Current as of December 18, 2025
Mission
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather.
Features
The aircraft uses a two-person crew: a pilot and a weapon systems officer (WSO). While previous models of the F-15 are assigned to air-to-air roles, the "E" model is a dual-role fighter. It has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions, and fight its way out.
The aircraft's navigation system uses a laser gyro and a Global Positioning System (GPS) to continuously monitor the aircraft's position and provide information to the central computer and other systems, including a digital moving map in both cockpits.
The F-15E currently uses the APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The radar system allows aircrews to detect air and ground targets from long ranges. One feature of this system is that after generating high-resolution maps of a target area, the crew can freeze the air-to-ground map and then switch back to air-to-air mode to clear for air threats. During air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting, and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO finds the ground target and manages systems to precisely guide the weapon(s) to impact.
The Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) system allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, day or night, and in any weather conditions to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The system consists of a navigation pod mounted externally on the aircraft. The navigation pod contains terrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a heads-up display. This system can also be coupled to the aircraft's autopilot to provide "hands-off" terrain-following capability.
The SNIPER targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that marks an enemy for destruction at long ranges. Once tracking has been started, targeting information is automatically handed off to GPS or laser-guided bombs. The SNIPER targeting pod gives the F-15E unequaled accuracy in weapons delivery, day or night. New Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) upgrades on the F-15E replace the current Radar Warning Receiver, Internal Countermeasure System, and Countermeasure Dispenser Set and are dependent on the newly installed ADCP II computer, APG-82 radar, and updated software suite. EPAWSS improves the F-15E’s ability to detect, identify, locate, deny, degrade, disrupt, and defeat modern RF and electro-optical/infrared threat systems.
One of the most important additions to the F-15E is the rear cockpit and the weapons systems officer (WSO). The pilot/WSO team can manage more demanding, simultaneous tasks than a pilot alone, fully unlocking the Strike Eagle's multi-role capabilities. On four screens, the WSO displays information from the radar, electronic warfare, or infrared sensors; monitors aircraft or weapon status and possible threats; selects targets; and uses an electronic "moving map" to navigate. Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information. Displays can be moved from one screen to another, chosen from a "menu" of display options.
In addition to three similar screens in the front seat, the pilot has a transparent glass heads-up display (HUD) at eye level and a Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) that displays vital flight and tactical information. The pilot doesn't need to look down into the cockpit, for example, to check weapon status or aircraft parameters. At night, the HUD is even more important because it can display a video picture, similar to a daylight view of the world, generated by the forward-looking infrared sensor.
The F-15E is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or F100-PW-229 engines that incorporate advanced digital technology for improved performance. For example, with a digital electronic engine control system, F-15E pilots can accelerate from idle power to maximum afterburner in less than four seconds, a 40 percent improvement over the previous engine control system. Faster engine acceleration means quicker takeoffs and crisper response while maneuvering. The F100-PW-220 engines can produce 25,000 pounds of thrust each (50,000 pounds total), while the F100-PW-229 engines produce 29,000 pounds each (58,000 pounds total).
Each of the low-drag conformal fuel tanks mounted to the F-15E's fuselage can carry 750 gallons of fuel. These conformal fuel tanks also hold weapons on BRU-46A (500-pound weight class) or BRU-47A (2,000-pound weight class) bomb racks, reducing drag and further extending the range and payload of the Strike Eagle. 5,000-pound class weapons are carried on the centerline station.
Combat loadouts can include nearly any air-to-ground weapon in the Air Force inventory as well as an array of air-to-air missiles, the recent addition of AGR-20R (laser-guided 2.75-inch rockets), and a 20mm gun loaded with over 500 rounds.
BACKGROUND
The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through its high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low-wing loading. It was the first U.S. operational aircraft whose engines' thrust exceeded the plane's loaded weight, permitting it to accelerate even while in a vertical climb. Low-wing loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
The first flight of the F-15A was made in July 1972. In November 1974, the first Eagle was delivered to the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where training began in both F-15A and B aircraft. In January 1976, the first F-15 destined for a combat squadron was delivered to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va.
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory in 1979 and were first delivered to Kadena Air Base, Japan. These models were equipped with Production Eagle Package improvements, including 2,000 pounds of additional internal fuel, provisions for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks, and an increased maximum takeoff weight of 68,000 pounds.
The first production model of the F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz., in April 1988.