Essay, Research Paper: F-15 Eagle

Designs and technologies of fighter aircraft's have come a long way this past half

century, enabling aircraft's to break the sound barrier and fly at speeds of mach 1, something

they do now is a matter of routine. Wing platform has changed from strait to swept wings. The

use of exotic metals and materials is increasing, and more powerful propulsion units are being

developed.

the idea was to get a fighter aircraft with a wing optimized for a high load factor and

bullet free performance at 0.9 mach and 30,000 feet; a high thrust-to-weight ratio to achieve

very high maneuverability throughout the flight envelope; one man operation of the weapon

systems for all missions; a realistic air-to-air fighter fatigue life of 4,000 hours; an advanced

cockpit layout wing such things as displays and controls allowing heads-up during combat; a

reduction in maintenance hours per flight hour to typical W.W.II fighter levels; a combat


survival structure, fuel, hydraulic, flight control and electronically sub-systems to enable a safe

return to base; a maximum mission gross weight in the order of 40,000 lb.; a long-range pulse

Doppler radar with look down compatibility; and a maximum compatibility of mach 2.5 at

altitude.

After many different designs and tests, the first F-15 Eagle was born on June 26, 1972. It's

first flight was exceptionally well. There were only 2 problems; one was that a new, more

effective speed break was needed for the aircraft to accelerate and decelerate rapidly. A new

speed break was put in immediately.

The front fuselage section of the F-15 eagle holds most of the avionics, together with

the fire control systems, radar, cockpit, nose gear and environmental control systems. The

central pod provides main undercarriage and four fuel tanks; the forward tank is the bladder

type, the other 3 are self-sealing. In the left wing shoulder, there is an in-flight re-dash fueling

receptacle. An M-61 0.8 in. cannon is mounted in the right wing shoulder. The frames of the

central section, together with 2 large variable geometry intakes on either side are

manufactured from machine aluminum.

The engine has a 3-stage fan section and variable chamber inlet guide vance upstream

of the first rotors stage to provide airflow's at an optimum angle for the first-stage fan blades.

This ensures the engine operating ability. A 2-stage compressor turbine has air-cold blades in

both side.

The secondary power system is mounted on the air frame in fire-resistant bays just

forward, below and between the engines. It derives secondary power from the engine.

hydraulic power is survived by 4 interchangeable 55 GPM pumps. Two primary and one utility

provide hydraulic power for flight central and utility functions. With the exception of the

electrical-powered flaps, all of the F-15 Eagles flight controls, including the speed brake, are

operated hydraulically. the flight control system is a combination of mechanical and
hydraulically

control.

Fin and stabilization torque boxes are constructed from titanium ribs and spars. They

have composite skins of aluminum honeycomb and bonded boron, while their leading and

trailing edges are of aluminum skin with an aluminum honeycomb core.

In conclusion the F-15 Eagle aircraft is a sophisticated aircraft of the 20th century.