When Operation Desert Shield was put into action, U.S. Existing Eagles were retrofitted with these improvements, unifying the fleet as a whole.ĭuring the Gulf War, the F-15 Eagles were the deadliest thing in the air. Upgrades included a new central computer for new versions of AIM-7, AIM-9 and AIM-120A missiles, and expanded radar functions. Furthermore, F-15 Multistage Improvement Programme was enacted in early 1983, with first F-15Cs produced in 1985. In 1978, single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered production. The F-15 was initially a single-seat fighter with a TF-15 as the twin-seat variant, and these designations were changed to F-15A and F-15B after the first flight. The electronic warfare with the F-15 provided both threat warning as well as automatic countermeasures against selected threats. The radar that would provide the information was a versatile pulse-Doppler radar capable of doing pretty much any sort of tracking the fighter needs. Due to its position, the fighter had no need to look down to the instruments for additional information. HUD on the windscreen displayed all necessary information and was visible in any light conditions. Another thing that helped was that the D-15’s avionics were superb for their time and are still serviceable. It also helped that the F-15 had a low wing load and with the low weight-to-thrust ratio, the fighter is capable of doing sharp turns without losing airspeed. With a range of 966km and ceiling of 19.2km that can be climbed in 15.25km/s, the F-15 was extremely well equipped.
Mainly armed with the N61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon in the fuselage, the F-15 can carry four AIM-7 Sparrows, AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs and loads of other options up to 7 267kg ranging from rockets, missiles and bombs with its five hardpoints. With two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 turbofans that allow 11 340kg of afterburner thrust, the F-15 is a nimble and relatively low profile fighter with maximum take-off weight at 25 402kg, achieving maximum speed of 2 655km/h rather easily. This record is mostly due to the fighter’s maneuverability combined with high acceleration, work range, advanced avionics and range of weapons. The F-15 is probably fighter with the best combat record, with 100.5 victories over zero losses. However, the F-15’s first fight was not with USAF, but with exporter Israel who shot down four Syrian MiG-21s in June 1977. Early 1976 saw the first front-line combat squadron delivery, and things carried on from there. The F-15 had a legacy to stand up to.į-15A made its first flight in 1972, and two years later the first USAF F-15B Eagle was delivered for service. As such, the F-15 needed to be an all-weather, high manoeuvrable fighter that would keep the US Air Force at the top in air superiority. The F-15 Eagle was designed to be successor to the F-4.