McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

F-15E Strike Eagle
USAF F-15E of 494th Fighter Squadron home stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK
Role	Multirole fighter, strike fighter
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security
First flight	11 December 1986
Introduction	April 1988
Status	In service
Primary users	United States Air Force Royal Saudi Air Force Israeli Air Force Republic of Korea Air Force For other users, see operators
Produced	1985–present
Number built	420
Unit cost	F-15E: US$31.1 million (flyaway cost, 1998) F-15K: US$100 million (2006)
Developed from	McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
Variants	Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker aircraft camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intake ramps.

The Strike Eagle has been deployed for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, among others. During these operations the F-15E has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and provided close air support for coalition troops. It has also been exported to several countries.

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle had been introduced by the United States Air Force (USAF) as a replacement for its fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. However, unlike the F-4, the F-15 was designed for the air-superiority mission with little consideration for a ground-attack role; the F-15 Special Project Office opposed the idea of F-15s performing the interdiction mission, giving rise to the phrase "Not a pound for air to ground." In service, the F-15 has been a very successful fighter, with over 100 aerial combat victories and zero losses in air-to-air combat as of 2007.