F-15 EAGLE

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F-15 EAGLE

The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the U.S. Air Force, designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. First flown in 1972 and introduced in 1976, the F-15 has earned a reputation as one of the most successful and dominant fighter jets in history, with an unmatched air-to-air combat record of over 100 victories and zero losses. Its powerful engines, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and advanced avionics allow it to outperform most adversaries in speed, maneuverability, and situational awareness. The F-15 continues to evolve through upgrades and variants like the F-15E Strike Eagle and the advanced F-15EX, ensuring its relevance well into the 21st century.

F15 Eagle Fighter Jets
F-15 EAGLE

Core Specifications

  • Length: 63.8 ft (19.44 m)
  • Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13 m)
  • Height: 18.5 ft (5.6 m)
  • Wing Area: 608 sq ft (56.5 m²)
  • Empty Weight: ~28,000 lb (12,700 kg) for early variants; 34,600 lb (15,694 kg) for Strike Eagle
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 68,000 lb (F-15C), up to 81,000 lb (F-15E Strike Eagle)
  • Powerplant: 2x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or F100-PW-229 turbofan engines
    • Thrust: 23,450 lb each (PW-220, afterburner); up to 29,000 lb each (PW-229, afterburner)
  • Top Speed: Mach 2.5
  • Ceiling: 60,000 ft
  • Ferry Range: 2,878 miles (up to 3,450 miles with conformal fuel tanks and tanks, further with air refueling)
  • Crew: 1 (F-15C), 2 (F-15E Strike Eagle)

Historical and Operational Notes

  • First flight: 1972 (F-15A); entered service in 1976.
  • Exported to Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and others.
  • Legendary for its combat record: 104 aerial victories with zero losses in air-to-air combat, notably in service with the Israeli Air Force.
  • Continues active service in the USAF and international forces, with newer variants (F-15EX) sustaining air superiority needs.

Locations and Production

  • Produced over 1,500 units (including export and derivatives).
  • US Air Force usage at bases in the continental US, Japan, and elsewhere; key model variants include F-15C/D (air superiority), F-15E (strike).

Visual Reference

F-15E Strike Eagle (AF 88 0265) from the 391st Fighter Squadron in flight
  • The F-15E Strike Eagle is characterized by twin vertical stabilizers and tandem seating.
  • Classic F-15A/C models feature a single seat cockpit and were historically painted in air superiority grey.
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