![]() On 24 February 1984, the USAF chose the F-15E key factors in the decision were the F-15E's lower development costs compared to the F-16XL (US$270 million versus US$470 million), a belief that the F-15E had future growth potential, and possessing twin-engine redundancy. The single-engined F-16XL was a promising design, which with its radically redesigned cranked-delta wing, greatly boosted performance if selected, the single- and two-seat versions were to be designated F-16E and F-16F, respectively. McDonnell Douglas, to assist 71-0291 in the evaluation, added to the program other F-15s, designated 78-0468, 80-0055, and 81-0063. Yates, ran from 1981 through 30 April 1983, during which the F-15E logged more than 200 flights, demonstrated takeoff weight of more than 75,000 pounds (34 t), and validated 16 different weapons-carrying configurations. The DRF evaluation team, under the direction of Brigadier General Ronald W. The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credible air-superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it was not American-made, it was not seriously considered. General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted the F-15E. The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming. The program was later renamed the Dual-Role Fighter (DRF) competition. In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111. The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980 Farnborough Airshow. ![]() It was subsequently fitted with a Pave Tack laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs. It was previously used to test conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), initially designed for the F-15 under the designation "FAST Pack", with FAST standing for "Fuel and Sensor, Tactical. The aircraft, known as the Advanced Fighter Capability Demonstrator, first flew on 8 July 1980. To assist in the F-15E's development, McDonnell Douglas modified the second TF-15A prototype, AF serial number 71-0291, as a demonstrator. In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and Hughes began a close collaboration on the development of the F-15E's air-to-ground capabilities. The study recommended the F-15E as the USAF's future strike platform. ![]() In 1978, the USAF initiated the Tactical All-Weather Requirement Study, which looked at McDonnell Douglas's proposal and other options such as the purchase of further F-111Fs. The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the General Dynamics F-111 and the remaining F-4s, as well as to augment the existing F-15s. ĭespite a lack of official interest, McDonnell Douglas quietly worked on an F-15-derived interdictor fighter. Unlike the F-4, the F-15 was designed for the air superiority mission with little consideration for a ground-attack role the F-15 Special Project Office opposed the idea of F-15s performing the interdiction mission, giving rise to the phrase "Not a pound for air to ground." In service, the F-15 has been a successful fighter, scoring over 100 aerial combat victories and zero losses in air-to-air combat as of 2007. The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle was introduced by the USAF to replace its fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. It has also been exported to several countries. During these operations, the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets and combat air patrols, and provided close air support for coalition troops. The Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Libya, among others. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be generally distinguished from other US Eagle variants by darker aircraft camouflage, conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) mounted along the engine intake ramps (although CFTs can also be mounted on earlier F-15 variants) and a tandem-seat cockpit. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present) ![]()
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