The legendary F-15 Eagle, introduced in 1976, remains undefeated in combat thanks to its adaptability and constant improvements in technology and warfare.
The F-15 and the USAF: Decades of Air Supremacy
The F-15 Eagle has been the symbol of American air supremacy for decades. Its ability to fly at Mach 2.5 and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.24 make it a top-tier fighter. His undefeated combat record is a testament to his effectiveness on the battlefield.
The F-15 has been constantly evolving, with avionics, weapon systems, computing, radar, and propulsion improvements. Even before the arrival of the F-15EX, the Air Force and Boeing had plans to keep the F-15 in service until the mid-2040s.
Some notable upgrades include the addition of Active Electronically Scanned Radar (AESA) and the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS), which enables both offensive and defensive operations in electronic warfare.
Electronic warfare: The ace up the sleeve of the F-15
The EPAWSS allows the F-15 to operate in passive and active modes. It can listen for enemy signatures without emitting signals while interfering with enemy radio communications and neutralizing enemy ground gun systems, airstrikes, or drones.
This electronic warfare capability replaces the Tactical Electronic Warfare Suite, which has been used since the 1980s. Overhauling the F-15’s electronic systems helps maintain United States air supremacy.
Enhancements also include:
- Using the world’s fastest computer processor.
- The Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCPII).
- Adding a long-range passive sensor called Infrared Search and Track (IRST).
The F-15EX: The Future of the fighter fleet
The F-15EX brings even more improvements, such as increased thrust, weapons-carrying capability, and high-tech targeting and tracking technology. New weapon stations in the wings allow the F-15EX to carry 12 missiles in addition to its standard arsenal, including AIM-120D, AIM-9x and JDAM missiles.
With these upgrades and improvements, the F-15 Eagle continues to be a formidable and extremely troublesome combat aircraft for adversaries, maintaining its impressive combat record and reputation as an unbeatable fighter.
Summary
The F-15 Eagle maintains its unbeaten combat record thanks to its adaptability and constant improvements in technology and warfare capability, including electronic warfare systems, AESA radar, and improvements to weapons carriage.
With the introduction of the F-15EX, the fighter is expected to remain a key element in America’s air supremacy well into the mid-2040s.
