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<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
|name=F-15 Eagle
|image=Image:F-15, 71st Fighter Squadron, in flight.JPG
|caption=USAF F-15C over Washington, D.C
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type=[[Air superiority fighter]]
|manufacturer=[[McDonnell Douglas]] /<br/>[[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems|Boeing IDS]]
|designer=
|first flight=July 27, 1972
|introduction=January 9, 1976
|retired=
|number built=
|status=Active
|unit cost=F-15A/B: US$27.9 million (1998) <br/> F-15C/D: US$29.9 million (1998)<ref name="USAF_fact_sheet"/>
|primary user= [[United States Air Force]]
|more users= [[Israeli Air Force]] <br/>[[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] <br/>[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] <!-- Only THREE 'more users' here. Separate users with <br/>. -->
|variants with their own articles = [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] <br/>[[F-15 S/MTD]]
}}
|}

The [[McDonnell Douglas]] (now [[Boeing]]) '''F-15 Eagle''' is a twin-engine, all-weather [[military tactics|tactical]] [[fighter aircraft|fighter]] designed to gain and maintain [[air superiority]] in aerial combat. It was developed for the [[United States Air Force]], and first flew in July 1972. It is one of the most recognized fighters of the modern day. The [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] derivative is an all-weather strike fighter that entered service in 1989. The U.S Air Force plans to keep the F-15 in service until 2025.<ref name="fighter_force">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.afa.org/magazine/march2007/0307force.asp "Making the Best of the Fighter Force"]. ''Air Force magazine'', March 2007.</ref>

==Development==
===Origins===
During the mid-1960s U.S. Air Force intelligence was surprised<ref>"In July 1967 at the Domodedovo airfield near Moscow, the Soviet Union unveiled a new generation of combat aircraft.. condenamed{{sic}} Foxbat by NATO.": ''Development'' in ''Modern Fighting Aircraft'', 1983</ref> to find that the Soviet Union was building a large fighter aircraft, known as the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25|MiG-25 'Foxbat']].<ref name="Davies_intro"> Davies 2002, pp. 9–11.</ref> It was not known in [[Western world#Cold War|the West]] at the time that the MiG-25 was designed as a high-speed [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]], (not an air superiority fighter), <ref name="Bowman">Bowman 1980, p. 193.</ref> so its primary asset was speed, not maneuverability. The MiG-25's huge [[tailplane]]s and [[vertical stabilizer]]s (tail fins) hinted at a very maneuverable aircraft, which worried the Air Force that its performance might be higher than its American counterparts. In reality, the MiG's large fins and [[stabilator]]s were necessary to prevent the aircraft from encountering [[inertia coupling]] in high-speed, high-altitude flight.

The [[F-4 Phantom II]] of the USAF and [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] was the only fighter with enough power, range, and maneuverability to be given the primary task of dealing with the threat of Soviet fighters while flying with visual engagement rules.<ref name="Davies_intro"/> As a matter of policy, the Phantoms could not engage targets without positive visual identification, so they could not engage targets at long ranges, as designed. Medium-range [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] missiles, and to a lesser degree even the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]], were often unreliable and ineffective at close ranges where it was found that guns were often the only effective weapon.<ref name="Jenkins_back">Jenkins 1998, pp. 5–9.</ref>

The Phantom did not originally have a gun, as it was intended that only missiles would be used to engage slowly moving and maneuvering [[Warsaw Pact]] [[bomber]]s and fighters at longer ranges. Experience in Vietnam showed this not to be the case and led to the addition of a gun. At first an external [[gun pod]] was tried but that proved inaccurate and increased [[drag (physics)|drag]]. Later, the 20 mm [[M61 Vulcan]] was integrated internally on the F-4E.

=== F-X program ===
[[Image:F-15 Eagle Cockpit.jpg|thumb|right|F-15A cockpit.]]

There was a clear need for a new fighter that overcame the close-range limitation of the Phantom while retaining long-range air superiority. After rejecting the U.S. Navy VFX program (which led to the [[F-14 Tomcat]]) as being unsuited to its needs, the U.S. Air Force issued its own requirements for the Fighter Experimental (F-X), a specification for a relatively lightweight air superiority fighter.<ref name="eden">Eden and Moeng 2002, p. 944.</ref> Four companies submitted proposals, with the Air Force eliminating [[General Dynamics]] and selecting [[Fairchild (aircraft manufacturer)|Fairchild Republic]], [[North American Aviation|North American Rockwell]], and [[McDonnell Douglas]] for the definition phase in December 1968. The companies submitted technical proposals by June 1969. The Air Force announced the selection of McDonnell Douglas on December 23, 1969.<ref name="Jenkins_F-X">Jenkins 1998, pp. 9–11.</ref> The winning design resembled the twin-tailed F-14, but with fixed wings. It would not be significantly lighter or smaller than the F-4 that it would replace.

The Eagle's initial versions were designated '''F-15A''' for the single-seat configuration and '''F-15B''' (originally '''TF-15A''', but this designation was quickly deprecated, as the F-15B is fully combat-capable) for the twin-seat. These versions would be powered by new [[Pratt & Whitney F100]] engines to achieve a combat [[thrust]]-to-weight ratio in excess of 1 to 1. A proposed 25 mm Ford-Philco [[GAU-7 cannon]] with caseless ammunition was dropped in favor of the standard M61 Vulcan gun due to development problems. The F-15 retained conformal carriage of four Sparrow missiles like the Phantom. The fixed wing was put onto a flat, wide fuselage that also provided an effective lifting surface. Some questioned if the zoom performance of the F-15 with Sparrow missiles was enough to deal with the new threat of the high-flying MiG-25 "Foxbat", but its capability was eventually demonstrated in combat.

