Other advances include adding a new weapons display screen, improving internal countermeasures, and adding compatibility with the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Among the updates include upgrading to newer variants of the APG-63 radar, intoducing new avionics, and replacing outdated analog computers with digital central processors. Older F-15A/B and F-15C/D models have also been progressively upgraded through an ambitious Mid-Service Improvement Program (MSIP). Later F-15C/D models also received more powerful F100-220 engines plus the faster APG-70 radar with better resolution and greater memory when compared to the earlier APG-63. These newer aircraft feature a new radar warning receiver, software updates, and conformal fuel tanks along the sides of the engine inlets that provide increased fuel capacity while not interfering with weapons carriage. The F-15 revolutionized cockpit design by seating the pliot high under a large canopy to provide excellent visibility, and the use of a Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) arrangement places all vital controls near the pilots hands.Īlthough the Air Force had originally intended to order some 730 F-15A single-seat fighters and F-15B two-seat combat-capable trainers, only about 410 were built before production switched to the more capable F-15C/D models. The addition of external compression adjustable inlets and the extensive use of titanium allowed the F-15 to meet its Mach 2.5 speed requirement at high altitude, though the speed is limited to Mach 1.78 when armed. However, transonic buffet and flutter problems were encountered in early flight tests requiring an enlarged airbrake, cropping of the trailing edges of the wingtips, and adding notched dogtooths to the tailplanes. The McDonnell Douglas approach incorporated advanced aerodynamics into a large wing that gives the F-15 a low wing loading and good agility for such a large aircraft. McDonnell Douglas was selected over rivals North American and Fairchild Republic to build what would become the F-15 Eagle. Performance requirements called for beyond visual range air-to-air capability, close-in dogfighting capability, twin engines, an internal gun, sufficient ferry range to deploy to Europe without refueling, and a maximum speed of Mach 2.5. Forseeing the need to replace its fleet of F-4 Phantoms, the US Air Force issued the FX requirement for a long-range air superiority fighter in 1965.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |