Even as a young lad, I was a war buff. My favorite video game and flight simulator was “F-15E Strike Eagle,” in which you could select from a variety of different missions and take on the best. My favorite scenario involved an attack on Syria, fighting against Soviet-era fighters and surface-to-air missiles. I wish I could say I had a flawless experience with the game, but the adversaries were skilled enough to shoot me down in simulations. However, the real F-15E Strike Eagle remains a marvel in the world of fighter aircraft. The F-15 series of variants boasts a perfect record in real-life combat, with a remarkable 104-to-zero kill ratio, meaning no losses in over 40 years of service with the U.S. Air Force. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this fighter truly exceptional.
What’s Great About the F-15E?
The F-15E demonstrated its ability to strike deep into enemy territory in all weather conditions, both day and night, in numerous combat engagements. Its targeting system can track enemy fighters while simultaneously designating targets on the ground for precision-guided bombs. With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the F-15E can launch air-to-air Sidewinders and Sparrows, as well as carry Small Diameter Bombs and JDAMs along with other laser-guided munitions. An M61 Vulcan 20mm Gatling-style rotary cannon is also included in its arsenal. Additionally, the aircraft features an electronic warfare suite with jamming and countermeasures capabilities.
History of the F-15 Series
The Vietnam War highlighted the need for the U.S. Air Force to have an air superiority fighter capable of outperforming enemy aircraft and providing close air support. This new aircraft was intended to replace the aging F-4 Phantom. Designers and engineers engaged in a two-year competition known as the FX program, with entries from Fairchild Hiller, North American Rockwell, and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960s. McDonnell Douglas won the bid for the advanced tactical fighter program in 1969 due to its outstanding performance and cost-effectiveness.
“Streak Eagle” Was a Record-Setting Monster
In just three years, designers and engineers delivered an aircraft that met McDonnell’s promises and expectations. The F-15 became known as the Eagle, and its first flight occurred in 1972, with serial production commencing later that year. One of the early F-15A models was named the “Streak Eagle,” setting numerous time-to-climb records and demonstrating exceptional climbing capabilities that set it apart from other fighters.
Flying Low, Fast, and Lethal
The U.S. Air Force desired an F-15 that could fly low during close air support missions. This led to the development of the F-15E Strike Eagle, which first flew in 1986. The Strike Eagle could carry a wide array of munitions and featured improved navigation systems and infrared targeting. Its high speed, Mach 2.5, made it a formidable asset.
The Israelis Went to Combat First with the F-15
Israel was an early adopter of the F-15, and, much like in my video game scenario, its air force engaged Syrian forces. Israeli F-15s shot down 50 Syrian aircraft in 1982 without losing a single F-15. The U.S. Air Force’s F-15Cs and Ds also maintained a perfect record against Iraqi aircraft during Operation Desert Storm, tallying 34 dogfight victories against MiG-29s and Mirage F-1s.
Deadly Over Iraq
Operation Desert Storm marked the U.S. Air Force’s debut on the world stage after years of realistic training at Red Flag exercises in Las Vegas. One unit of F-15s, the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, achieved 12 kills against Iraqi aircraft, with some pilots achieving more than one kill. The squadron’s performance exceeded expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training and preparation.
Balkans Showed More Air Superiority
In the 1990s, F-15 variants continued to demonstrate their prowess over the skies of former Yugoslavia, achieving numerous kills against MiG fighters flown by Serbia in 1995. In 1999, F-15Cs from one squadron quickly notched four kills against MiG-29s.
Global War on Terror Dominance
After the events of 9/11, F-15E Strike Eagles once again played a pivotal role in missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. F-15Es were rapidly deployed over Afghanistan and engaged in bombing runs on Taliban supply depots, infrastructure, and even targeted Al-Qaeda terrorists hiding in caves and operating from command and control centers. During one mission, an F-15E’s endurance was truly remarkable, lasting an astonishing 15.5 hours with 12 in-flight refuelings. F-15E pilots showcased their renowned close air support expertise as they dropped bombs and fired cannons in close proximity to friendly forces.
In the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, F-15Es were busy eliminating enemy aircraft on the ground and striking air defenses. During the conflict, F-15Es destroyed 60 percent of the Iraqi Medina Republican Guard and executed successful strikes against 65 MiGs on the ground.
Conclusion
The F-15 and all its variants, including the Strike Eagle, have built an enduring legacy. Its war record is impressive, and the continuous improvements over the years have made it extremely pilot-friendly. Its versatility is perhaps its most significant attribute, and it’s challenging to imagine the U.S. Air Force without this fighter. The F-15E Strike Eagle certainly deserved its own video game and recognition as one of the best fighters ever. This might explain why many experts are fans of the F-15EX, as shown above.
