DualRole Fighter and DeepStrike Aircraft
The McDonnell Douglas F15E Strike Eagle was developed in the 1980s as a highly capable dualrole fighter designed to perform both airtoair combat and longrange, precision strike missions. Evolving from the airsuperiority F15C, the F15E incorporated a strengthened airframe, conformal fuel tanks, advanced radar, and a second crew member to manage navigation and weapons systems. The aircraft first flew on 11 December 1986 and entered service in 1989, quickly becoming one of the most versatile and combatproven fighters in the U.S. Air Force inventory. The Strike Eagle has seen extensive action in conflicts from Desert Storm to presentday operations, conducting deepstrike missions, close air support, interdiction, and air patrols in all weather conditions, day or night. Its ability to carry a wide range of precisionguided munitions, combined with its high speed, long range, and powerful sensors, has made the F15E a cornerstone of American airpower for more than three decades. Continual upgrades to avionics, weapons, and engines ensure the Strike Eagle will remain operational well into the 21st century.
Specifications
Speed: Mach 2.4 max / approx. 600+ mph cruise
Wingspan: 42′ 10″
Crew Size: Two (pilot and weapons systems officer)
Range: 2,400+ miles with conformal tanks and external fuel
Ceiling: 60,000 ft
Armament: One M61A1 20mm cannon; up to 23,000 lb of mixed ordnance including airtoair missiles, airtoground missiles, guided bombs, and precision strike weapons