The F-15 Eagle is a U.S. Air Force aircraft manufactured by McDonnell Douglas Corp. for fighter jet and interceptor operations. It has been the US Air Force’s primary fighter aircraft for multiple decades due to its maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons, and avionics. The F-15 Eagle can penetrate enemy defenses and outperform and outfight any current model of enemy aircraft. One of the aircraft’s most unique features is its electronic systems and weaponry that allow it to detect, acquire, track, and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy territories. The aircraft is powered by dual Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100, 220, or 229 turbofan engines and afterburners. These allow the F-15 to reach speeds up to 1,875 miles per hour (mach 2) with a flight range of 3,450 miles.
The F-15 Eagle’s armament changes depending on the configuration. It can feature an M-61A1 cannon, 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder rockets, 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles) or 8 AIM-120AMRAAMs. It is a two-seat, dual-role fighter, integrated for a wide range of air-to-air and deep interdiction missions in all weather conditions. The rear cockpit includes displays for aircraft systems, weapons management, and more. For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attacks on tactical targets during night or adverse weather, the F-15 Eagle is also equipped with state-of-the-art APG-70 radar for navigation and targeting.
The first F-15 Eagle entered service in 1976. In Operation Desert Storm, the F-15 Eagle accounted for 34 of 37 air to air victories during the conflict. They primarily operated at night with the intention of tracking and disabling surface-to-surface missile launchers and other forms of artillery. In addition to Operation Desert Storm, F-15 Eagles have played a role in operations Southern Watch (Iraq), Provide Comfort (Turkey), Allied Force (Bosnia), Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq).
