A new air superiority mount
The F-15 was designed to succeed the same manufacturer's F-4 Phantom II, and
first flew in July 1972 as a substantial twin-engined machine with advanced
avionics, including a fly-by-wire control system and the very capable
APG-63 radar. The type revealed phenomenal climb performance during trials,
and began to enter service during January 1976.
Continued development
Work was already under way on an updated version with the improved APG-70
radar, a number of other electronic enhancements (including attachments for
externally mounted sensor packages) and provision for FAST (Fuel and Sensor
Tactical) packs. These can be attached snugly in the angle between the
engine trunks and the under surfaces of the wing for considerably greater
fuel capacity and additional weapon attachment points without any
significant drag penalty. Production of more than 1,500 Eagles is
expected.
Principal versions
F-15A (initial single-seat model), F-15B (initial two-seat model used for
conversion and proficiency training but retaining full combat capability),
F-15C (improved single-seat model with features such as more capable
electronic counter-measures and provision for the new AIM-120 AMRAAM
air-to-air missiles), and F-15D (improved two-seat model).
Principal users
Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and USA.
Technical data
Type: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle single-seat air superiority fighter
with attack capability.
Engines: two 23,950-lb (10,864-kg) reheated thrust Pratt & Whitney
F100-P-100 turbofans.
Performance: maximum speed 1,650+ mph (2,655+ km/h) or Mach 2.5+ at
36,000 ft (10,975 m); climb to 40,000 ft (12,190 m) in 1 minute 0 seconds;
service ceiling 60,000 ft (18,290 m); range 2,878 miles (4,631 km) without
FAST packs.
Weights: empty 27,000 lb (12,247 kg); maximum take-off 68,000 lb (30,845 kg).
Dimensions: span 42 ft 9.75 in (13.05 m); length 63 ft 9 in (19.43 m);
height 18 ft 5.5 in (5.63 m); wing area 608.0 sq ft (56.50 m^2).
Armament: one 20-mm multi-barrel cannon and up to 23,600 lb (10,705 kg) of
disposable stores.
--
Terry W. Colvin, Sierra Vista, Arizona (USA)
< fortean1@frontiernet.net >
Home Page: < http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Stargate/8958/index.html >
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and Vietnam veterans welcome]
Southeast Asia (SEA) service:
Vietnam - Theater Telecommunications Center/HHC, 1st Aviation Brigade
(Jan 71 - Aug 72)
Thailand/Laos
- Telecommunications Center/U.S. Army Support Thailand
(USARSUPTHAI), Camp Samae San (Jan 73 - Aug 73)
- Special Security/Strategic Communications - Thailand
(STRATCOM - Thailand), Phu Mu (Pig Mountain) Signal Site
(Aug 73 - Jan 74)
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