✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-15C/E |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 1972 |
| Length | 19.43 m (63.7 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.5 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,655 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 m (65,620 ft) |
| Range | 3,900 km (2,422 mi) |
| Engine | 2× Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofans |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Active |
Overview
The F-15 Eagle boasts the most impressive air combat record of any modern fighter: 104 kills with zero losses in aerial combat. First flying in 1972, it remains in frontline service today and will continue flying into the 2040s with the advanced F-15EX variant.
Design & Development
Designed with a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 1:1, the F-15 can accelerate while climbing vertically. Its large wing area provides exceptional maneuverability, while twin F100 engines deliver Mach 2.5 top speed. The motto during development was ‘Not a pound for air-to-ground’—pure air superiority.
Operational History
The F-15 has served with the USAF, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and other allies. Israeli F-15s achieved the first combat kills and have an extraordinary record including downing over 50 Syrian aircraft in the Bekaa Valley in 1982 with zero losses. An Israeli F-15D even landed safely with one wing missing.
Armament & Weapons
The F-15 carries an extensive weapons suite:
- 1× M61A1 Vulcan — 20mm rotary cannon (940 rounds)
- AIM-120 AMRAAM — up to 8× beyond-visual-range missiles
- AIM-9 Sidewinder — short-range infrared missiles
- AIM-7 Sparrow — medium-range radar-guided missiles
- F-15E Strike Eagle additions:
- GBU-10/12/24 laser-guided bombs
- GBU-31/38 JDAM GPS bombs
- AGM-130 powered standoff weapon
- CBU-87/97 cluster bombs
- B61 nuclear bomb (tactical)
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-15 Eagle?
The F-15 has a top speed of Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph), one of the fastest operational fighters ever.
What is the F-15’s combat record?
The F-15 has an unmatched record of 104 air-to-air victories with zero losses, achieved by Israeli and USAF pilots.
How many F-15s were built?
Over 1,500 F-15s have been built. Production continues with the F-15EX Eagle II.
Is the F-15 still in service?
Yes. The F-15 has been in service since 1976. The latest F-15EX variant entered service in 2021.