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F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Jet

F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Boeing Defense
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5 Generation
Maximum Speed Mach 2.5+
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 100+ miles (AESA dependent)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F-15E Strike Eagle
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Multirole Strike Fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	In Service
First Flight	1986
Introduction / In Service Since	1989
Number Built	~250+
Operators	United States, South Korea, Singapore, Qatar, Israel (F-15I variant)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	63.8 ft (19.43 m)
Wingspan	42.8 ft (13.05 m)
Height	18.5 ft (5.63 m)
Wing Area	608 sq ft
Empty Weight	31,700 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	81,000 lb
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	11

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.5+
Range	2,400+ miles (ferry)
Combat Radius	~790 miles
Service Ceiling	60,000 ft
Rate of Climb	>50,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.1:1
G Limits	+9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	29,000 lbf w/ afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	~13,500 lb internal + CFTs

Armament

Gun	20 mm M61A1 Vulcan
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9, AIM-120
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-65, AGM-154, AGM-84H
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway, SDB, GBU series
Hardpoints	11
Payload Capacity	23,000+ lb

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA
Radar Range	100+ miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	ALQ-135 / DEWS
Targeting System	LANTIRN, Sniper ATP
Helmet Display	JHMCS compatible
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced flight control & mission automation
Communication	Secure UHF/VHF, Link-16

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	High (Non-stealth)
Stealth Features	Limited signature reduction
Infrared Signature Reduction	Minimal
Sensor Fusion	Partial
Networking Capabilities	Link-16, data-sharing

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-15E (Base), F-15I, F-15K, F-15SG, F-15QA

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya
Notable Operators	USAF, IAF, RSAF, ROKAF
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Strike, CAS, interdiction, air superiority

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$90–100 million
Development Cost	Classified / multi-billion
Program Name	F-15E Strike Eagle Program
Funding Countries	United States

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Radar, EW, cockpit displays
Future Replacement	NGAD / F-35A combinations
Export Restrictions	ITAR controlled
Notable Achievements	Highly successful precision strike history
Competitors	Su-34, Rafale, Typhoon, F-16V

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.2

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Firepower 9 / 10
Range & Endurance 9 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional range and payload for deep-strike missions
Proven combat record in multiple conflicts
Advanced AESA radar and modern avionics
High thrust-to-weight ratio and Mach 2+ performance
Compatible with a wide range of precision weapons

CONS

Not a stealth aircraft; higher radar signature
Maintenance-intensive due to age and complexity
High operating cost compared to newer fighters
Limited survivability in heavily contested airspace
Requires two-person crew, increasing training/logistics load

F-15E Strike Eagle Multirole Strike Fighter

The F-15E Strike Eagle stands as one of the United States Air Force’s most proven multirole strike fighters, combining the air-to-air supremacy of the original F-15 with long-range, precision strike capability. Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and introduced during the late Cold War, the F-15E remains an essential combat aircraft for high-tempo operations, deep interdiction missions, and all-weather close-air support.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 afterburning turbofans, the aircraft achieves speeds over Mach 2.5, enabling rapid response and penetration into contested airspace. Its strengthened airframe, conformal fuel tanks, and two-seat cockpit were designed specifically for long-range strike missions while keeping full fighter maneuverability. The aircraft’s operational combat radius exceeds 790 miles, allowing extended missions without refueling.

The Strike Eagle’s weapon suite includes the M61A1 20mm cannon, AIM-9 and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, and a diverse arsenal of air-to-ground munitions such as JDAM, SDB, Harpoon, and laser-guided bombs. Eleven external hardpoints allow the F-15E to carry over 23,000 lb of mixed ordnance.

Avionics upgrades over the years—such as the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, digital EW suite, and advanced targeting pods—enable precise engagement of moving and fixed targets in all weather conditions. The integrated LANTIRN/ Sniper systems and rear-cockpit WSO controls make the F-15E highly effective in night, low-altitude, and high-threat missions.

Operationally, the Strike Eagle has seen extensive use in the Middle East, supporting counterterrorism, interdiction, and suppression missions. Its reliability, payload capacity, and long-range strike performance keep it relevant even as newer 5th-generation fighters enter service.

F-15E Strike Eagle Price

The F-15E Strike Eagle has an estimated unit cost of $90–100 million, depending on configuration and upgrades. Support, training, and sustainment packages can significantly increase the total program cost for international buyers.

FAQs

Why is the F-15E so good?

The F-15E Strike Eagle is highly regarded because it blends the air superiority performance of the original F-15 with advanced strike capabilities. Its powerful twin engines, heavy payload capacity, long combat radius, and modern avionics allow it to conduct deep interdiction, precision attack, and air-to-air missions in a single sortie. The aircraft’s proven combat record, reliability, and ability to operate effectively in all weather conditions further elevate its reputation.

What is the difference between the F-15 and the F-15E?

The biggest difference lies in mission roles and design.
The F-15A/C variants were built primarily as air superiority fighters.
The F-15E was redesigned as a two-seat multirole strike fighter with reinforced airframe, conformal fuel tanks, upgraded avionics, and expanded air-to-ground capabilities.
Visually, the Strike Eagle also features darker paint, conformal fuel tanks along the fuselage, and a cockpit configured for a pilot/WSO team that manages complex strike missions.

Why is the F-15 so feared?

The F-15 series—particularly the F-15C—earned its reputation for being “feared” due to its unmatched air-to-air combat record, boasting over 100 confirmed air-to-air victories with zero losses in direct air combat. Its combination of high speed, powerful radar, superior climb rate, and long-range missile capability made it highly dominant against adversary aircraft for decades.

Can the F-15E dogfight?

Yes. While the F-15E is optimized for strike missions, it retains the full aerodynamic performance of the original F-15 air superiority fighter. It can reach Mach 2.5, pull high-G maneuvers, and employ air-to-air weapons such as the AIM-9 and AIM-120. However, when fully loaded with strike weapons and fuel tanks, its dogfighting agility decreases compared to the lighter F-15C.

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