[[Image:F-15A first prototype 2.jpg|thumb|left|McDonnell Douglas F-15A (S/N 71-0280) first flight.]]
The first F-15A flight was made in July 1972 with the first flight of the two-seat F-15B (formerly TF-15A) following in July 1973.<ref name="Spick">Spick 2000, pp. 130–131.</ref>

The F-15 has a "[[look-down/shoot-down]]" [[radar]] that can distinguish low-flying moving targets from ground clutter. The F-15 would use computer technology with new controls and displays to lower pilot workload and require only one pilot to save weight. Unlike the F-14 or F-4, the F-15 has only a single [[aircraft canopy|canopy]] frame with clear vision forward. The USAF introduced the F-15 as "the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the [[F-86 Sabre]]."<ref>"Return of the Air Superiority Fighter"[[RAND]] report. </ref>

[[Image:f-15c.eagle.86-0175.taxi.arp.jpg|thumb|right|USAF F-15C taxiing for takeoff.]]

The F-15 would be favored by customers such as the [[Israel Air Force]] and [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]], and the development of the F-15E Strike Eagle would produce a strike fighter that would replace the [[General Dynamics F-111|F-111]]. However, criticism from the [[fighter mafia]] that the F-15 was too large to be a dedicated [[dogfight]]er, and too expensive to procure in large numbers to replace the F-4 and [[A-7 Corsair II|A-7]], led to the [[Lightweight Fighter]] (LWF) program, which led to the USAF [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] and the middle-weight Navy [[F/A-18 Hornet]].

The single-seat '''F-15C''' and two-seat '''F-15D''' models entered production in 1978 with the models' first flights in February and June of that year.<ref name="Jenkins2"> Jenkins 1998, pp. 33–34. </ref> These new models have Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements, including 2,000 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (900 kg) of additional internal fuel, provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 lb (30,700 kg).<ref name="green"/>

===Improvements===

The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) was initiated in February 1983 with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 included the enhanced-capability Hughes APG-70 radar, which was carried forward into the F-15E. The earlier MSIP F-15Cs with the APG-63 were later upgraded to the APG-63(V)1, which significantly improves reliability and maintainability while providing performance similar to the APG-70. The improvements were retrofitted to existing F-15s.<ref>Davies 2002, pp. 56–57.</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:F-15 takeoff.jpg|thumb|right|F-15C performing a maximum performance takeoff.]]

The F-15 has an all-metal [[monocoque|semi-monocoque]] [[fuselage]] with a large [[cantilever]] [[Wing|shoulder-mounted wing]]. The [[empennage]] is all-metal twin fins and rudders with all-moving composite horizontal tail surfaces outboard of the fins. The F-15 has a spine-mounted [[Air brake (aircraft)|air brake]] and [[Undercarriage#Retractable gear|retractable]] [[Tricycle gear|tricycle]] [[Undercarriage|landing gear]]. It is powered by two [[Pratt & Whitney]] F100 [[axial-flow]] [[turbofan]] engines with [[afterburner]]s mounted side-by-side in the fuselage. The [[cockpit]] is mounted high in the forward fuselage with a one-piece windscreen and large canopy to increase visibility.

The F-15's maneuverability is derived from low [[wing loading]] (weight to wing area ratio) with a high [[thrust-to-weight ratio]] enabling the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed. The F-15 can climb to 30,000 feet (10,000 m) in around 60 seconds. The thrust output of the dual engines is greater than the aircraft's weight, thus giving it the ability to accelerate in a vertical climb. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so that one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.<ref name="eden"/> The "A" and "C" models are single-seat variants that make up the bulk of F-15 production. "B" and "D" models add a second seat behind the pilot for training. "E" models use the second seat for a bombardier/navigator.

A multi-mission [[avionics]] system includes a [[head-up display]] (HUD), advanced radar, [[inertial guidance system]] (INS), flight instruments, [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) communications, and [[Tactical Air Navigation]] (TACAN) and [[Instrument Landing System]] (ILS) receivers. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, "[[secondary surveillance radar|identification friend or foe]]" system, [[electronic countermeasures]] suite and a central digital computer.<ref name="gunston p. 194">Gunston 1986, p. 194.</ref>

[[Image:USAF F-15D Top.jpg|thumb|left|A wing over maneuver displays the clean lines and high-wing design of an F-15E from [[Elmendorf Air Force Base|Elmendorf AFB]], AK.]]

The heads-up display projects, through a combiner, all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments.<ref>Huenecke 1987, pp. 227–230.</ref>

The F-15's versatile [[APG-63 and APG-70 radars|APG-63/70]] [[Pulse-Doppler radar]] system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range (the maximum being 120 nautical miles (220&nbsp;km) away) down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. The capability of locking onto targets as far as 50 nautical miles (90&nbsp;km) with an [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] enables true beyond visual range (BVR) engagement of targets. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.<ref name="Jenkins_p97"> Jenkins 1998, pp. 97–104.</ref>

[[Image:F-15E with the speed brake up.jpg|thumb|right|upright|F-15E with speed brake deployed and conformal tanks fitted.]]
A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.<ref>Huenecke 1987, pp. 232–236.</ref>

The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: [[AIM-7 Sparrow|AIM-7F/M Sparrow]] missiles or [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] advanced medium range air-to-air missiles on its lower fuselage corners, [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9L/M Sidewinder]] or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal M61A-1 20 mm [[Gatling gun]] in the right wing root.<ref name="lambert">Lambert 1993, p. 521.</ref>

Low-drag [[conformal fuel tank]]s (CFTs) were developed for the F-15C and D models. They can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft.<ref name="lambert"/> However, they degrade performance by increasing drag and cannot be jettisoned in-flight (unlike conventional external tanks). Each conformal fuel tank can hold 750 U.S. [[gallon]]s (2,840 [[litre|L]]) of fuel.<ref name="Jenkins_p111"> Jenkins 1998, p. 111.</ref> These tanks increase range thus reducing the need for [[aerial refueling|in-flight refueling]]. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. Moreover, Sparrow or AMRAAM missiles can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks.<ref name="green">Green and Swanborough 1998, p. 371.</ref> The 57 FIS based at Keflavik NAS, Iceland was the only C-model squadron to utilize CFT's on a regular basis due to its extended operations over the North Atlantic. With the closure of the 57 FIS the F-15E is the only U.S. variant to carry them on a routine basis. The American CFTs were also provided to Israel and Saudi Arabia but only Israel uses them (as needed) on their entire fleet.

[[Image:M61 on f15.JPG|thumb|left|[[M61 Vulcan]] mounted on the side of right engine intake.]]
The [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep [[air interdiction|interdiction]] missions. The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant [[EG&G|Lear Siegler]] flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a [[ring laser gyroscope|ring-laser gyro]] inertial navigation system.<ref>Lambert 1993, p. 523.</ref> For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the F-15E carries a high-resolution [[APG-63 and APG-70 radars|APG-70]] radar and [[LANTIRN]] pods to provide thermal imagery.<ref name="Jenkins_p97" />

The [[APG-63(V)2]] [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (AESA) radar has been retrofitted to 18 U.S. Air Force F-15C aircraft.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/n19991208_992202.htm 18 APG-63(V)2]</ref> This upgrade includes most of the new hardware from the APG-63(V)1, but adds an AESA to provide increased pilot situational awareness. The AESA radar has an exceptionally agile beam, providing nearly instantaneous track updates and enhanced multi-target tracking capability. The APG-63(V)2 is compatible with current F-15C weapon loads and enables pilots to take full advantage of [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] capabilities, simultaneously guiding multiple missiles to several targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation, or range.

==Operational history==
[[Image:F-15 vertical deploy.jpg|thumb|right|upright|F-15D from the 325 Fighter Wing based in [[Tyndall Air Force Base|Tyndall AFB]], releasing flares]]

The largest operator of the F-15 is the [[United States Air Force]]. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered November 14, 1974.<ref name="scutts"> Scutts 1989, p. 47.</ref> In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron, the [[555th Fighter Squadron|555th TFS]], was delivered.<ref name="scutts"/> These initial aircraft carried the [[Hughes Aircraft]] (now [[Raytheon]]) [[APG-63 and APG-70 radars|APG-63]] radar.

The first kill in an F-15 was by IAF ace Moshe Melnik in 1979.<ref name=1st>[http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2003/december/i_ids5.html "An Eagle evolves"], Boeing, January 2004.</ref> In 1979–81 during Israeli-[[Lebanon|Lebanese]] border disputes, F-15As downed 13 [[Syria]]n [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 "Fishbeds"]] and two Syrian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25|MiG-25 "Foxbats"]], the latter being the aircraft the F-15 was designed to kill. F-15A and B models were used by Israel during the [[1982 Lebanon War|Bekaa Valley]] operation. During the [[1982 Lebanon War]], the Israeli F-15s shot down 40 Syrian jet fighters (23 MiG-21 "Fishbeds" and 17 [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23 "Floggers"]]) and one Syrian SA.342L [[Gazelle helicopter]].<ref>[http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_270.shtml "Israeli Air-to-Air Victories since 1974"], ACIG.org, September 24, 2003.</ref>

[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] F-15C pilots shot down two [[F-4 Phantom II|F-4E Phantom II]]s flown by the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force|Iranian Air Force]] in a border skirmish in June 1984, and shot down two Iraqi [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1]]s during the [[Gulf War]].<ref>Smith, William E., [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,951187,00.html?internalid=ACA Pushing the Saudis Too Far], ''Time'', June 18, 1984. Retrieved January 26, 2008</ref><ref>Halloran, Richard, [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iraq/index.html?s=oldest&&query=AIRLINES+AND+AIRPLANES&field=des&match=exact 2 Iranian Fighters Reported Downed by Saudi Air Force] ''New York Times'', June 6, 1984, p. 1. Retrieved January 26, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avf15_2.html#m4 F-15 in Saudi Service]</ref>

[[Image:DF-ST-92-07383-C.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Royal Saudi Air Force]] F-15 approaches a KC-135 for refueling during [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Operation Desert Shield]].]]

The USAF deployed F-15C, D and E models to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of [[Gulf War|Operation Desert Storm]] where they accounted for 36 of the 39 Air Force air-to-air victories. F-15Es were operated mainly at night, hunting [[Al Hussein|modified SCUD missile]] launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system.<ref name="Davies_31">Davies 2002, pp. 31–40.</ref> According to the USAF, its F-15Cs had 34 confirmed kills of Iraqi aircraft during the 1991 Gulf War, mostly by missile fire: five MiG-29 "Fulcrums", two MiG-25 "Foxbats", eight MiG-23 "Floggers", two MiG-21 "Fishbeds", two [[Sukhoi Su-25|Su-25 "Frogfoots"]], four [[Sukhoi Su-22|Su-22 "Fitters"]], one [[Sukhoi Su-7|Su-7]], six [[Mirage F1]]s, one [[Ilyushin Il-76|Il-76]] cargo plane, one [[Pilatus Aircraft|Pilatus]] [[Pilatus PC-9|PC-9]] trainer, and two [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] helicopters. After air superiority was achieved in the first three days of the conflict, many of the later kills were reportedly of Iraqi aircraft fleeing to Iran, rather than actively trying to engage U.S. aircraft. The single-seat F-15C was used for air superiority, and the F-15E was heavily used in air-to-ground attacks. An F-15E achieved an aerial kill of another Iraqi Mi-8 helicopter using a laser-guided bomb during the air war. The F-15E sustained two losses to ground fire in the Gulf War in 1991.<ref name= "Maxwell">[http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/avc/avc.asp U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency].</ref> Another one was damaged on the ground by a SCUD strike on [[Dhahran]] air base.<ref>[http://www.1stfighter.com/history/1991.html#prof 1st. Fighter Wing timeline]</ref>

They have since been deployed to support [[Operation Southern Watch]], the patrolling of the [[Iraqi no-fly zones|No-Fly Zone]] in Southern Iraq; [[Operation Provide Comfort]] in [[Turkey]]; in support of NATO operations in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], and recent air expeditionary force deployments. In 1994, two U.S. Army [[UH-60 Black Hawk]]s were downed by USAF F-15Cs who thought they were Iraq Hinds in the Northern no-fly zone of Iraq in a [[1994 Black Hawk shootdown incident|friendly fire incident]].<ref>[http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun1998/n06011998_9806017.html Patrolling Iraq's Northern Skies].</ref> USAF F-15Cs shot down four Yugoslav MiG-29s using [[AIM-120]] missiles during [[NATO]]'s 1999 intervention in [[Kosovo]], [[Operation Allied Force]].<ref name= "Maxwell"/>

The F-15 in all air forces had an air-to-air combined record of 104 kills to 0 losses in air combat as of February 2008.<ref name="Reformers">John Correll, [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/February%202008/0208reformers.aspx "The Reformers"], ''Air Force Magazine'', February 2008, Vol. 91 Number 2, p. 44.</ref> To date, no air superiority versions of the F-15 (A/B/C/D models) have ever been shot down by enemy forces. Over half of the F-15's kills were made by [[Israeli Air Force]] pilots.

===Satellite killer===
[[Image:ASAT missile launch.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[ASM-135]] ASAT test launch]]

From January 1984 to September 1986, two F-15As were used as launch platforms for the [[ASM-135 ASAT|ASM-135]] [[anti-satellite weapon|anti-satellite (ASAT)]] missile. The F-15As (76-0086 and 77-0084) were modified to carry one ASM-135 on the centerline station with extra equipment within a special centerline pylon.<ref name="Jenkins_p31"> Jenkins 1998, p. 31.</ref> The launch aircraft executed a Mach 1.22, 3.8 g climb at 65° to release the ASAT missile at an altitude of {{convert|38100|ft|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.<ref name="asat"/><ref name="AF_mag_can">Grier, Peter. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/February%202009/0209tomato.aspx "The Flying Tomato Can"]. Air Force magazine, February 2009.</ref> The flight computer was updated to control the zoom-climb and missile release. The third test flight involved a retired communications satellite in a 345-mile (555&nbsp;km) orbit, which was successfully destroyed by [[kinetic energy]].<ref name="asat"> Karambelas, Gregory and Sven Grahn, ed. [http://www.svengrahn.pp.se/histind/ASAT/F15ASAT.html The F-15 ASAT story]. svengrahn.pp.se</ref> The pilot, USAF Major Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson, became the only pilot to destroy a satellite.<ref>[http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6714 Biographies: Major General Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson Jr.] USAF, August 2, 2006.</ref><ref name="AF_mag_can"/>

The ASAT missile was designed to be a standoff anti-satellite weapon, with the F-15A acting as a first stage. The Soviet Union could interpret a U.S. rocket launch with a spy satellite loss, but an F-15 carrying an ASAT would blend in among hundreds of F-15 flights. The ASAT program involved five test launches. The program was officially terminated in 1988.<ref name="Jenkins_p31"/><ref name="AF_mag_can"/>

===Structural defects===
All F-15 aircraft were grounded by the [[U.S. Air Force]] after a [[Missouri Air National Guard]] F-15C came apart in flight and crashed on November 2, 2007. The newer F-15E fleet was later cleared for continued operations. The U.S. Air Force reported on November 28, 2007 that a critical location in the upper [[longeron]]s on the F-15C model was suspected of causing the failure, causing the fuselage forward of the air intakes, including the cockpit and radome, to separate from the airframe.<ref name="image">[http://www.afa.org/magazine/feb2008/0208world.pdf Animated image] ''Air Force Magazine'' February 2008. Retrieved: February 7, 2008. Frames from an animated image by Boeing recreating the breakup are here.</ref>

F-15A through D-model aircraft were ordered grounded until the location received more detailed inspections and repairs as needed.<ref>[http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123077340 "F-15 A-D models ordered to stand down for additional inspections"], U.S. Air Force, November 28, 2007.</ref> The grounding of F-15s received media attention as it began to place strains on the nation's air defense efforts.<ref name="F-15_grounding_strains"> Lindlaw, Scott (for Associated Press). [http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=4052845 "F-15 grounding strains U.S. air defenses"], ABC News, December 26, 2007.</ref> The grounding forced some states to rely on their neighbors' fighter jets for air defense protection, and [[Alaska]] to depend on [[Canadian Forces]]' support.<ref name="F-15_grounding_strains"/>

On January 8, 2008, the USAF Air Combat Command (ACC) cleared a portion of its F-15A through D-model fleet for return to flying status. It also recommended a limited return to flight for units worldwide using the affected models.<ref name="partial_return">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123081524 "Air Combat Command clears selected F-15s for flight"], Air Force, January 9, 2008.</ref> The accident review board report was released on January 10, 2008. The report stated that analysis of the F-15C wreckage determined that the longeron did not meet drawing specifications, which led to fatigue cracks and finally a catastrophic failure of the remaining support structures and breakup of the aircraft in flight.<ref name="accident_report">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123081718 "F-15 Eagle accident report released"], US Air Force, January 10, 2008. Retrieved: January 26, 2008.</ref> In a report released in January 10, 2008, nine other F-15s were identified to have similar problems in the longeron. As a result of these problems, General [[John D. W. Corley]] stated that "the long-term future of the F-15 is in question."<ref> Buzanowski, J.G. [http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123081759 Air Force leaders discuss F-15 accident, future] US Air Force, January 10, 2008. Retrieved: January 26, 2008.</ref> On February 15, 2008 ACC cleared all its grounded F-15A-D fighters for flight pending inspections, engineering reviews and any needed repairs. ACC also recommended release of other U.S. F-15A-D aircraft.<ref name="ACC_feb15_release">[http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123086680 "ACC issues latest release from stand down for F-15s"], Air Force, February 15, 2008.</ref>

===Future===
[[Image:USAF F-15C fires AIM-7 Sparrow 2.jpg|thumb|right|F-15C fires [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] in 2005.]]

The F-15C/D model is being supplanted in U.S. service by the [[F-22 Raptor]]. The F-15E, however, will remain in service for years to come because of their different air-to-ground role and the lower number of hours on their [[airframe]]s.<ref name="fighter_force"/> On September 26, 2006, at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in [[Washington D.C.]], the USAF announced their plan to upgrade 178 F-15C fighters with the [[AN/APG-63(V)3]] AESA radar. Additionally, the Air Force also plans to upgrade other F-15s with the [[Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System]] (JHMCS).<ref>[http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Air_Force_Will_Get_New_Bomber_Upgrades_To_Fighters_999.html Air Force Will Get New Bomber, Upgrades To Fighters], Spacewar.com, October 5, 2006.</ref> In keeping with that plan, the Air Force then contracted with Boeing to retrofit F-15Cs with the [[APG-63 and APG-70 radars|AN/APG-63(V)3]] [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (AESA) radars with delivery beginning in early 2009.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q4/071009c_nr.html "Boeing Awarded $70 Million Contract for Enhanced F-15C Radar"], Boeing, October 9, 2007.</ref> The Air Force will keep 178 F-15Cs as well as the 224 F-15Es in service beyond 2025.<ref name="fighter_force"/>

==Variants==
===Basic models===
[[Image:F-15 over florida.jpg|thumb|right|USAF F-15C over Florida]]
;F-15A
:Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 384 built 1972-79.<ref name = "davies_2002"/>
;F-15B
:Two-seat training version, formerly designated '''TF-15A''', 61 built 1972-79.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15C
:Improved single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version, 483 built 1979-85.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15D
:Two-seat training version, 92 built 1979-85.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15J
:Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version for the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] 139 built under license in Japan by [[Mitsubishi]] 1981-97, 2 built in St. Louis.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15DJ
:Two-seat training version for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force. 25 Built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi 1981-97, 12 built in St. Louis.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15N Sea Eagle
:The F-15N was a carrier-capable variant proposed in the early 1970s to the [[U.S. Navy]] as an alternative to the heavier and, at the time, considered as "riskier" technology program: [[F-14 Tomcat]]. The F-15N-PHX was another proposed naval version capable of carrying the [[AIM-54 Phoenix]] missile. These featured folding wingtips, reinforced landing gear and a stronger tail hook for shipboard operation.<ref>Jenkins 1998, pp. 71–72.</ref>

[[Image:F15-cockpit-view-tanker-067.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A view of an [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]] cockpit from an [[aerial refueling]] tanker.]]

===F-15E and related===
{{main|F-15E Strike Eagle}}
;F-15E Strike Eagle
:Two-seat all-weather long-range strike and ground-attack aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, 237 built 1985-2001.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15F Strike Eagle
:Proposed single seat model of the F-15E.
;F-15H Strike Eagle
:Export model of the F-15E Strike Eagle for [[Hellenic Air Force]] (canceled)
;F-15I Ra'am (Thunder)
:Advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle for the [[Israeli Air Force]], 25 built 1996-98.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15K Slam Eagle
:Advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle for the [[Republic of Korea Air Force]], 40 built 2005-08.
;F-15S Strike Eagle
:Export version of the F-15E Strike Eagle for the [[Royal Saudi Air Force]], 72 built 1996-98.<ref name="davies_2002"/>
;F-15SG Strike Eagle
:Advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle for the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]. This variant was formerly designated F-15T and is based on the South Korean F-15K; it is equipped with Raytheon AESA radar.

[[Image:NASA F-15B 836 with Quiet Spike.jpg|thumb|NASA's F-15B Research Testbed, aircraft #836 (''74-0141''), with the [[Quiet Spike]] attachment designed to reduce and control a [[sonic boom]].]]

===Research and test===
;F-15 Streak Eagle (72-0119)
:One stripped and unpainted F-15A, demonstrated the fighter's acceleration – broke eight time-to-climb world records between January 16 and February 1, 1975. It was delivered to the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in December 1980.<ref name="USAF_fact_sheet">[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=621 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Streak Eagle fact sheet], National Museum of the United States Air Force.</ref>
;[[F-15 S/MTD]] (71-0290)
:The first F-15B was converted into a short takeoff and landing, maneuver technology demonstrator aircraft.<ref name="Jenkins_p65">Jenkins 1998, pp. 65–70.</ref>
;[[F-15 S/MTD|F-15 ACTIVE]] (71-0290)
:The F-15 S/MTD was later converted into an advanced flight control technology research aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles.<ref name="Jenkins_p65"/>
;[[Intelligent Flight Control System|F-15 IFCS]] (71-0290)
:The F-15 ACTIVE was then converted into an intelligent flight control systems research aircraft.
;F-15 MANX
:Concept name for a tailless variant of the F-15 ACTIVE, but the NASA ACTIVE experimental aircraft was never modified to be tailless.
;F-15 Flight Research Facility (71-0281 and 71-0287)
:Two F-15A aircraft were acquired in 1976 for use by NASA's [[Dryden Flight Research Center]] for numerous experiments such as: Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HiDEC), Adaptive Engine Control System (ADECS), Self-Repairing and Self-Diagnostic Flight Control System (SRFCS) and Propulsion Controlled Aircraft System (PCA).<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-022-DFRC.html F-15 Flight Research Facility fact sheet]. Dryden Flight Research Center.</ref> 71-0281 was returned to the Air Force and became a static display at Langley AFB in 1983.
;F-15B Research Testbed (74-0141)
[[Image:Eagle operators.png|thumb|400px|Current operators of the F-15 in light blue, [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]] in red, both in dark blue]]
:Acquired in 1993, it is a highly modified F-15B used by NASA's [[Dryden Flight Research Center]].<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-055-DFRC.html F-15B Research Testbed fact sheet]. Dryden Flight Research Center.</ref>

==Operators==
{{seealso|F-15E Strike Eagle}} for operators of F-15E-based variants.
<!---No Strike Eagles here, please--->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Two Israeli F-15s.jpg|thumb|Two IAF F-15s]] -->
;{{ISR}}
*[[Israeli Air Force]] has operated F-15s since 1977, received under [[Peace Fox I]], II and III. These aircraft are currently organized into two squadrons of F-15A/B and one squadron of F-15C/Ds. The first 25 F-15A/B were early USAF production airframes,<ref name=1st/> equipping IDFAF squadron 133<sup>rd</sup>. The second batch was temporarily embargoed as a result of the [[1982 Lebanon War]].<ref>Gething 1983</ref>

[[Image:Two JASDF F-15J take off in formation.JPEG|thumb|right|Two F-15J Eagles of the 202nd TFS, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, take off in formation during a joint USA/Japan exercise.]]
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:JapaneseF-15.jpg|thumb|right|A special painted F-15J{{deletable image-caption|1=Sunday, March 16, 2008}}]] -->
;{{JPN}}
*[[Japan Air Self-Defence Force]] acquired 203 F-15Js and 20 F-15DJs from 1981, of which 2 F-15Js and 12 F-15DJs were made in U.S. and the rest by Mitsubishi under license. These aircraft are currently operated by 2 ''Hikotai'' (squadron) of 2. ''Kokudan'' (Air Wing), ''[[Chitose Air Base]]'', 1 Hikotai of 5. Kokudan, ''Nyutabaru'' AB, 1 Hikotai of 6. Kokudan, ''Komatsu'' AB, 2 Hikotais of 7. Kokudan, ''Hyakuri'' AB and 1 Hikotai of 8. Kokudan, ''Tsuiki'' AB. In June 2007, the Air Self-Defense Force decided to upgrade certain F-15 aircraft with [[synthetic aperture radar]] pods; these aircraft will replace RF-4 aircraft currently in service.<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2007/LockheedMartinUpgradeRadarForReconn.html "Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Radar for Reconnaissance Version of Japan's F-15"], Lockheed Martin press release, June 19, 2007.</ref>

;{{SAU}}
*[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] has operated 4 squadrons of F-15C/D (55/19) since 1981, received under [[Peace Sun]]. They are based at ''Dhahran'', ''Khamis Mushayt'' and ''Taif'' air bases. A stipulation in the [[Camp David Peace Agreement]] limited the number of Saudi F-15 to 60, holding surplus air frames in [[Luke AFB]] for RSAF pilot training. This limitation was later abandoned.

;{{USA}}
*[[United States Air Force]] operated 660 F-15 aircraft (515 in active duty and 145 in ANG, active inventory, all variants) as of September 2007.<ref name="USAF_Almanac">Mehuron, Tamar A., Assoc. Editor. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508facts_figs.pdf 2008 USAF Almanac, Fact and Figures], Air Force Magazine, May 2008.</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* '''Active Duty<ref>[http://www.afhra.af.mil/organizationalrecords/ Air Force Historical Research Agency]</ref>'''
** '''[[Air Combat Command]]'''
*** [[1st Fighter Wing]] - [[Langley Air Force Base|Langley AFB]], [[Virginia]]
**** [[71st Fighter Squadron]]
*** [[33d Fighter Wing]] - [[Eglin Air Force Base|Eglin AFB]], [[Florida]]
**** [[58th Fighter Squadron]]
*** [[53d Wing]] - [[Eglin Air Force Base]], [[Florida]]
**** [[85th Test and Evaluation Squadron]]
**** [[422d Test and Evaluation Squadron]], Nellis AFB, Nevada
*** [[57th Wing]] - [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]]
**** [[65th Aggressor Squadron]]
*** [[366th Fighter Wing]] - [[Mountain Home Air Force Base|Mountain Home AFB]], [[Idaho]]
**** [[390th Fighter Squadron]]
** '''[[Air Education and Training Command]]'''
*** [[325th Fighter Wing]] - [[Tyndall Air Force Base|Tyndall AFB]], [[Florida]]
**** [[2d Fighter Squadron]]
**** [[95th Fighter Squadron]]
**'''[[Pacific Air Forces]]'''
*** [[3d Wing]] - [[Elmendorf Air Force Base|Elmendorf AFB]], [[Alaska]]
**** [[19th Fighter Squadron]]
*** [[18th Wing]] - [[Kadena Air Base|Kadena AB]], [[Japan]]
**** [[44th Fighter Squadron]]
**** [[67th Fighter Squadron]]
** '''[[United States Air Forces in Europe]]'''
*** [[48th Fighter Wing]] - [[RAF Lakenheath]], [[England]]
**** [[493d Fighter Squadron]]
{{col-break}}
* '''[[Air National Guard]]'''
** [[Florida Air National Guard]]
*** [[125th Fighter Wing]] - [[Jacksonville International Airport]]
**** [[159th Fighter Squadron]]
** [[Hawaii Air National Guard]]
*** [[154th Wing]] - [[Hickam Air Force Base|Hickam AFB]]
**** [[199th Fighter Squadron]]
** [[Louisiana Air National Guard]]
*** [[159th Fighter Wing]] - [[NAS/JRB New Orleans]]
**** [[122d Fighter Squadron]]
** [[Massachusetts Air National Guard]]
*** [[104th Fighter Wing]] - [[Barnes Airport]]
**** [[131st Fighter Squadron]]
** [[Montana Air National Guard]]
*** [[120th Fighter Wing]] - [[Great Falls International Airport]]
**** [[186th Fighter Squadron]]
** [[Oregon Air National Guard]]
*** [[142d Fighter Wing]] - [[Portland International Airport]]
**** [[123d Fighter Squadron]]
*** [[173d Fighter Wing]]<ref>http://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/</ref> - [[Kingsley Field]]
**** [[114th Fighter Squadron]]
{{col-end}}

==Notable accidents and incidents==
On May 1, 1983, during an [[Israeli Air Force]] training dogfight, a F-15D collided with a [[A-4 Skyhawk]]. Unknown to pilot Zivi Nedivi, and his copilot, the right wing of the Eagle was torn off roughly two feet (60 cm) from the fuselage. The pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft and prevented it from [[stall (flight)|stalling]], ultimately landing the crippled aircraft successfully. The F-15 was able to stay in the air because of the lift generated by the large horizontal surface area of the fuselage, the large and effective [[stabilator]]s and the surviving wing. Landing at twice the normal speed to maintain the necessary lift, although the [[tailhook]] was torn off completely during the landing, Zivi managed to bring his F-15 to a complete stop approximately 20 feet (6&nbsp;m) from the end of the runway. He was later quoted as saying "(I) probably would have ejected if I knew what had happened."<ref>[http://www.uss-bennington.org/phz-nowing-f15.html No Wing F15 - crew stories - USS Bennington] Retrieved: July 31, 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LveSc8Lp0ZE F-15 flying with one wing by an Israeli pilot]</ref>

