text:
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
|F-15E Strike Eagle
|USAF F-15E of 494th Fighter Squadron home stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK
|Multirole fighter, strike fighter
| McDonnell Douglas
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
|First flight
|11 December 1986
|April 1988
|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
|Number built
|Developed from
|McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
|Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter[3] 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."[4] 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.[5][6]
Despite a lack of official interest, McDonnell Douglas quietly worked on an F-15-derived interdictor fighter. The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the General Dynamics F-111 and the remaining F-4s, as well as to augment the existing F-15s.[7] In 1978, the USAF initiated the Tactical All-Weather Requirement Study (TAWRS) which looked at McDonnell Douglas's proposal and other options such as the purchase of further F-111Fs. TAWRS recommended the F-15E as the USAF's future strike platform.[8] In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and Hughes began a close collaboration on the development of the F-15E's air-to-ground capabilities.[9]
To assist in the F-15E's development, McDonnell Douglas modified the second TF-15A prototype, AF serial number 71-0291, as a demonstrator. The aircraft, known as the Advanced Fighter Capability Demonstrator, first flew on 8 July 1980.[8] It was previously used to trial conformal fuel tanks (CFT), initially designed for the F-15 under the designation "FAST Pack", with FAST standing for "Fuel and Sensor, Tactical.[8] It was subsequently fitted with a Pave Tack laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs.[10] The demonstrator was displayed at the 1980 Farnborough Airshow.[11]
Enhanced Tactical Fighter
In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) program to procure a replacement for the F-111. The program was later renamed the Dual-Role Fighter (DRF) competition. The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming.[12] General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted the F-15E. The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credible air superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it is not American-made, it was not seriously considered.[11]
The DRF evaluation team, under the direction of Brigadier General Ronald W. Yates, ran from 1981 through 30 April 1983, during which the F-15E logged more than 200 flights, demonstrated take off weight of more than 75,000 pounds (34 t), and validated sixteen different weapons-carrying configurations.[13][14] McDonnell Douglas, to assist 71-0291 in the evaluation, added to the program other F-15s, designated 78-0468, 80–0055 and 81-0063. The single-engine F-16XL was a promising design which, with its radically redesigned cranked-delta wing, greatly boosted performance; if selected, the single- and two-seat versions were to be designated F-16E and F-16F, respectively.[14] On 24 February 1984, the USAF chose the F-15E; key factors in the decision were the F-15E's lower development costs compared to the F-16XL (US$270 million versus US$470 million), a belief that the F-15E had future growth potential, and possessing twin-engine redundancy.[13][15] The USAF was initially expected to procure 400 aircraft, a figure later revised to 392.[14][16]
Construction of the first three F-15Es started in July 1985. The first of these, 86-0183, made its maiden flight on 11 December 1986.[13][15] Piloted by Gary Jennings, the aircraft reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.9 and an altitude of 40,000 feet (12,000 m) during the 75-minute flight.[13] This aircraft had the full F-15E avionics suite and the redesigned front fuselage, but not the aft fuselage and the common engine bay.[13] The latter was featured on 86-0184, while 86-0185 incorporated all the changes of the F-15E from the F-15.[13] On 31 March 1987, the first officially completed F-15E made its first flight.[17]
The first production F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in April 1988.[15] Production continued into the 2000s with 236 produced for the USAF through 2001.[18]
Upgrade programs and replacement
The F-15E will be upgraded with the Raytheon APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007, and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010.[19] It combines the processor of the APG-79 used on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 AESA being fitted on the F-15C.[20] The new radar upgrade is to be part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program.[21] The new radar was named APG-63(V)4 until it received the APG-82 designation in 2009.[22] The RMP also includes a wideband radome (to allow the AESA to operate on more radar frequencies), and improvements to the environment control and electronic warfare systems.[23]
Having a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants, the F-15E is expected to remain in service past 2025.[24] As of December 2012, the USAF's F-15E fleet has an average age of 21 years and an average airframe flying time of 6,000 hours. In 2012, the Air Force was reportedly considering future options; there is no slated replacement for the F-15E. One choice is the F-35 Lightning II, set to replace other attack aircraft such as the F-16 Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II; a "F-35E" variant was studied. It would be complex, and thus expensive, to add a second seat to the F-35, especially to preserve its stealth profile; providing for greater range and payload would also be difficult tasks. Alternatively, the role could be covered by a combination of fighter and bomber aircraft, such as the planned Long Range Strike Bomber. The F-15E may also be replaced by a clean-sheet sixth-generation aircraft design.[25][26]
On 24 March 2014, Boeing won a $30.6 million contract from DARPA as part of the Airborne Launch Assist Space Access (ALASA) program. The goal of the program is to cut the cost of putting microsatellites into orbit by 66 percent through advances in launch systems. Under the 11-month contract, Boeing will build twelve 24 ft (7.3 m) launch vehicles, each with a payload capability of up to 100 lb (45 kg). An ALASA vehicle is to be fitted under an F-15E, which will climb to 40,000 ft, then be released and fire its four engines to reach low-Earth orbit. Awarding the contract to Boeing would make use of the F-15E as the carriage vehicle, as previous design contracts had been given to Lockheed Martin to use the F-22 Raptor and Virgin Galactic to use their SpaceShip Two aircraft. DARPA had previously insisted they wanted to select an aircraft they would not need to modify heavily to carry and launch the ALASA payload.[27][28]
The F-15E's deep strike mission is a radical departure from the original intent of the F-15, since the F-15 was designed as an air superiority fighter under the mantra "not a pound for air-to-ground."[29] The basic airframe, however, proved versatile enough to produce a very capable strike fighter. The F-15E, while designed for ground attack, retains the air-to-air lethality of the F-15, and can defend itself against enemy aircraft.[30]
The F-15E prototype was a modification of the two-seat F-15B. The F-15E, despite its origins, includes significant structural changes and much more powerful engines. The aft fuselage was designed to incorporate the more powerful engines with advanced engine bay structures and doors. The advanced structures utilized Superplastic forming and diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) technologies. The back seat is equipped for a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO pronounced 'wizzo') to work the new air-to-ground avionics. The WSO uses multiple screens to display information from the radar, electronic warfare, or Thermographic cameras, monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats, select targets, and use an electronic moving map to navigate. Two hand controls are used to select new displays and to refine targeting information. Displays can be moved from one screen to another, chosen from a menu of display options. Unlike earlier two-place jets (e.g. the F-14 Tomcat and Navy variants of the F-4), whose back seat lacked flying controls, the back seat of the F-15E cockpit is equipped with its own stick and throttle so the WSO can take over flying, albeit with reduced visibility.[31]
To extend its range, the F-15E is fitted with two conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that hug the fuselage. These produce lower drag than conventional underwing/underbelly drop tanks. They carry 750 U.S. gallons (2,800 liters) of fuel, and house six weapons hardpoints in two rows of three in tandem. Unlike conventional drop tanks, CFTs cannot be jettisoned, thus the increased range is offset by the degraded performance from the increased drag and weight compared to a "clean" configuration. Similar tanks can be mounted on the F-15C/D and export variants, and the Israeli Air Force makes use of this option on their fighter-variant F-15s as well as their F-15I variant of the Strike Eagle, but the F-15E is the only U.S. variant to be routinely fitted with CFTs.
The Strike Eagle's tactical electronic warfare system (TEWS) integrates all countermeasures on the craft: radar warning receivers (RWR), radar jammer, radar, and chaff/flare dispensers are all tied to the TEWS to provide comprehensive defense against detection and tracking. This system includes an externally mounted ALQ-131 ECM pod which is carried on the centerline pylon when required.
The APG-70 radar system allows air crews to detect ground targets from longer ranges. One feature of this system is that after a sweep of a target area, the crew freezes the air-to-ground map then goes back into air-to-air mode to clear for air threats. During the air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO designates the ground target. The APG-70 is to be replaced by the AN/APG-82(v)1 active electronically scanned array Radar (AESA) radar, which will begin flight tests in January 2010 with initial operational capability expected in 2014.[32]
Its inertial navigation system uses a laser gyroscope to continuously monitor the aircraft's position and provide information to the central computer and other systems, including a digital moving map in both cockpits. The low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system is mounted externally under the engine intakes; it allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in any weather conditions, to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system gives the F-15E exceptional accuracy in weapons delivery day or night and in poor weather, and consists of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft. At night, the video picture from the LANTIRN can be projected on the HUD, producing an infrared image of ground contour.[33]
The navigation pod contains a terrain-following radar which allows the pilot to safely fly at a very low altitude following cues displayed on a heads up display. This system also can be coupled to the aircraft's autopilot to provide "hands off" terrain-following capability. Additionally, the pod contains a forward looking infrared system which is projected on the pilot's HUD which is used during nighttime or low visibility operations. The AN/AAQ-13 Nav Pod is installed beneath the right engine intake.
The targeting pod contains a laser designator and a tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction as far away as 10 mi (16 km). Once tracking has been started, targeting information is automatically handed off to infrared homing air-to-surface missiles or laser-guided bombs. The targeting pod is mounted beneath the left engine intake; configurations may be either the AN/AAQ-14 Target Pod, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Target Pod or the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod.
The F-15E carries most air-to-ground weapons in the USAF inventory. It is also armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAMs. Since the Strike Eagle retains the counter-air capabilities from its Eagle lineage, it is regularly trained for counter-air missions, and fully capable for Offensive-Counter-Air. Like the F-15C, the Strike Eagle also carries an internally mounted General Electric M61A1 20 mm cannon with 650 rounds, which is effective against enemy aircraft and "soft" ground targets.
The MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal, produced by BAE Systems, improves situational awareness and communications capabilities via the Link 16 datalink.[34]
Since 2004, South Korean firm LIG Nex1 has been manufacturing the F-15's Head-up display; a total number of 150 HUDs were delivered by 2011.[35][36] LIG Nex1 had been a participant in the F-15K program as a subcontractor to Rockwell Collins.[35][36] LIG Nex1 is also preparing to manufacture F-15's new multi-function display and flight control computer.[35] Also since 2004, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has produced the wings and forward fuselages of the F-15; in 2008, KAI established another production line for Singapore's F-15SG.[37] KAI is involved in the development and manufacture of the Conformal Weapons Bay (CWB) to be used on the F-15 Silent Eagle.[38]
The engines used for the first batches of F-15E Strike Eagle and its variants are Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220. Later batches feature the more powerful P&W F100-PW-229 engines.[39] The export version for Saudi Arabia and Israel uses P&W F100-229 engines.[40][41] In 2008, Saudi Arabia decided to re-engine their F-15S fleet aircraft with General Electric F110-GE-129 engines.[42] Their new F-15SA fleet will also be powered by F110 engines.[43] The South Korean F-15K came with 2 different engine variants. The first batch are powered by GE -129 engines, while the second batch are powered by P&W -229 engines.[44] The Singapore Air Force equipped their F-15SG fleet with GE -129 engines.[45][46]
Operational history
United States
The F-15E reached initial operational capability on 30 September 1989 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron.[15]
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
The F-15E was deployed in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 for Operation Desert Shield. The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron flew to Seeb Air Base in Oman to begin training exercises in anticipation of an Iraqi attack on Saudi Arabia; in December, the 335th and 336th squadrons relocated to Al Kharj Air Base in Saudi Arabia, closer to Iraq's border.[47] At the start of Operation Desert Storm, 24 F-15Es launched an attack on five fixed Scud installations in western Iraq on 17 January 1991. Missions against Scud sites continued through that night with a second strike consist of 21 F-15Es. At night-time, F-15Es flew hunter missions over western Iraq, searching for mobile SCUD launchers. By conducting random bombings in suspected areas, it was hoped to deter the Iraqis from setting up for a Scud launch.[48]
On the opening night of the war, an F-15E fired a AIM-9 Sidewinder at a MiG-29, which failed to hit its target. Other F-15Es simultaneously and unsuccessfully engaged the lone MiG-29, it was eventually brought down by a missile of unknown source.[49][50] The same night another flight was attacked by a MiG-29. A low altitude engagement ensued and the MiG-29 hit the ground. On 18 January, during a strike against a petrol oil and lubricant plant near Basrah, an F-15E was lost to enemy fire, the pilot and WSO were killed. F-15E crews described this mission as the most difficult and dangerous of the war as it was heavily defended by SA-3s, SA-6s, SA-8s and Rolands as well as by anti-aircraft artillery. Two nights later, a second and final F-15E was downed by an Iraqi SA-2; the crew survived and managed to evade capture for several days and even made in contact with coalition aircraft, but rescue was unable to be launched due to security issues, one airman failed to identify himself with proper codes. The two airmen were later captured by the Iraqis.[51]
Strike Eagles were able to destroy 18 Iraqi jets on the ground at Tallil air base using GBU-12s and CBU-87s. On 14 February, an F-15E scored its only air-to-air kill: a Mil Mi-24 helicopter. While responding to a request for help by US Special Forces, five Iraqi helicopters were spotted. The lead F-15E of two acquired a helicopter via its FLIR in the process of unloading Iraqi soldiers, and released a GBU-10 bomb. The F-15E crew thought the bomb had missed its target and were preparing to use a Sidewinder when the helicopter was destroyed. The Special Forces team estimated that the Hind was roughly 800 feet (240 m) over the ground when the 2,000 lb (910 kg) bomb hit its target.[52] As Coalition bombing operation had commenced, the F-15Es disengaged from combat with the remaining helicopters.[49]
F-15Es attacked various heavily defended targets throughout Iraq, prioritizing SCUD missile sites. Missions with the objective of killing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein were undertaken, several suspected locations were bombed by F-15Es. Prior to the operation's ground war phase, F-15Es conducted tank plinking missions against Iraqi vehicles in Kuwait. Following 42 days of heavy combat, a cease fire came into effect on 1 March 1991, leading to the establishment of Northern and Southern no-fly zones over Iraq.[53]
Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch
Following Desert Storm, two no-fly zones over Iraq were set up, and enforced typically by US and UK aircraft. In one incident, an attack on up to 600 Kurdish refugees by Iraqi helicopters at Chamchamal, northern Iraq, was observed by a flight of F-15Es. As they were not allowed to open fire, the F-15Es instead conducted several high speed passes as close as possible to the Iraqi helicopters to create severe wake-turbulence, while aiming lasers at the helicopter's cockpits to attempt to blind their crews; this caused the crash of one Hind. Afterwards, USAF leadership ordered F-15Es not to fly below 10,000 feet (3,000 m) to deter a repetition.[53]
F-15Es of the 391st Fighter Squadron, 492d Fighter Squadron, and 494th Fighter Squadron regularly deployed to Turkey throughout the 1990s. In January 1993, Iraqi targets in breach of the ceasefire agreement below the 32nd parallel north were attacked; 10 F-15Es conducted a punitive strike days later.[54] Most missions were of a defensive nature, the Strike Eagles carried a flexible range of weapons on a typical mission. AWACS aircraft were in close contact with F-15E crews, who would receive new taskings while airborne and thus could fly unplanned attacks on Iraqi targets.[54] After 1993, violations of the no-fly zones were minimal as Iraq staged a minor withdrawal; in 1997 Turkey approved the creation of Operation Northern Watch (ONW) and permitted US forces to use the Incirlik air base.
In December 1998, Operation Desert Fox was conducted when Iraq refused UNSCOM inspections. On 28 December 1998, three F-15Es each dropped two GBU-12 500-pound precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to successfully strike an SA-3 tracking radar and optical guidance unit.[55] After Desert Fox, Iraq stepped up its violations of the no-fly zones, thus a number of retaliatory and pre-planned strikes were conducted by F-15Es; in ONW alone, weapons were expended on at least 105 days.[56] Between 24 and 26 January 1999, F-15Es expended several AGM-130s and GBU-12s against SAM sites in northern Iraq near Mosul.[57] Several F-15Es also flew in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Provide Comfort II.[53]
Operations in the Balkans
Operation Deny Flight was a United Nations-enforced no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the deteriorating situation in the Balkans. In August 1993, F-15Es from 492d and 494th FS deployed to Aviano, Italy. In late 1993, NATO ordered a limited F-15E strike at Udbina airfield, targeting Serbian forces in neighboring Croatia. Eight F-15Es armed with GBU-12s took off to attack an SA-6 anti-aircraft vehicle; the mission was cancelled mid-flight over the application of stringent Rules of Engagement.[58] In December 1993, F-15Es launched to destroy a pair of SA-2 sites which had fired upon two Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS 1s.[59] In August 1995, F-15Es of 90th Fighter Squadron joined the two other squadrons. The 492d and 494th flew over 2,500 sorties since Deny Flight had begun, 2,000 of these were by 492d. In August 1995, in support of NATO's Operation Deliberate Force, F-15Es flew strike missions against Serbian armor and logistics around the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. On 9 September, an F-15E deployed the first GBU-15 bomb for the type; a total of nine were dropped against Bosnian-Serb ground forces and air defense targets around Banja Luka.[59]
In response to the displacement of Kosovars and the Serbian government's rejection of a NATO ultimatum, Operation Allied Force was launched in March 1999. A total of 26 F-15Es flew the first strikes of Allied Force against Serb surface-to-air-missile sites, anti-aircraft batteries and Early Warning radar stations.[60] Strike Eagles were deployed to Aviano as well as RAF Lakenheath in the UK. In-theater, F-15Es conducted close air support missions, a new idea in the late 1990s which has since become a popular concept within the USAF.[61] Missions typically lasted around 7.5 hours, included two aerial refuelings; F-15Es would carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions to perform both combat air patrol duties as well as strike missions in the same mission.[61] Mobile SAM launchers posed a considerable threat to NATO aircraft and had made successful shoot-downs, most notably of a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk. In order to strike from increased distances, the F-15E was equipped with the AGM-130, which provided a stand-off strike capability.[62]
Operation Enduring Freedom
Weeks after the September 11 attacks in 2001, the 391st Fighter Squadron deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber air base, Kuwait, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. F-15Es met little resistance during initial missions, in the first night targets ranged from Taliban military structures and supply depots, to al-Qaeda training camps and caves were the main targets. Both the AGM-130 and GBU-15 2,000 lb (910 kg) bombs were expended, this was the GBU-15's first combat usage.[63] GBU-24s and GBU-28s were used against reinforced targets, command and control centers and cave entrances. F-15Es often operated in pairs alongside pairs of F-16Cs. Within weeks of the start of combat operations, there was a lack of targets to strike as nearly all targets had been already destroyed. The Taliban had access to SA-7 and FIM-92 Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles, posing no threat to most aircraft flying above 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Additionally, fixed SAM sites near cities as Mazar-i-Sharif and Bagram were struck early on; Afghanistan had rapidly became a low-threat environment for air operations.[64]
Aircraft commonly flew on-call support missions for allied ground forces, F-15Es usually carried MK-82 and GBU-12 bombs in this role, other weapons were sometimes carried, during one mission a GBU-28, two GBU-24s and six GBU-12s were released.[64] Frequent targets during the rest of the war were individual insurgents, light vehicles and supply convoys; cannon fire was often expended as well as bombs from F-15Es.[65] It was during combat over Afghanistan that four 391st crews conducted the longest fighter mission in history; lasting a total of 15.5 hours, nine of those hours spent flying over the target area. Two F-15Es attacked two Taliban command and control facilities, two buildings suspected of being used by Taliban fighters, and a road block; the F-15Es refueled 12 times during the mission.[66]
On 4 March, another incident now known as the Battle of Roberts' Ridge involved several F-15Es that had embarked on a close air support mission for ground forces. Aircraft destroyed a Taliban observation post and responded to nearby enemy mortar fire upon Navy SEAL forces on a search for an ambushed MH-47E Chinook in the Shah-i-Kot Valley.[67] Several bombs were dropped as the SEAL team still took fire, however one bomb missed due to the wrong coordinates being entered by the aircrew.[67] An MH-47 carrying a rescue team was downed by an RPG while attempting to support the SEALs.[68] Following refueling, the F-15Es dropped a further 11 GBU-12s in coordination with ground forces, and fired their cannons on Taliban forces in close proximity to the survivors of the downed MH-47.[68] A section of F-16s from 18th Fighter Squadron made strafing passes as well until cannon ammunition was depleted, before resorting to further bomb drops. The F-15Es were affected by technical problems involving both radios and weapons that had failed, several GBU-12's were dropped before returning to Al Jaber in Kuwait.[69]
Years later, several incidents have occurred. On 23 August 2007, a friendly fire incident involved an F-15E mistakenly dropping a 500 lb (230 kg) bomb on British forces; three soldiers were killed.[70] The stated cause was confusion between the air controller and the F-15E crew on the bombing coordinates.[71] On 13 September 2009, an F-15E shot down a non-responsive MQ-9 Reaper drone over Northern Afghanistan to prevent it entering foreign airspace.[72]
Operation Iraqi Freedom
In late 2002, during tension over suspected Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction, the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB was ordered to maintain at least one squadron ready to deploy to the Persian Gulf. During January 2003, the 336th was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, a total of 24 aircraft were deployed to Al Udeid in coordination with planners of the Combined Air Operations Center at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.[73] In late January, the F-15Es began flying in support of Operation Southern Watch, typically performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions, additional missions included simulated combat against potential Iraqi targets and regional familiarization with local procedures and rules of engagement.[73] During OSW, F-15Es attacked a number of targets in southern and western Iraq, including radars, radio communications and relay stations, command and control sites, and air defences. On one night, four F-15Es fired multiple GBU-24s at the Iraqi Republican Guard/Baath Party HQ in Basrah while another flight of four destroyed a nearby Air Defense Sector HQ with six GBU-10s.[74]
Towards the end of February, the 336th received additional aircrews, many of which being drafted from the two non-deployable squadrons at Seymour Johnson (the 333d and 334th Fighter Squadrons) and 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, for a total of four aircrews per F-15E.[74] In early March, the 335th Fighter Squadron's personnel and aircraft joined the 336th at Al Udeid. One objective was the destruction of Iraq's air defenses and Early Warning radar network near the border with Jordan, allowing F-16s and Special Forces helicopters to operate from Jordan at the outset of the war. Several radar sites and radio relay stations were hit in western Iraq near the "H3" airfield, during these missions coalition jets met with heavy anti-aircraft fire.[75]
On 19 March, as F-117 Nighthawks dropped bombs over Baghdad, targeting a house where Saddam Hussein was believed to be; F-15Es dropped GBU-28s around the H3 airfield. On 20 March, when the war effectively began, F-15Es fired AGM-130s against key communication, command and control buildings, and other key targets in Baghdad; a few of the weapons missed intended targets, possibly caused by the jamming operations of EA-6B Prowlers in the vicinity.[76]
On 3 April 2003 an F-15E pilot mistook a M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) for an Iraqi surface-to-air missile site and dropped a 500 lb (230 kg) laser-guided bomb, killing three and wounding five others.[77] On 7 April 2003, an F-15E (88–1694), crewed by Captain Eric Das and Major William Watkins performed a critical interdiction mission in support of special forces.[78] On the following day, Das and Watkins crashed while bombing targets around Tikrit[79] probably shot down by AAA fire.[80] The crew were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart for their actions.[78]
During the war, F-15Es were credited with destroying 60% of the total force of the Iraqi Medina Republican Guard. They also scored hits on 65 MiGs on the ground,[75] and destroyed key air defense and command buildings in Baghdad. During the war F-15Es worked closely with other jets that were deployed to Al Udeid, including RAAF F/A-18s, USAF F-16s and F-117s, RAF Panavia Tornado fighters and a detachment of US Navy F-14s from VF-154.
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on 17 March 2011, 18 USAF F-15E fighters, and a variety of other NATO and allied aircraft were deployed to enforce the Libyan no-fly zone as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn. On 21 March 2011, an F-15E Strike Eagle, Tail #91–304, from the 492d FS crashed near Bengazi, Libya.[81] Both crew members parachuted into territory held by resistance elements of the Libyan population and were eventually rescued by US Marines.[82][83] Equipment problems caused a weight imbalance and contributed to the crash when leaving the target area.[84]
Operations against Islamic State (2014–present)
F-15Es are being used by the U.S. in Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. In the early morning on 23 September 2014, Strike Eagles and other American and Gulf Arab aircraft conducted attacks in Syria against ISIS fighters, training compounds, headquarters and command and control facilities, storage facilities, a finance center, supply trucks, and armed vehicles.[85] The Pentagon has been releasing videos of targets being hit by ordnance deployed from F-15Es, taken by their own AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pods.[86][87] From the beginning of OIR in August 2014 to January 2015, F-15Es flew 37 percent of Air Force sorties.[88]
USAF F-15Es departing from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom performed a limited number of long range surgical strikes in Libya against selected Islamic State prominent figures and camps. On 12 November 2015, a pair of F-15Es killed Abu Nabil al-Anbari, reportedly the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya in a strike close to Darnah in Eastern Libya.[89]
On 20 February 2016, USAF F-15Es[90] hit an ISIL training camp near Sabratha where foreign fighters were based. The airstrike reportedly killed Tunisian ISIL operative Noureddine Chouchane, a 36-year-old jihadist that had been linked to the 2015 Sousse attacks. Local sources said that 49 people were killed and 6 wounded.[91][92] According to Serbia's Foreign Minister, among the dead were two Serbians who had been kidnapped by ISIL in late 2015.[93]
The F-15I is operated by the Israeli Defence Force/Air Force No 69 Squadron, which had previously operated the F-4 Phantom II. After the Gulf War in 1991, in which Israeli towns were attacked by SCUD missiles based in Iraq, the Israeli government decided that it needed a long range strike aircraft and issued a Request for Information (RFI). In response, Lockheed Martin offered a version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, while McDonnell Douglas offered both the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-15E. On 27 January 1994, the Israeli government announced that the intention to purchase 21 modified F-15Es, designated F-15I. On 12 May 1994, the US Government authorized the purchase of up to 25 F-15Is by Israel. In November 1995, Israel ordered four extra F-15Is, thus 25 were built from 1996 to 1998.[94]
The first F-15I combat mission was flown in Lebanon on 11 January 1999. The aircraft can carry: the AIM-9L, Rafael Python 4 and the Rafael Python 5 infrared-homing missiles; and the AIM-7 Sparrow and the AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missiles. The Python 4 can be launched at up to 90 degrees off boresight, with the pilot aiming using the helmet-mounted sight. In 1999, Israel announced its intention to procure more fighter aircraft, and the F-15I was a possible contender. However, it was announced that the contract would go to the F-16I.[95]
Saudi Arabia
In November 2009, Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s, along with Saudi Tornados, performed air raids during the Houthi insurgency in north Yemen. This was the Saudi Air Force's first military action over hostile territory since Operation Desert Storm in 1991.[96]
Saudi Arabia requested 84 F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) aircraft, upgrade of its F-15S fleet to F-15SA standard, and related equipment and weapons through a Foreign Military Sale in October 2010.[97] On 29 December 2011, the U.S. signed a $29.4 billion contract to sell 84 F-15s in the SA (Saudi Advanced) configuration. The sale includes upgrades for the older F-15Ss up to the SA standard and related equipment and services.[98] A Foreign Military Sales contract for 68 F-15S to F-15SA modification kits was placed with Boeing in June 2012.[99] First flight of a new-build F-15SA occurred on 20 February 2013.[100]
Saudi F-15S aircraft along with other Arab coalition assets started striking targets in Yemen as part of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, called Operation Decisive Storm, starting on 26 March 2015. Opposing a joint force composed of former Houthi rebels and Yemeni Army forces, the strikes, at least in the opening days were met by ineffective anti-aircraft fire that reportedly only caused damage when falling to the ground.[101] Initial strikes were aimed at targets such as air defense sites, Army HQs, military airports, ballistic missiles depots, and launchers.[102] During the opening strikes on 26 March 2015, a Saudi F-15S crashed into the Gulf of Aden after circling around over the sea; its two pilots ejected safely and were recovered from the sea by a USAF HH-60G rescue helicopter. Arab coalition reports stated enemy fire did not cause the crash,[103] while Houthi and Iranian sources stated they shot it down.[104]
Two-seat all-weather long-range strike and ground-attack aircraft for the USAF. A total of 236 were built from 1985 to 2001.[18][94]
The F-15I is operated by the Israeli Air Force where it is known as the Ra'am (רעם – "Thunder"). It is a dual-seat ground attack aircraft powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, and is based on the F-15E.
The F-15I Ra'am is similar to the F-15E, but features several different avionic systems to meet Israeli requirements. To facilitate night-time strikes, the F-15Is were initially fitted with Sharpshooter targeting pods designed for Israeli F-16s. The Sharpshooter pod was less capable than the LANTIRN pods used on USAF F-15Es; Israel later purchased 30 LANTIRN pods. The F-15Is initially lacked Radar Warning Receivers, Israel installed its own electronic warfare equipment, the Elisra SPS-2110, as well as a new central computer and embedded GPS/INS system. All sensors can be slaved to the Display And Sight Helmet (DASH) helmet-mounted sight, providing both crew members a means of targeting which the F-15E lacks. The F-15I uses the APG-70I radar; its terrain mapping capability can locate targets difficult to spot while under adverse weather conditions. The radar can detect large airliner-sized targets at 150 nautical miles (170 mi; 280 km), and fighter-sized targets at 56 nmi (64 mi; 104 km), it has a reduced resolution one-third below the standard USAF APG-70.[105] In January 2016, Israel approved an upgrade of the F-15I fleet that includes structural changes, an AESA radar, updated avionics, and new (unspecified) weapon systems.[106]
The F-15K Slam Eagle (Korean: F-15K 슬램 이글) is a derivative of the F-15E, operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force. Several major components were outsourced to South Korean companies under an offset agreement, wherein South Korea was responsible for 40% of production and 25% of assembly.[107] Fuselage and wings are supplied by Korea Aerospace Industries,[108] flight control actuator by Hanwha Corporation,[109] electronic jammer and radar warning receiver by Samsung Thales,[110] head-up display, airborne communication system, and radar by LIG Nex1,[36][111] and engines by Samsung Techwin under license[112] before final assembly at Boeing's St. Louis facility.
In 2002, ROKAF selected the F-15K for its F-X fighter program, during which the F-15K, the Dassault Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Sukhoi Su-35 were evaluated. A total of 40 aircraft were ordered, deliveries began in 2005.[113] On 25 April 2008, a second batch of 21 F-15Ks were ordered, worth 2.3 trillion Korean won (US$2.3 billion). This second batch differs from first batch aircraft in having Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 (EEP) engines, license-produced by Samsung Techwin, for commonality with the KF-16 fleet.[114][115] ROKAF had received 50 F-15Ks by June 2011.[116] ROKAF expects the F-15K to be in service until 2060.[117]
The F-15K variant has several features not typically found on F-15Es, such as an AAS-42 Infra-red search and track,[118] a customized Tactical Electronics Warfare Suite to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness,[118] cockpit compatibility with night vision device, ARC-232 U/VHF radio with Fighter Data Link system, and advanced APG-63(V)1 mechanical-scanned array radar. The APG-63(V)1 radar has common digital processing equipment with the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, and thus is upgradable to an AESA radar via antenna replacement.[105] The F-15K is equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System.[118] Weapons such as AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-84H Harpoon Block II, and JASSM have been integrated.[119]
F-15S and SA
The F-15S is a variant of the F-15E supplied to the Royal Saudi Air Force in the 1990s. Saudi Arabia previously sought to buy up to 24 F-15Fs, a proposed single-seat variant, but was blocked by the U.S. Congress.[120] The F-15S, initially referred to as F-15XP, is almost identical to the USAF F-15E, the only major difference in the AN/APG-70 radar's performance in synthetic aperture mode.[94][120] 72 were built from 1996 to 1998.[94] In October 2007, GE announced a US$300 million contract with Saudi Arabia for 65 GE F110-GE-129C engines for the F-15S.[121]
The F-15SA is a new version for the Saudi Arabian Air Force. The F-15SA will have a modern fly-by-wire flight control system in place of the hybrid electronic/mechanical system used by all previous F-15s. The variant includes the APG-63(v)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, digital electronic warfare systems (DEWS), infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and other advanced systems. It also includes a redesigned cockpit originally intended for the F-15SE.[97][122][123] The fly-by-wire system will allow the carriage of weapons on the previously unused outer wing weapon stations.[124]
The F-15SG (formerly F-15T) is a variant of the F-15E, ordered by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) after a seven-year evaluation period involving five other fighter aircraft under consideration. The F-15SG was chosen on 6 September 2005 over the Dassault Rafale, the only other remaining aircraft in contention.[125][126] An order for 12 F-15SG fighter was placed in December 2005.[127] The F-15F designation was also reserved for the RSAF.[128]
On 22 August 2005, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified US Congress about a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of weapons, logistics and training in the event that the Boeing F-15 was selected by Singapore. The package's options include AIM-120C and AIM-9X missiles; GBU-38 JDAM and AGM-154 JSOW air-to-ground weapons, Night Vision Goggles and Link 16 terminals.[129][130] Two General Electric F110 engines, with 29,400 lbf (131 kN) of thrust each, powers the F-15SG.
The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 22 October 2007, exercised the option to purchase eight more F-15SG fighters which was part of the original contract. Along with this buy, an additional order of four F-15SGs increased the total order to 24 fighters.[131] The first F-15SG was rolled out on 3 November 2008. Deliveries of F-15SGs began in 2009[132] and all 24 were declared operationally ready in September 2013.[133] Media reports in March 2013 suggested Singapore may buy more F-15SG fighters.[134]
The F-15QA is a variant developed for the Qatar Air Force. It was announced in November 2016 that the US State Department had approved the sale of up to 72 F-15QA aircraft to Qatar in a $21.1 billion deal that includes weapons, support, equipment, and training.[135][136]
Proposed variants
F-15H Strike Eagle (H for Hellas) was a 1990s proposed export version of F-15E for Greece, which was selected by the Greek Ministry of Defence and the Greek Air Force,[137] but the government chose new F-16s and Mirage 2000-5s instead.[138]
F-15G Wild Weasel was a proposed two-seat version to replace the F-4G Wild Weasel in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role. The F-15G was studied in 1986. A proposed modification to F-15Cs for the SEAD role was studied in 1994–95, but F-16Cs were modified to perform this role instead.[139] F-15Es are capable of carrying ARMs such as the AGM-88 HARM and performing the SEAD role.
F-15SE Silent Eagle is a proposed variant with fifth generation fighter features, such as internal weapons carriage and radar-absorbent material. The Silent Eagle features conformal weapons bays (CWB) to hold weapons internally instead of conformal fuel tanks, the twin vertical tails are canted outward 15 degrees to reduce radar cross section; the majority of the CWB's area is for weapons storage, a minority is used for fuel storage.[140] The F-15SE is optimized for air-to-air missions, lacking all-aspect stealth features for missions inside areas protected by ground-based anti-aircraft systems.[141] The first production F-15E, s/n 86-0183, was modified to become a Silent Eagle demonstrator. It first flew in July 2010 with a left-side conformal weapons bay,[142] and successfully launched an AMRAAM missile from the CWB in July 2010.[143] Potential customers were Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea;[140] however the Saudis choose to procure the F-15SA,[144] while Israel,[145] Japan,[146] and South Korea selected the F-35.[147]
- Israeli Air Force - 25 F-15I aircraft in use as of January 2014[148]
- Republic of Korea Air Force - 58 F-15Ks in service in January 2014.[148] It ordered a combined 61 F-15K "Slam Eagle" fighters including one lost in an accident.[149]
- Royal Saudi Air Force - 70 F-15S Eagles in service as of January 2014,[148]
- Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) - 40 F-15SGs in operation as of January 2015
United States Air Force - 213 F-15Es in operation as of January 2014[148]
Accidents and losses
Specifications (F-15E)
Data from USAF fact sheet,[2] Davies[150] & Boeing [151]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and weapon systems officer)
- Length: 63.8 ft (19.43 m)
- Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13.05 m)
- Height: 18.5 ft (5.63 m)
- Wing area: 608 ft² (56.5 m²)
- Airfoil: NACA 64A006.6 root, NACA 64A203 tip
- Empty weight: 31,700 lb (14,300 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,700 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 afterburning turbofans, 29,000 lbf (129 kN) each
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.5+ (1,875 mph, 3,017 km/h)
- Combat radius: 790 mi (687 nmi, 1,270 km)
- Ferry range: 2,400 mi (2,100 nmi, 3,900 km) with conformal fuel tank and three external fuel tanks
- Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,200 m)
- Rate of climb: 50,000+ ft/min (254+ m/s)
- Thrust/weight: 0.93
- Maximum g-load: +9 g
- Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barreled Gatling cannon, 510 rounds of either M-56 or PGU-28 ammunition
- Hardpoints: 2 wing pylons, fuselage pylons, bomb racks on CFTs with a capacity of 23,000 lb (10,400 kg) of external fuel and ordnance
- Missiles:
- Bombs:
- Mark 82 bomb
- Mark 84 bomb
- GBU-10 Paveway II
- GBU-12 Paveway II
- GBU-24 Paveway III
- GBU-27 Paveway III
- GBU-28 (Bunker buster)
- GBU-31 or GBU-38 {8 GBU-31's or 16 GBU-38's} (JDAM)
- GBU-54 Laser JDAM (LJDAM)
- GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)
- B61 or B83 nuclear bomb
- CBU-87 or CBU-103 (CEM)
- CBU-89 or CBU-104 (GATOR)
- CBU-97 or CBU-105 (SFW)
- CBU-107 Passive Attack Weapon
- Others:
- up to 3× 600 US gallons (2,300 L) external drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range/loitering time.
- 1x 1,800 litres (480 US gal) Super cruise drop tank.
- Radar:
- Targeting pods:
- Countermeasures:
- Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pod[152]
- Hazeltine AN/APX-76 or Raytheon AN/APX-119 Identify Friend/Foe (IFF) interrogator[153]
- Magnavox AN/ALQ-128 Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS) – part of Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (TEWS)[152]
- Loral AN/ALR-56 Radar warning receivers (RWR) – part of TEWS[154]
- Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems ALQ-135 Internal Countermeasures System (ICS) – part of TEWS[152]
- Marconi AN/ALE-45 Chaff/Flares dispenser system – part of TEWS[155]
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
- 1 2 3 Davies 2002, p. 90.
- 1 2 F-15E Strike Eagle fact sheet, US Air Force, 22 October 2009. Retrieved: 1 September 2011.
- ↑ "Boeing: F-15E Strike Eagle". Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The Boeing Company. Retrieved 2015-01-18.
- ↑ Davies and Dildy 2007, pp. 9, 15, 20, 35.
- ↑ Davies and Dildy 2007, inside cover.
- ↑ Spick 2000, p. 127.
- ↑ Donald 1995, p. 40.
- 1 2 3 Donald 1995, p. 42.
- ↑ Davies 2003, pp. 15–16.
- ↑ Jenkins 1997, p. 42.
- 1 2 Donald 1995, p. 44.
- ↑ Rininger 2009, pp. 85, 88.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jenkins 1998, p. 36.
- 1 2 3 Donald 1995, p. 45.
- 1 2 3 4 Ciborski, James R. "The F-15 Eagle: A Chronology." History Office, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, June 2002.
- ↑ Ulsamer, Edgar. "In Focus: The Dual-Role Eagle." Air Force magazine, April 1984.
- ↑ Rininger 2009, p. 89.
- 1 2 "Boeing F-15E Eagle." Jane's All the World's Aircraft, Jane's Information Group, 2010 (subscription article, dated 26 February 2010).
- ↑ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing Receives 1st F-15E Radar Modernization Program Test Asset from Raytheon." Boeing. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ Trimble, Stephen. "Raytheon claims AESA upgrade contract for F-15E." Flightglobal.com, 1 November 2007. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing Selects Raytheon to Provide AESA Radar for U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles." Boeing, 1 November 2007. Retrieved: 1 September 2011.
- ↑ Trimble, Stephen. "Raytheon trumps Northrop with new AESA designation." Flight Daily News, 17 June 2009. Retrieved: 1 September 2011.
- ↑ "F-15E, B-1B Modernization and Upgrades." Defense Update, 23 July 2012.
- ↑ Tirpak, John A. "Making the Best of the Fighter Force." Air Force magazine, March 2007.
- ↑ USAF mulls options for replacement of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle - Flightglobal.com, 13 December 2012.
- ↑ What will replace the F-15E Strike Eagle? - Flightglobal.com, 17 December 2012.
- ↑ Boeing wins contract to design DARPA Airborne Satellite Launch Vehicle - Boeing press release, 27 March 2014
- ↑ Boeing Targets 66 Percent Launch Cost Reduction with ALASA - Spacenews.com, 28 March 2014
- ↑ Hallion, Dr. Richard P. "A Troubling Past: Air Force Fighter Acquisition since 1945." Airpower Journal, Winter 1990. Retrieved: 1 September 2011.
- ↑ Jenkins 1998, pp. 35–36.
- ↑ Davies 2003, pp. 63–64.
- ↑ Frost, Patricia. "Boeing F-15E Radar Modernization Program Receives New Designation." Boeing, 15 September 2009.
- ↑ Jenkins 1998, pp. 100–101.
- ↑ MIDS Fighter Data Link Terminal." baesystems.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- 1 2 3 "S. Korean Firm Wins Contract To Supply F-15 Displays." defensenews.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- 1 2 3 Sung-Ki, Jung. "S. Korean Firm Exports Head-Up Display to USAF." defensenews.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ "F-15/Apache Fuselage Monopolization Program." koreaaero.com. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ Carder, Phil and Changgyun Koh. "Boeing, Korea Aerospace Industries Sign Agreement for Production of F-15SE Silent Eagle Conformal Weapons Bay." Boeing. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/technology/engines/101-engines
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15s/168-f-15s-differences
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15i-raam/197-f-15i-differences
- ↑ https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saudi-arabia-awards-ge-f110-deal-to-re-engine-boeing-217850/
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15sa/2515-f-15sa-differences
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15k-slam-eagle/173-f-15k-differences
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15sg/585-f-15sg-differences
- ↑ http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapore-chooses-ges-f110-for-its-f15-strike-eagles-01731/
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 14.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 22.
- 1 2 "Tim Bennett's War." Air Force magazine online, January 1993.
- ↑ Davies 2005, pp. 17–24.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 25.
- ↑ Davies 2005, pp. 29–30.
- 1 2 3 Davies 2005, pp. 30–31.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 33.
- ↑ "Operation Northern Watch 1998 Events." GlobalSecurity.org, 5 June 2011.
- ↑ Davies 2005, pp. 35–36.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 35.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 43.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 44.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 46.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 47.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 59.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 63.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 64.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 65.
- ↑ Davies 2005, pp. 68–69.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 72.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 73.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 76.
- ↑ Harding, Thomas, Tom Coghlan and Aislinn Simpson. "Outcry as 'friendly fire' kills three UK soldiers." The Telegraph, 25 August 2007. Retrieved: 4 September 2011.
- ↑ "Grid reference confusion led to death of Anglian soldiers." hmsolicitors.co.uk, 16 December 2009.
- ↑ Harwood , Matthew. "USAF Shoots Down Out-of-Control Reaper Over Northern Afghanistan." Securitymanagement.com, 16 September 2009. Retrieved: 4 September 2011.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, pp. 77–78.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 80.
- 1 2 Davies 2005, p. 82.
- ↑ Davies 2005, p. 83.
- ↑ Dao, James. "A Trail of Pain From a Botched Attack in Iraq in 2003." The New York Times, 15 April 2005. Retrieved: 4 September 2011.
- 1 2 Hafemeister, Rob. "Das Given Posthumous Awards: Former Amarilloan honored in death." Air Force Times, 18 August 2003. Retrieved: 4 September 2011.
- ↑ "Das and Watkins." Unofficial Arlington National Cemetery page. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/history/2296-f-15e-losses#0-6-airframe-88-1694
- ↑ Crilly, Rob. "Libya: US fighter jet crash lands in field near Benghazi." The Telegraph, 22 March 2011. Retrieved: 27 February 2011.
- ↑ "U.S. F-15 fighter crashes in Libya." CNN, 22 March 2011. Retrieved: 27 February 2011.
- ↑ Meyer, Sebastian. "Libyan residents discover wreckage of US plane." The Daily Telegraph, 22 March 2011. Retrieved: 27 February 2011.
- ↑ "United States Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report – F-15E Strike Eagle, T/N 91-000304." USAF, 26 October 2011.
- ↑ Air Force fighters, bombers conduct strikes against ISIL targets in Syria - AF.mil, 23 September 2014
- ↑ F-15E Strike Eagle Decimates ISIL Compound in Syria - Freebeacon.com, 28 September 2014
- ↑ Watch an ISIS compound be wiped out through an F-15E Strike Eagle's SNIPER advanced targeting pod - Theaviationist.com, 30 September 2014
- ↑ A-10 Performing 11 Percent of Anti-ISIS Sorties - Defensenews.com, 19 January 2015
- ↑ http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-us-f-15-jet-fighters-kill-islamic-states-libyan-chief-abu-nabil-1528781
- ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/12164765/US-warplanes-strike-Isil-camp-in-Libya-targeting-Tunisia-terror-attacks-militant.html
- ↑ Alastair Jamieson. "U.S. Fighter Jets Target ISIS in Libya's Sabratha; Dozens Killed". NBC News.
- ↑ Greg Botelho and Barbara Starr, CNN (19 February 2016). "U.S. strikes ISIS camp in Libya; 49 killed". CNN.
- ↑ Greg Botelho and Barbara Starr, CNN (20 February 2016). "U.S. strikes ISIS camp in Libya; 49 killed". CNN.
- 1 2 3 4 Davies 2002.
- ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/f-16i.htm
- ↑ "Saudis bomb Yemen rebels across border." MSNBC, 5 November 2009. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- 1 2 "Saudi Arabia – F-15SA Aircraft". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 20 October 2010.
- ↑ Wolf, Jim. "U.S. Saudi fighter jet sale to help offset Iran." Reuters, 29 December 2011. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ U.S. Defense.gov Contracts for Tuesday, 26 June 2012
- ↑ "Boeing Presents First F-15SA of Saudi Arms Package". AIN Online
- ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/29/yemen-anti-aircraft-fire-cause-of-most-civilian-casualties-in-sanaa-report-says
- ↑ http://nationalinterest.org/feature/3-saudi-weapons-war-yemens-houthis-should-fear-12497
- ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-rescues-saudi-pilots-from-crashed-fighter-jet-1427502224
- ↑ http://www.janes.com/article/50393/analysis-initial-saudi-air-strikes-lacked-intensity
- 1 2 Fulghum, David A. "Saudis Want Raytheon AESA Radar On F-15s." Aviation Week, 16 August 2010.
- ↑ Israel gives green light to F-15I upgrade - Flightglobal.com, 20 January 2016
- ↑ "Trade Offsets: An Instrument of Government Procurement." Blue Sky Management and Consultant, 30 June 2011.
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- ↑ Streetly, Martin. "Aircraft Self-Protection Expands in Asia." asianmilitaryreview, 13 July 2011.
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- ↑ "Samsung Techwin produces F-15K engines." Deagel.com. Retrieved: 30 June 2011.
- ↑ "F-15K's First Flight Successful." Defense Industry Daily, 7 March 2005.
- ↑ "F-15K" (in Chinese)Yonhap News. Retrieved: 27 February 2012.
- ↑ Boeing F-15K Eagle, Flug Revue, 5 May 2008.
- ↑ "Boeing Delivers 2 F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea." Boeing, 2 June 2011.
- ↑ Perrett, Bradley "South Korea Nears F-X Phase 3 Decision." Aviationweek.com, 3 June 2013.
- 1 2 3 "F-15K Differences." F-15E.info. Retrieved: 13 July 2011.
- ↑ "Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)." Lockheed Martin, 16 August 2006.
- 1 2 Jenkins 1998, p. 41.
- ↑ "Royal Saudi Air Force Selects General Electric Company to Re-engine F-15S Aircraft." General Electric Aerospace, 3 October 2007.
- ↑ "South Korean Fighter Order: AF Backs F-35."
- ↑ Bruno, Michael. "U.S. To Sell AESA-Equipped F-15s To Saudi Arabia." Aviation Week, 20 October 2010.
- ↑ "Boeing and USAF will have to recertificate entire F-15SA flight envelope." Flight International, 3 April 2013.
- ↑ Ionides, Nicholas. "Singapore finally opts for F-15T." Flight International, 13 September 2005.
- ↑ "The Defence Procurement Processes" (Press release). Ministry of Defence (Singapore). Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ↑ "Singapore Seals Deal to Acquire Twelve F-15SG" (Press release). Ministry of Defence (Singapore). 12 December 2005. Archived from the original on 25 March 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- ↑ http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/412015-L%28addendum%29.html
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- ↑ "F-15SG: Singapore's RSAF Decides to Fly Like An Eagle". Defense Industry Daily. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- ↑ "Singapore Exercises Option for Additional F-15SGs." Singapore Ministry of Defence, 22 October 2007.
- ↑ "Boeing Rolls Out 1st F-15SG to Singapore." Boeing, 3 November 2008.
- ↑ "Singapore's F-15 fighter jets are operationally ready: RSAF" AsiaOne, 18 September 2013.
- ↑ http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapores-rsaf-decides-to-fly-like-an-eagle-01141/
- ↑ http://www.defensenews.com/articles/kuwait-qatar-fighter-jet-deals-move-forward-likely-putting-boeing-fighter-jet-production-into-the-2020s
- ↑ http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/qatar_16-58.pdf
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- ↑ Jenkins 1998, p. 71.
- 1 2 Butler, Amy. "Boeing Unveils New, Stealthy Silent Eagle F-15." Aviation Week, 18 March 2009. Retrieved: 2 January 2013.
- ↑ Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing unveils upgraded F-15 Silent Eagle with fifth-generation features." flightglobal.com, 17 March 2009.
- ↑ Carder, Phillip and Mary Ann Brett. "Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Makes 1st Flight." Boeing, 9 July 2010. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
- ↑ Carder, Phillip and Mary Ann Brett. "Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Completes 1st Weapon Launch." Boeing, 20 July 2010. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
- ↑ "US finalises $11.4 billion Saudi order for F-15s". Flight International. 9 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ↑ "Israeli Purchase of Fighter Jets Seen as Litmus Test for Continued US Support". voanews.com. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ↑ "US Lockheed Martin F-35 chosen as Japan fighter jet". BBC News. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ↑ "South Korea to obtain 40 F-35As". Flightglobal.com. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2014 Aerospace. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014.
- ↑ Seung-woo, Kang. "Lockheed's F-35 feels heat from 2 competitors." Korea Times, 16 June 2013.
- ↑ Davies 2002, Appendix 1.
- ↑ http://www.boeing.com/defense/f-15-strike-eagle/
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- ↑ Parsch, Andreas. AN/ALE – Airborne Countermeasures Ejectors." Designation-systems.net, 20 November 2008. Retrieved: 27 September 2010.
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- Davies, Steve. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, All-Weather Attack Aircraft. London: Airlife Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-84037-378-4.
- Davies, Steve. F-15C/E Eagle Units of operation Iraqi Freedom (Osprey Combat Aircraft #47). Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2004. ISBN 978-1-84176-802-1.
- Davies, Steve. F-15E Strike Eagle Units In Combat 1990–2005. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2005. ISBN 1-84176-909-6.
- Davies, Steve and Doug Dildy. F-15 Eagle Engaged: The World's Most Successful Jet Fighter. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-84603-169-9.
- Donald, David. "F-15E Strike Eagle". World Airpower Journal. 21. AIRtime Publishing, 1995.
- Jenkins, Dennis R. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1-85780-081-8.
- Rininger, Tyson. F-15 Eagle at War. St. Paul, Minnesota: Zenith Imprint, 2009. ISBN 0-7603-3350-5.
- Smallwood, William L. Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E In The Gulf War. London: Brassey's, 1994. ISBN 978-1-57488-122-6.
External links
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-15E Strike Eagle.
- F-15E USAF fact sheet
- F-15E page and F-15K page on Boeing.com
- F-15E on USAF National Museum web site
- F-15E.info, a dedicated F-15E site


text:
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly Stats, Info and Facts
|Institution Type:
|Campus Setting:
|Mid East Small suburb
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Bachelor's degree
|Level of Institution:
|Four or more years
Penn State Fayette is the prettiest campus I went to go visit, with several trees and beautiful atmosphere. The campus is small, and gives students a chance to take a…
Penn State Fayette has small classroom sizes that allow for efficient communication with talented staff and instructors. Writing workshops and peer-tutoring sessions are available in the library to help students…
Penn State Fayette feels like a second home to me! The professors are extremely passionate about what they teach! I feel like I am getting an true education and not…
It is a great school for those wishing to obtain a degree from a well-known university on a small campus. The education you receive here is all that you'd expect…
The teachers are amazing there. It is a small campus so you have smaller classes. You really get to know your teachers.…
I love going to school the three days that i do. The students are friendly which is a big deal for me. I was very shy once i arrived because i was the freshman but i got used to it and i fit right in. I like how its a small campus so i don't get lost or anything. We are like a little family our own. We are PENN STATE!!Read More

subset: commoncrawl


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Home Affairs Committee's Drugs Report: Angelus Foundation Says the Prime Minister Should Not Have Rejected a Royal Commission
10 Dec, 2012, 20:17 GMT
LONDON, December 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
The Angelus Foundation today welcomed the Home Affairs Committee's (HAC) report but condemned the Government for rejecting a Royal Commission and also not recognising the vital role of drugs education and prevention.
The Prime Minister said today he has rejected a Royal Commission because it would be "very, very long-term" even though the HAC report set a time limit of 2015 for its completion.
Angelus does not support legalisation. Para 128 of HAC report includes Angelus's evidence to the committee, "The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 has not shown it can be used to reduce prevalence of the new drugs-it should be fully reviewed." A Royal Commission would be highly effective way of carrying through a review of drug law.
The PM also said, "Drugs use is coming down, the emphasis on treatment is absolutely right, and we need to continue with that to make sure we can really make a difference. Also, we need to do more to keep drugs out of our prisons. These are the government's priorities…" The list of the priorities did not include education or prevention.
The Home Affairs Select Committee report 'Breaking the Cycle' highlighted the worrying trend of young people taking many legal highs with no knowledge of their risks. Last year, there were 49 new drugs discovered (EMCDDA* figures) which was a record; this year the total could be as high as 70. At the same time, the Department of Education has cut its budget for drugs education by 80 percent.
The founder of Angelus, Maryon Stewart, said, "It is hard to believe that, at a time when young people have never been more vulnerable to a whole wave of legal highs, the Prime Minister is turning his back on a Royal Commission. There is an urgent need to pool the wisdom on drugs and work to find a solution. If the PM thinks a Royal Commission would take too long, then he should propose a faster alternative.
"There have been some Government successes on drugs policy but education certainly isn't one of them. The Prime Minister set the priorities on drugs for Government today and forgot he is also responsible for trying to prevent drug problems in the first place."
The Angelus Foundation is the only charity solely dedicated to combating legal highs and club drugs and launched a national campaign in October including the website http://www.whynotfindout.org.
(*EMCDDA - European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction)
Notes to editors:
1) In response to the Home Affair Committee's drug report, David Cameron said today, "Drugs use is coming down, the emphasis on treatment is absolutely right, and we need to continue with that to make sure we can really make a difference. Also, we need to do more to keep drugs out of our prisons. These are the government's priorities and I think we should continue with that rather than have some very, very long-term royal commission."
2) The Angelus Foundation maintains there is almost no guidance or resources given by the Department of Education to schools and universities to give young people information about drugs, particularly legal highs. In March this year the Home Secretary's set out the priorities for drug policy to the Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and did not mention education or prevention.
3) Figures show that spending on drugs education has fallen from £5.4 million in 2006-7 to £3.9m in 2009-10 and £0.5m in 2010-11.
4) The Angelus Foundation is the only drugs charity dedicated to combating legal highs and club drugs and launched a national campaign in October including the website http://www.whynotfindout.org. There is also a site for families http://www.angelusfoundation.com.
SOURCE Angelus Foundation


text:
Concept artist Joey Spiotto has an ongoing series where he mixes video game protagonists with the Little Golden Books children's literature series, and this time, he went for Nintendo characters.
A shame that he only did the covers. Samus playing with an adorable Metroid throughout a fully illustrated book would be fun to read. (Not to mention Little Luigi the Plumber below...)
G/O Media may get a commission
Here's a bonus: Little Akira for little kids. He has nothing to do with Nintendo (sadly), but since it's Akira, it has to be shared too.
For The Love of Nintendo - Little Video Game Books Vol. 3 [Joey Spiotto]
To contact the author of this post, write to: firstname.lastname@example.com


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text: Hi I am trying to install Joomla 2.5.6 on my server using Mod-PHP handler but the installer goes into an infinite loop after I select the language. When I choose to use FastCGI instead (done through ISPConfig) and wait a bit for the cache/buffer to clear, the Joomla installer DOES NOT loop indefinately but actually makes it to the next screen where it shows me the php setting I have. Here it shows "output_buffering" on and recommends I turn it off. Which I can easily do via the default php.ini for the server. But here is where my dilema starts. The reason for needing to use Mod-PHP rather than FastCGI is that Mod-PHP enables the use of PHP settings inside .htaccess files. This is a critical feature I need at this point in time. You see, I have some scripts that need register_globals and magic_quotes_gpc on for them to work. I am not in a position at the moment to fix them. Perhaps some time in the future, but not right now. Mod-PHP allows me to set my php.ini file for a more secure server setup, ie by having register_globals and magic_quotes_gpc OFF by default, and then turn them on where required via .htaccess inside specific folders. However, if I use FastCGI, I can't control php settings on a per folder basis. I only have the option to set php.ini settings on a site basis. This is unsatisfactory for me. I've been a Joomla (pre-version 2) user for a number of years now on a server running Mod-PHP, and would like to continue with Joomla. But if it's not going to work, then I have to look at another CMS. 1) Has anyone been able to install Joomla 2.5.6 (or similar version) using Mod-PHP? How did you do it? 2) If I've miss understood something here, please feel free to enlighten me. Cheers, Nap


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You are here
Tales, Myths, and Nightmares
Tales, Myths, and Nightmares
In Tales, Myths, and Nightmares, Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern introduced a cast of characters he called "irreducible," like the spare style and primary colors he uses to set his scenes. His paintings personify fragile survivors who represent the struggle and strength of the Jewish experience.
Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern was born in Kiev, then USSR, to an assimilated Jewish family. He has never been formally educated as an artist, but spent a year studying under Ukrainian satirist David Miretsky. Following Miretsky's arrest and then immigration to the United States, Petrovsky-Shtern turned for inspiration to the Russian icon-painting of Andrei Rublev, Ukrainian naïve art of Maria Prymachenko, Japanese xylography of Utagawa Hiroshige, and Flemish genre painting of Pieter Bruegel. Unlike the outlawed paintings of Marc Chagall, works by these artists were on display at Soviet museums or available in reproduction.
In 1996, Petrovsky-Shtern came to the U.S. to study Jewish history at Brandeis University. In 2003, he joined the History Department faculty at Northwestern University, where he currently serves as the Crown Family Professor of Jewish Studies. He is recipient of the 2008 Northwestern University Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2011 American Association of Ukrainian Studies Book Award. In addition to his role at Northwestern, he teaches and lectures at institutions around the world, including Spertus. He is the author of Jews in the Russian Army, 1827-1917: Drafted into Modernity, The Anti-Imperial Choice: the Making of the Ukrainian Jew, and Lenin's Jewish Question.
Aided by his wife, Oxana Hanna Petrovsky, who bought him canvases and paints, he recently resumed his artistic endeavors through the lens of his role as a historian of the Jewish people.


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Pictures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Style Evolution!
84 Trendsetting Moments From Birthday Girls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
84 Trendsetting Moments From Birthday Girls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Though Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen first stole our hearts on Full House, it's their distinct, covetable, and trendsetting style that has us under a serious sartorial spell all these years later. This dynamic duo — who turned 27 yesterday — has taken the fashion world by storm as experienced entrepreneurs, respected designers, and CFDA Award winners, and we have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg. As the designers of choice for A-listers and models alike, it would be easy for Mary-Kate and Ashley to hide behind their luxe labels — we'll take one of everything from The Row's sleek line-up — but this fashion-forward pair not only talks the talk, but also walks the (cat)walk. While each Olsen has her own signature style — Mary-Kate's the queen of bohemian-chic and Ashley is the master of minimalistic polish — together they have defined eclectic glamour and culled legions of fans with their avant-garde expertise. Need proof? You got it, dude! Presenting 84 of their most twinning (we had to) style moments.


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Royals Winter League Wrap Up
SPRINGDALE, AR –Although the 2012 minor league season officially ended in September, 20 current and former Northwest Arkansas Naturals continued their work on the diamond as they participated in the Puerto Rican, Venezuelan and Australian Winter Leagues. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Spring Training in less than two weeks, all of the former Naturals have completed their winter seasons.
Puerto Rican League Wrap-up
The Puerto Rican League welcomed five Naturals alums, but a recent Natural created the most headlines. Christian Colon was named the Puerto Rican League Rookie of the Year. The Royals first round pick (fourth overall) in 2010, Colon led the league with 13 stolen bases in 39 games for the Leones de Ponce (Ponce Lions). While at the plate, Colon batted .301 with eight doubles and 26 runs scored. In 2012, Colon played in 73 games with the Naturals, batting .289 with nine doubles and 13 stolen bases and five home runs. A Texas League Mid-Season All-Star, Colon finished the season with Triple-A Omaha. Colon has earned a non-roster invite to Spring Training with the Royals.
Infielder Rey Navarro finished second in the league with a .333 batting average in 114 at-bats and 18 RBI for league champion Criollos de Caguas (Caguas Creoles). In 2012, Navarro appeared in 109 games for the Naturals before being promoted to Omaha on August 18.
Infielder Irving Falu led the league with 30 runs scored and four triples while playing for Indios de Mayaguez (Mayaguez Indians). Falu batted .324 with eight doubles and 16 RBI in 36 games. A member of the 2008 Naturals squad, Falu spent 2012 with both Kansas City and Omaha and is on the Royals 40-man roster.
Outfielder Geraldo Valentin, another member of the Naturals' inaugural team, drove in 10 runs while batting .277 for Cangrejeros de Santurce (Santurce Crabbers). Valentin batted .250 with 10 doubles and 19 RBI in 70 games during his lone season with the Naturals.
Pitcher Kelvin Villa went 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine games for Criollos de Caguas. Villa was also named a Post-Season All-Star. Villa was 1-0 in nine appearances during his time with the Naturals in 2010.
Venezuelan League Wrap-up
2011 Naturals catcher Salvador Perez earned Rookie of the Year honors in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League as a member of Tiburones de La Guaira (La Guaira Sharks). Perez batted .371 in 32 games with eight home runs, 10 doubles and 39 RBI with a .412 On Base Percentage. As a Natural, Perez was named to the 2011 Texas League Mid and Post-Season All-Star teams. Perez, who missed the early part of the 2012 season due to injury, batted .301 in 76 games for Kansas City and is the projected starting catcher for the Royals for 2013.
Perez wasn't the only former Natural to end the Venezuelan League campaign with an award, as Juan Gutierrez was named the Venezuelan League Relief Pitcher of the Year. Gutierrez was 1-1 with a 0.81 ERA, 14 saves and 21 strikeouts in 24 appearances for Leones del Caracas (Caracas Lions). Gutierrez recorded three saves in five games with the Naturals in 2012 after reporting to the team in July following rehab outings in the Arizona League. Gutierrez has also spent parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues, each with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Outfielder Mario Lisson batted .262 with four doubles, five home runs and 26 RBI in 43 games with Navegantes del Magallanes (Magellen's Navigators). Lisson has worn the Naturals uniform in every season except 2010, and is the franchise leader in games played, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, home runs and RBI.
Paulo Orlando hit seven doubles and drove in 16 runs in 32 games with Cardenales de Lara (Lara Cardinals). Orlando's .346 batting average would have finished second in the Venezuelan League, but Orlando didn't have the required number of plate appearances. Orlando has spent the last three seasons with the Naturals and is the franchise leader with 18 triples.
Ernesto Mejia was named the Most Valuable Player for the Venezuelan League, batting .298 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI in 62 games as a member of Cardenales de Lara. An Opening Day starter and member of the 2010 Texas League Champion Naturals, Mejia spent 2012 in the Atlanta Braves organization at Triple-A Gwinnett (Ga.).
Pitcher Victor Marte was 2-1 with a 4.40 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 games for Navegantes del Magallanes (Magellen's Navigators). Marte was 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 13 games with the Naturals in 2009. Marte made his Royals debut that season, winning three of his 22 relief appearances.
Pitcher Dusty Hughes was 1-0 in 12 games for Navegantes del Magallanes. Hughes didn't surrender a run in 9 1/3 innings pitched. Hughes was 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 20 games for the Naturals in 2008.
Dominican League Wrap-up
Catcher Julio Rodriguez appeared in one game for Gigantes del Cibao (Cibao Giants), striking out in his lone plate appearance. Rodriguez spent his first full AA season with the Naturals in 2012, with a .234 average and 17 RBI in 67 games.
Pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon pitched in two games with Leones del Escogido (Escogido Lions). In five innings of work, Marimon struck out two batters and surrendered one run. Marimon made 12 starts for the Naturals last season, posting a 3-6 record with a 4.59 ERA. Marimon was named a Carolina League Mid-Season All-Star in 2012.
Pitcher Carlos Rosa appeared in three games for league champion Gigantes del Cibao (Cibao Giants), giving up three earned runs in nine innings. Rosa went 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA in eight starts with the Naturals in 2008. Rosa pitched in two games for the Royals that season, giving up a run in 3 1/3 innings of work. Rosa's last appearance in the Royals organization was with Triple-A Omaha in 2010.
Pitcher Roman Colon spent time in the Dominican League as a member of Gigantes as well as in the Mexican Pacific League with Yaquis de Obregon. Colon was 0-2 in 10 games with Gigantes and concluded the season with a 0-0 record in two appearances with three-time defending Mexican Pacific League champion Yaquis. Colon was 2-0 with a save in 10 games with the Naturals in 2008.
Pitcher Willy Lebron was 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 16 games for Estrellas de Oriente. Lebron was 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA in 23 games for the Naturals in 2011.
Outfielder Jamie Romak hit .280 in six games with Toros del Este (Este Bulls). Romak spent part of the 2010 season and all of the 2011 season with the Naturals, playing in 168 games with the franchise while hitting 29 home runs and driving in 87 runs. Romak spent the 2012 season with Triple-A Omaha and in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
Australian League Wrap-up
Outfielder Carlo Testa was the lone player with Naturals ties in the Land Down Under this winter. Testa played in 46 games for the Melbourne Aces, batting .294 with seven doubles and six home runs with 19 RBI. Testa also stole 10 bases for the Aces. In 2012, Testa completed his first season at the Double-A level with 16 doubles, 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 113 games.
Mexican Pacific League Wrap-up
Outfielder Cory Aldridge batted .268 with 19 home runs and 42 RBI in 61 games for Tomateros de Culican (Culican Tomato Growers). A member of the inaugural Naturals team, Aldridge batted .269 with six doubles and 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 49 games for the Naturals in 2008 and was named the Texas League Player of the Week for August 25.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.


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If you have a good competitive moveset for Torkoal, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.
Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some explanation, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.
Torkoal Pokédex and learnset for reference.
Gen V
Torkoal (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: White Smoke
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SAtk
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Yawn
- Rapid Spin
- Overheat
An excellent lead set. Stealth Rock and Yawn work well together. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards that the foe is likely to set up. Overheat takes down common Steel tyype leads such as Ferrothorn and Forretress, as well as taking down leads like Roserade.
This is the exact moveset for my torkoal, never lost a battle with it. Some other moves might be earthquake or amnesia to dominate his stats. Yawn +protect is also a cheap strategy to do with him.
Torkoal @ Chesto Berry
Trait: White Smoke
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SAtk / 96 SDef
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
New ability Drought, new moveset.
[email protected] Rock
Modest nature
-Flamethrower/Heat Wave =STAB and boost from sun
-Solar Beam = Immediate charge from drought
-Amnesia =Boost special defense
-Sludge Bomb =Coverage
Torkoal @ Iron Ball
Abilty: White Smoke
EVs: 252 Def - 200 SDef - 28 Atk - 28 SAtk
Nature : brave (+ Atk -Spd)
Curse - power up
Gyro Ball - Curse powers it
Earthquake - coverage
Heatwave - STAB
Problem with this set its a mixed set. I couldn't find any good fire Physical stabs the only one found was flame charge which lowers gyro balls power
Torkoal (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: White Smoke
EVs: 124 HP / 124 Atk / 128 Def / 128 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Body Slam
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Defense
- Amnesia
Torkoal @White Herb
Trait: White Smoke
Nature: Quiet/Modest
EV's: 252 Sp. Atk. 252 Hp. 6 Def.
>Nature: Modest is good with clear smog and Quiet is good with gyro ball.
Solar beam: Coverage + Shell Smash power
Shell Smash: Free stat raise with White Herb
Fire Blast: Great in sun + Shell Smash boost
Gyro Ball/Clear Smog: Great because of low speed and it is coverage.
Clear Smog : Removes stat changes of you're opponent.
Hope I Helped Ya!
Torkoal (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: White Smoke
EVs: 160 HP / 252 SAtk / 96 SDef
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Overheat
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Grass]
This is an trolling torkoal :)
Ability-White smoke
Stats- 252-HP/252-SpD/4-SpA
-Clear Smog
-Lava Plume
A set for one of my favorite Pokemon.
[email protected]
Ability: White Smoke
Curse- Lower that speed and boost the physical.
Gyro Ball- Take advantage of the lowered speed.
Earthquake- A must for coverage.
Superpower- A strong coverage move. The stat decreases do not really matter.
252 HP/200 SDef/56 Atk EVs. Brave nature. Torkoal is a very versatile Pokemon and the Torkoal moveset I use is covered by tigerjay. Just in case he changes his name it has Yawn, Protect, Clear Smog, and Lava Plume.
Nature: Calm
Item: Leftovers
Ability: White Smoke
EVs: 140 Def. 250 Sp. Def. 120 HP
Iron Defense
Will-O-Wisp burns the defending Pokemon. Protect puts the burn to good use. Plus you only take damage every other turn. Plus it puts leftovers to good use. Iron Defense raises defense by 2 and Amnesia raises special defense by 2.
White Smoke Prevents your stats from being lowered. Every Amnesia and Iron Defense is put to good use and is not a waste.
This Torkoal is a tank. Just Watch out for taunt!
[email protected]
Ability:White smoke
Evs: 120atk 138def 252sp def
This is a bulky/support Torkoal
-Rapid spin
-Clear smog
-Skull bash
-Gyro Ball
Torkoal (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: White Smoke
Evs: 252 HP, 252 Sp.Atk, 6 Sp.Def
Nature: Modest (+Sp.Atk,-Atk)
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Sludge Bomb/Clear Smog
- HP Electric
Lava Plume gets STAB & is used to try and get that sweet Burn. Earth Power and HP Electric cover your Rock & Water weaknesses. Sludge Bomb is for Fairy-types, and while Clear Smog is weaker, it can be used to prevent being set up on.
[email protected] life orb
careful nature
trait: white smoke
evs 252 hp/126def/126spdef/4 spatk
shell smash
body slam
Torkoal @ Flame Plate
Ability: Shell Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Clear Smog
- Heat Wave
- Protect
- Rapid Spin
Works So Well as a Spinner and Counters Set-up 'mons
The New Ability For Torkoal DROUGHT
Torkoal @ Focus Sash
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
- Solar Beam
- Flamethrower
- Explosion
- Stealth Rock
Focus Sash - Becuz Torkoal Is VEry Slow And Incresing Its Speed Wont Help At All So When People Knock out your Torkoal One hit your dead So Put A Focus Sash on Torkoal
Drought - Its A Free Sunny Day So Use Your Solar Beam For Water Types Since U Have That Focus Sash
Quiet Nature - Again Speed Wont Help You Due to you being so slow
Solar Beam - Dealing For Water Types
Flamethrower - Stab Plus Increase In Damage In Sunny Day
Explosion - Just To Do A Sacrifice On A Hard Pokemon To Kill which one shots your team
Protect Or Rapid Spin - Rapid Spin - just to remove every trapp your enemy made / Protect - Just Incase Your Dead
Finding for tank torkoal? Perfect then because today I'm showing you some awesome
moveset for tank torkoal
Torkoal (M) @ Balloon/Leftovers
Trait: Drought (To change weather)
EVs: 240 HP / 168 Def / 100
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Yawn
- Lava Plume
- Amnesia
- Solar Beam
Torkoal (F) @ Heat rock
Trait: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SAtk
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Rest
- Sleep talk
- Eruption
- Toxic
This is a rather unique torkoal set that takes advantage of his natural tankiness, and the max damage on Eruption at full health. Even if she takes a couple hits, just rest sleep talk and have a full health eruption blast them away.
Toxic is here as a staple to provide pressure on walls and tanks. Calm nature for the SDef coverage, as Torkoal already has a naturally high defense.
Ok before I gonna post an answer I would like to say that all movesets that are presented here are awesome, and I just want to share my ideas with you.
Torkoal (M) @ Heat rock
Trait: Drought
EVs: 7 HP / 252 Sp, Def / 252 Sp. Atk
Nature: Modest (+Sp. Atk -Atk)
-Solar beam
-Sludge bomb
I think this is pretty decent strategy. Set up Amnesia once and then with ability Drought and Heat rock Solar beam rock water and ground types which you are weak too and crash your opponent!
magma turt (Torkoal) @ Leftovers
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb / Solar Beam
- Flamethrower
- Amnesia
- Iron Defense
This thing is a beast. Now, this is just the set I have, and I'm not sure about the ability, but I think it's alright. Amnesia + Iron defense with stats like those are incredible. Flamethrower is boosted by STAB and Drought, while sludge bomb hits hard with poison chances. You could also go with solar beam for its water weakness, and it goes straight away with drought. These are all either easy accessible TMs or moves learnt by level, so it's not hard to get in-game.


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Nice catch Espen, and thanks for the long-term ZI animation, it is very useful in general.I have never noticed this mini-stream before.
thanks for sharing this Espen, but could you let us know where (which website) the Nasa image comes from, I was unable to find it?
I can see from old satelite data that it started as a noticeable stream in the early 2000s, but you may have more to add?
I think Espen means that the ice flow became noticeable after 2000, not because lack of coverage but because of actual changes.
giant Tetris field
(Long term animation of ZI)
Tealight, bear in mind that in some years in August the sea ice disappears from the inner bay, and all the icebergs are swept away. I think this happens every couple of years, but haven't done the stats. This is discussed somewhere upthread. My pet theory was that the massive iceberg jam stuck in sea ice could delay calving processes and even possibly slow the glacier down slightly. Never tested it though.
An irrelevant calving happened at Spaltgletscher AKA Big Foot between Aug 1 and Aug 2 2019:
Quote from: Espen on August 02, 2019, 11:49:48 PMAn irrelevant calving happened at Spaltgletscher AKA Big Foot between Aug 1 and Aug 2 2019:On the same day Gammel Hellerup (I think), just to the south, moved fairly significantly:
Thanks Espen. Your depth of knowledge about Greenland is amazing.
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