Airplanes Online Home Page Airplanes Online


McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through its high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low-wing loading.

F-15A Eagle at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
F-15A Eagle, Tail Code TY, of the 325th Fighter Wing, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida

It was the first U.S. operational aircraft whose engines' thrust exceeded the plane's loaded weight, permitting it to accelerate even while in vertical climb. Low-wing loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.

The first flight of the F-15A was made in July 1972. In November 1974, the first Eagle was delivered to the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where training began in both F-15A and B aircraft.

In January 1976, the first F-15 destined for a combat squadron was delivered to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va.

The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory in 1979. These models were equipped with production Eagle package improvements, including 2,000 pounds of additional internal fuel, provisions for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks, and increased maximum takeoff weight of 68,000 pounds.

The first production model of the F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke AFB, AZ, in April 1988. The "E" model is known as the "Strike Eagle".

F-15 Eagle Specifications

Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or 229 turbofan engines with afterburners
Thrust: 25,000 - 29,000 pounds each engine

F-15A Eagle, Serial Number 74-112, at Great Falls, Montana
F-15A Eagle, Serial Number 74-112, at Great Falls, Montana

Wingspan: 42.8 feet
Length: 63.8 feet
Height: 18.5 feet
Weight: 37,500 pounds
Maximum takeoff weight: 81,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 35,550 pounds (three external tanks plus conformal fuel tanks)
Payload: depends upon mission
Speed: 1,875 mph (Mach 2.5 plus) 
Range: 2,400 miles ferry range with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
Ceiling: 60,000 feet  
Armament: One 20mm multibarrel gun mounted internally with 500 rounds of ammunition. Four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and four AIM-120 AMRAAM, or eight AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Any air-to-surface weapon in the Air Force inventory (nuclear and conventional)
Crew: Pilot and weapon systems officer

F-15EX Program

In July of 2020 the U.S. Air Force awarded a contract to the Boeing Company for an initial set of eight new F-15EX fighters. The F-15EX will replace the oldest F-15C/Ds in the USAF's inventory.

The first two F-15EX aircraft are already being manufactured and will roll off the production line early in 2021. They will initially be based at Eglin AFB for testing, with the remaining six aircraft set to be delivered to the base in fiscal year 2023. The contract includes options for up to 200 jets, with the Air Force projecting it will buy at least 144 F-15EX aircraft,

F-15 Eagle Photos

F-15 Eagle S/N 74124, Tail Code EG, at the USAF Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, near Fort Walton, Florida
F-15 Eagle S/N 74124
F-15 Eagle of the 33rd Fighter Wing S/N 74124
F-15 Eagle of the 33rd Fighter Wing S/N 7412
F-15 Eagle "Gulf Spirit" S/N 74124 at the USAF Armament Museum at Eglin AFB, Florida
F-15 Eagle "Gulf Spirit" S/N 74124 at Eglin AFB, Florida
Squadron insignia and logos on the F-15 Eagle "Gulf Spirit"
S/N 74124 at Eglin AFB, Florida
58th Fighter Squadron, 59th Fighter Squadron and 60th Fighter Squadron
F-15 Eagle "Gulf Spirit" S/N 74124 at Eglin AFB, Florida

 

 

F-15 Eagle Photographs by Our Friends and Supporters

F-15 Eagle at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska
(photo by Michael Hoschouer)
F-15 Eagle on display at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska
F-15A Eagle, Serial Number 76-0024, at the Peterson Air & Space Museum in Colorado Springs, CO
(photo by Michael Hoschouer)
F-15A Eagle at Colorado Springs, CO
F-15A Eagle S/N 77-0146, Tail Code TY, at Veterans Park, Calloway, Florida
(photo by Michael Hoschouer)
F-15A Eagle S/N 77-0146 at Veterans Park, Calloway, Florida
F-15B Eagle, Tail Code MO, at Mountain Home Air Force Base
(photo by Michael Hoschouer)
F-15B Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base
F-15C Eagle, Tail Code MO, at Montain Home Air Force Base
(photo by Michael Hoschouer)
F-15C Eagle at Montain Home Air Force Base

 

Historic Postcard of the F-15 Eagle from the Airplanes Online Collection

F-15 Eagle at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, New York
F-15 Eagle at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, New York