Boeing produces the F-15E Strike Eagle, a superior next generation multirole strike fighter that is available today. Its unparalleled range, persistence and weapons load make it the backbone of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
Description & Purpose:
Boeing produces the F-15E Strike Eagle, a superior next generation multirole strike fighter that is available today. Its unparalleled range, persistence and weapons load make it the backbone of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
Customer(s):
During the past three decades, Boeing has produced more than 1,500 F-15s. The USAF plans to fly the F-15E at least through 2035. Technology insertions and system upgrades are planned throughout that period to maintain its superiority. The U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard operate five F-15 models: The E and its A, B, C and D predecessors. F-15s are used by the U.S. Air Force in the Global War on Terror and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The F-15E Strike Eagle has two afterburning turbofan engines, each generating approximately 29,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft can reach speeds exceeding twice the speed of sound. It can carry up to 23,000 pounds of payload, including air-to-ground weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), SLAM-ER, and air-to-air weapons such as the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), AIM-9X Sidewinder and the Small Diameter Bomb.
The Raytheon APG-70 radar system provides high-resolution ground-mapping data that enables F-15 crews to identify targets at great distances and significantly increases situational awareness, lethality, and survivability. Raytheon’s AESA radar equips later versions of the F-15. The Lockheed Martin Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system allows aircrews to fly the Strike Eagle at high speed and low altitude at night and in bad weather and to strike targets with pinpoint precision. The F-15 also employs Lockheed’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod and Northrop’s Litening targeting pod.
In addition to the United States, Korea and Singapore, F-15 customers include Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The government of Singapore awarded Boeing a contract in December 2005 to produce 12 F-15SG aircraft for their next-generation replacement fighter jet, and an option for eight additional aircraft at a future date. Production of the F-15SG began in March 2007. In October 2007, Singapore exercised their option for eight F-15SG aircraft and ordered an additional four F-15SG’s. F-15SG1 was rolled out in a ceremony at Boeing St. Louis November 4, 2008. Boeing has delivered all 40 of the F-15K Slam Eagles ordered by the Republic of Korea (ROK) in October 2005. In April 2008 the ROK awarded Boeing a contract for an additional 21 F-15K Slam Eagles. Delivery of those aircraft will begin in 2010. The Singapore and Korean orders extend the F-15 production line into 2013 and provide an opportunity for new and existing customers to purchase additional aircraft.
Background:
The F-15 family of aircraft has a perfect air-combat record of more than 100 victories and zero defeats. F-15s downed four MiG-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict and 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm. During the Balkan conflict, the F-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions.