’s versatility was further demonstrated during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where it provided close air support and struck Taliban and Al-Qaeda positions in remote areas. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, it continued to be a vital asset, targeting enemy forces and key infrastructure with extreme precision. It also contributed to Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable multirole platform capable of handling complex missions in diverse theaters of war.
Today, the F-15E remains a cornerstone of global security, evolving through upgrades to its avionics, weapons systems, and radar capabilities. Its adaptability ensures it can meet modern threats, and its ability to operate in contested environments makes it indispensable to the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. By deterring aggression and maintaining air superiority, the F-15E continues to play a vital role today in preserving peace and stability worldwide.
Technology Suites
F-15E Basic
- Introduced: 1989
- Radar: AN/APG-70, a multimode radar capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
- Weapons: Integration of guided munitions such as JDAMs and laser-guided bombs.
- Electronic Warfare: Basic radar jamming with the AN/ALQ-135.
- Navigation: Basic inertial navigation system with GPS augmentation.
- Avionics: Standard targeting, navigation, and communication systems.
Suite 1
- Introduced: 1999
- Radar: Enhanced AN/APG-70 radar with improved signal processing for air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.
- Weapons: Full integration of JDAM, Paveway laser-guided bombs, and the LANTIRN targeting pod.
- Cockpit: Dual multi-functional displays for Pilot and Combat Systems Officer.
- Electronic Warfare: Introduction of AN/ALQ-135C.
- Navigation: GPS for enhanced targeting.
- Sensors: Implemented AN/AAQ-13/14 navigation and targeting pod systems.
Suite 2
- Introduced: 2002
- Weapons: Integration of additional guided munitions and new stand-off weapons.
- Electronic Warfare: Continued upgrades to AN/ALQ-135C with increased jamming capabilities.
- Cockpit: Enhanced systems with better ergonomics and increased system integration.
Suite 4 (Suite 4E/4E+)
- Introduced: Circa 2003
- Weapons: Expansion of weapons capabilities, including the integration of JASSM and Storm Shadow.
- Electronic Warfare: Upgraded AN/ALQ-135C system with better enhanced countermeasures against modern threats.
- Cockpit: Major overhaul with high-resolution color multi-function displays for both Pilot and CSO.
- Data Links: Full integration of Link 16, providing real-time comms with allied forces.
F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP)
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Program Initiation: 2007
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Radar: Introduction of the AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, replacing the AN/APG-70.
- Development Milestones:
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Raytheon selected to provide AESA radar for F-15E in November 2007.
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First test radar delivered to Boeing in 2010.
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First flight with new radar system conducted by the 389th Fighter Squadron in June 2014 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
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Initial operational capability achieved in 2014.
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- Development Milestones:
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Capabilities: The AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar provides improved radar reliability, maintainability, and performance, as well as reduced support costs. It allows for simultaneous detection and tracking of air and ground targets.
- Near simultaneous interleaving of selected air-to-air and air-to-ground functions
- Enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground classified combat identification capabilities
- Longer range air-to-air target detection and enhanced track capabilities
- Longer range and higher resolution air-to-ground radar mapping
- Improved ground moving target track capability
Suite 5 (Suite 5E/E+)
- Introduced: 2010s
- Radar: Continued use and refinement of the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, with software and hardware updates for improved detection and tracking, particularly for low-observable targets.
- Weapons: Introduction of the Small Diameter Bomb, enhanced JDAM variants, and continued use of JASSM.
- Cockpit: Touchscreen control interfaces and further sensor fusion for better situational awareness.
- Electronic Warfare: Continued updates to the AN/ALQ-135C with expanded capabilities to counter modern electronic threats.
- Sensors: Implemented AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod systems and functionality.
Suite 6 (Future Upgrades / Ongoing)
- Introduced: 2020s (Ongoing upgrades)
- Radar: Further software and hardware updates to the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, with potential transition to newer radar systems in the future.
- Cockpit: Full touchscreen controls and further integration of sensor fusion.
- Weapons: Continued integration of next-generation weapons, including hypersonic missiles and improved guided munitions.
- Electronic Warfare: Implementation of the AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS).
Weapons
Air-to-Air Missiles
AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-7F
AIM-7M
AIM-7MH
AIM-120 AMRAAM
AIM-120A
AIM-120B
AIM-120C-2
AIM-120C-3
AIM-120C-4
AIM-120C-5
AIM-120C-6
AIM-120C-7
AIM-120C-8
AIM-120D-2
AIM-120D-3
CATM-120B
CATM-120C
AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-9P-3
AIM-9P-4
AIM-9P-5
AIM-9L
AIM-9M
AIM-9M-7
AIM-9M-9
AIM-9X
AIM-9X Block II
CATM-9
Air-to-Ground Missiles
AGM-65A
AGM-65B
AGM-65D
AGM-65G
AGM-65G-2
AGM-65H
AGM-65K
AGM-130A-12
AGM-154A-1
AGM-154B-2
AGM-158A-1
AGM-158B-2
AGM-179
JAGM-F
Precision-Guided Bombs
GBU-10/B
GBU-12/B
GBU-15/B
GBU-24/B
GBU-27/B
GBU-28/B
GBU-31(V)1/B
GBU-31(V)3/B
GBU-38/B
GBU-39/B
GBU-53/B
GBU-54/B
General-Purpose Bombs
Mk-81 (250 lb)
Mk-82 (500 lb)
Mk-84 (2,000 lb)
Cluster Bomb Units
CBU-87/B
CBU-97/B
Mk-20 Rockeye Cluster Bomb
Other Bomb Types
BLU-107/B
BLU-109/B
BLU-116/B
Gun
M61A1 20mm Vulcan Cannon
Miscellaneous Stores
Conformal Fuel Tanks
CFT (600-gallon)
External Fuel Tanks
600-gallon external tanks
370-gallon external tanks
AN/AAQ-13
AN/AAQ-14
AN/AAQ-33
DB-110 Reconnaissance Pod
ALQ-135M Electronic Countermeasures Pod
ALQ-184 ECM Pod
ALQ-131
AAR-47 Missile Warning System
Link-16
External Stores
Bug Reports:
Inability to mix CFTs with missiles and bombs