On November 22, 1995, during air-intercept training over the Sea of Japan, a Japanese F-15J was shot-down by a [[AIM-9L]] sidewinder missile accidentally fired by his wingman. The pilot, Lt. Tatsumi Higuchi, ejected safely. Both F-15Js involved were from [[JASDF]] 303rd Squadron, Komatsu AFB.<ref> [http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/f-15.htm#jasdf F-15 Eagle Losses and Ejections] Retrieved: March 2, 2008. </ref>

On November 2, 2007, a 27-year-old F-15C (s/n 80-0034 of the [[131st Fighter Wing]]) crashed during air combat maneuvering training near [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. The pilot, Maj. Stephen W. Stilwell, ejected but suffered serious injuries. The crash was the result of an in-flight breakup due to structural failure. On November 3, 2007, all non-mission critical models of the F-15 were grounded pending the outcome of the crash investigation,<ref>[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123074547 Air Force suspends some F-15 operations], U.S. Air Force, November 4, 2007.</ref> and on the following day, grounded non-mission critical F-15s engaged in combat missions in the Middle East.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/05/f15.grounding/ "Air Force grounds F-15s in Afghanistan after Missouri crash"], CNN, November 5, 2007.</ref> By November 13, 2007 over 1,100 were grounded worldwide after Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia grounded their aircraft as well.<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/13/219288/f-15-operators-follow-usaf-grounding-after-crash.html "F-15 operators follow USAF grounding after crash."] ''Flight International'', November 14, 2007.</ref> F-15Es were cleared on November 15, 2007 pending aircraft passing inspections.<ref>[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123076059 "Officials begin to clear F-15Es to full-mission status"], U.S. Air Force, November 15, 2007.</ref> On January 8, 2008, the USAF cleared 60 percent of the F-15A-D fleet for return to flight.<ref name="partial_return"/> On January 10, 2008, the accident review board released its report stating the November 2 crash was related to the [[longeron]] not meeting drawing specifications.<ref name="accident_report"/> The Air Force cleared all its grounded F-15A-D fighters for flight on February 15, 2008 pending inspections, reviews and any needed repairs.<ref name="ACC_feb15_release"/> In March 2008, Stilwell, the injured pilot, filed a lawsuit against Boeing, the F-15's manufacturer.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/25/pilot.lawsuit/index.html?iref=mpstoryview Lawsuit]</ref>

==Specifications (F-15C Eagle)==
[[Image:F-15 Eagle drawing.png|right|300px|Three view diagram of the F-15 Eagle.]]

{{aircraft specifications
<!-- if you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]] -->
<!-- please answer the following questions -->
|plane or copter?=plane
|jet or prop?=jet
|ref=USAF fact sheet,<ref name="F-15_USAF_fact">[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=101 F-15 Eagle fact sheet], USAF, March 2008.</ref> Jane's All the World's Aircraft,<ref>Lambert 1993, p. 522.</ref> Davies 2002,<ref>Davies 2002, Appendix 1</ref> GlobalSecurity<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-15-specs.htm F-15 Eagle] GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved: January 27, 2008.</ref>

<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For additional lines, end your alt units with a right parenthesis ")" and start a new, fully-formatted line beginning with an asterisk "*" -->
|crew=1
|length main=63 ft 9 in
|length alt=19.43 m
|span main=42 ft 10 in
|span alt=13.05 m
|height main=18 ft 6 in
|height alt=5.63 m
|area main=608 ft²
|area alt=56.5 m²
|airfoil=[[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A006.6]] root, NACA 64A203 tip
|empty weight main=28,000 [[pound (mass)|lb]]
|empty weight alt=12,700 kg
|loaded weight main=44,500 lb
|loaded weight alt=20,200 kg
|max takeoff weight main=68,000 lb
|max takeoff weight alt=30,845 kg
|engine (jet)=[[Pratt & Whitney F100]]-100, -220 or -229
|type of jet=afterburning [[turbofan]]s
|number of jets=2
|thrust main=17,450 [[pound-force|lbf]]
|thrust alt=77.62 kN
|afterburning thrust main=25,000 lbf for -220; 29,000 lbf for -229
|afterburning thrust alt=111.2 kN for -220; 129.0 kN for -229
|max speed main=<br/>
** '''High altitude:''' Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph, 2,660+ km/h)
** '''Low altitude:''' Mach 1.2 (900 mph, 1,450 km/h)
|max speed alt=
|max speed more=
|range main=
|range alt=
|range more=
|combat radius main=1,061 nmi
|combat radius alt=1,222 mi, 1,967 km
|combat radius more=for interdiction mission
|ferry range main=3,450 mi
|ferry range alt=3,000 [[nautical mile|nmi]], 5,550 km
|ferry range more=with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
|ceiling main=65,000 ft
|ceiling alt=20,000 m
|climb rate main=>50,000 ft/min
|climb rate alt=254 m/s
|loading main=73.1 lb/ft²
|loading alt=358 kg/m²
|thrust/weight=1.12 (-220), 1.30 (-229)
[[Image:F-15E Strike Eagle is parked by a crew chief from Elmendorf Air Force Base.jpg|thumb|An F-15 with [[intake ramp]]s in different positions]]
|Armament=<!-- if you want to use the following specific parameters, do not use this line at all-->
|guns=1× internally mounted [[20 mm]] (0.787&nbsp;in) [[M61 Vulcan|M61A1]] [[gatling gun]], 940 rounds
|hardpoints=four wing, four fuselage, two wing stations, centerline station, optional fuselage pylons
|hardpoint capacity=16,000 lb (7,300 kg)
|missiles=<br/>
** [[AIM-7 Sparrow|AIM-7F Sparrow]]
** [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]]
** [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]s
|avionics=
* '''Radar:'''
** [[Raytheon]] [[APG-63 and APG-70 radars|AN/APG-63 or AN/APG-70]] ''or''
***Although several F-15C aircraft were produced with APG-70 radar, all have been retrofitted to the AN/APG-63(V)1 configuration
** Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)1 ''or''
** Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) ''or''
** Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
*** Both active AF and ANG F-15Cs will receive another (up to) 48 V3 units between 2009-2015, over the existing 19 aircraft.<ref name="USAFafaDEC2007"> Schanz, Marc V., Assoc. Editor. [http://www.afa.org/magazine/dec2007/1207world.asp F-15s to Get New Radars "F-15s to Get New Radars."] ''Aerospace World: Air Force Magazine, Journal of the Air Force Association'' Volume 90, Issue 6, p. 18, December 2007. ISSN: 0730-6784.</ref>

* '''Countermeasures:'''
** AN/APX-76 or AN/APX-119 Identify Friend/Foe (IFF) interrogator
** Magnavox [[AN/ALQ-128]] Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS) -part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS)
** Loral AN/ALR-56 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)-part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS)
** Northrop ALQ-135 Internal Countermeasures System (ICS) - part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS)
** AN/ALE-45 chaff/flare dispensers

[[Image:F15Epowerplant.jpg|right|thumb|TPratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engines of an F-15C Eagle]]
* '''Others:'''
**Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System<ref name="USAFafaDEC2007"/>
**MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod - to carry personal belongings, and small pieces of maintenance equipment.<ref name="davies_2002">Davies 2002.</ref>
}}

==Popular culture==
<!-- Read [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] before adding any "Popular culture" items. The aircraft must have a MAJOR or "especially notable" role in what is listed. Random cruft, including all Ace Combat, Battlefield, toys, and Metal Gear Solid appearances and anime/fiction look-a-like speculation will be removed. The F-15 use in Transformers was agreed to be non-notable. See discussion on talk page. -->
The F-15 was the subject of the [[IMAX]] movie ''[[Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag]]'', about the [[RED FLAG exercise]]s. In Tom Clancy's nonfiction ''Fighter Wing'' (1995), a detailed analysis of the Air Force's premier fighter aircraft, the F-15 Eagle and its capabilities are showcased.<ref> Clancy, Tom. '' Fighter Wing: A Guided Tour of an Air Force Combat Wing''. New York: Berkley Books, 1995. ISBN 0-425-14957-9.</ref>
<!-- Read note at top about major role. Try to keep in paragraph form.-->

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[F-15E Strike Eagle]]
* [[F-15 S/MTD]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability this design: -->
* [[F-14 Tomcat]]
* [[Panavia Tornado ADV]]
* [[Sukhoi Su-27]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
* [[4th generation jet fighter]]
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist|2}}
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Bowman, Martin W. ''US Military Aircraft''. London: Bison Books Ltd., 1980. ISBN 0-89009-292-3.
* Braybrook, Roy. ''F-15 Eagle''. London: Osprey Aerospace, 1991. ISBN 1-85532-149-1.
* Crickmore, Paul. ''McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle'' (Classic Warplanes series). New York: Smithmark Books, 1992. ISBN 0-8317-1408-5.
* Davies, Steve. ''Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle''. London: Airlife Publishing, Ltd., 2002. ISBN 1-84037-377-6.
* Drendel, Lou. ''Eagle'' (Modern Military Aircraft Series). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1985. ISBN 0-89747-168-1
* Drendel, Lou and Don Carson.'' F-15 Eagle in action''. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1976. ISBN 0-89747-023-0.
* Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng, eds. ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.
* Fitzsimons, Bernard. ''Modern Fighting Aircraft, F-15 Eagle''. London: Salamander Books Ltd., 1983. ISBN 0-86101-182-1.
* Gething, Michael J. ''F-15 Eagle'' (Modern Fighting Aircraft). New York: Arco, 1983. ISBN 0-66805-902-8.
* Gething, Michael J. and Paul Crickmore. ''F-15'' (Combat Aircraft series). New York: Crescent Books, 1992. ISBN 0-517-06734-X.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Complete Book of Fighters''. New York: Barnes & Noble Inc., 1988. ISBN 0-07607-0904-1.
* Gunston, Bill. ''American Warplanes''. New York: Crescent Books. 1986. ISBN 0-517-61351-4.
* Huenecke, Klaus.'' Modern Combat Aircraft Design''. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1987. ISBN 0-87021-426-8.
* Jenkins, Dennis R. ''McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter''. Arlington, TX: Aerofax, 1998. ISBN 1-85780-081-8.
* Kinzey, Bert. ''The F-15 Eagle in Detail & Scale'' (Part 1, Series II). El Paso, Texas: Detail & Scale, Inc., 1978. ISBN 0-81685-028-3.
* Lambert, Mark, ed. ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1993-94''. Alexandria, Virginia: Jane's Information Group Inc., 1993. ISBN 0-7106-1066-1.
* Scutts, Jerry. ''Supersonic Aircraft of USAF''. New York: Mallard Press, 1989. ISBN 0-792-450-13-2.
* Spick, Mike. ''The Great Book of Modern Warplanes''. St. Paul Minnesota: MBI, 2000. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons|F-15 Eagle}}
*[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=101 F-15 Eagle USAF Fact Sheet]
*[http://www.boeing.com/history/mdc/eagle.htm F-15 Eagle history page on Boeing.com]
*[http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_15.html F-15 page on NASA Langley site]
*[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2284 McDonnell Douglas F-15A], [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2285 F-15C], and [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2283 F-15 Streak Eagle on USAF National Museum web site]
*[http://www.airtoaircombat.com/background.asp?id=11&bg=21 F-15 Eagle in service with Israel]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/budget/fy1998/dot-e/airforce/98f15.html F-15 Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS)] and [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-15.htm F-15 page on GlobalSecurity.org]
*[http://www.vectorsite.net/avf15.html The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle page on Vectorsite.net]
*[http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-alq2aly.html AN/ALQ to AN/ALT Avionics definitions]

{{McDD aircraft}}
{{US fighters}}
{{aviation lists}}

[[Category:Active United States military aircraft]]
[[Category:Boeing aircraft]]
[[Category:Jet aircraft]]
[[Category:McDonnell Douglas aircraft]]
[[Category:United States fighter aircraft 1970-1979]]

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Revision as of 23:03, 15 February 2009

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