The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an all-weather multirole 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 camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes.

The Strike Eagle has been deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Odyssey Dawn carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries.

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. 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. The new radar upgrade is to be part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program. The new radar was named APG-63(V)4 until it received the APG-82 designation in 2009. 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.

While some of the F-15C/Ds have been replaced by the F-22 Raptor, there is no slated replacement for the F-15E in its primary "deep strike" mission profile. The Strike Eagle is a more recent variant of the F-15, and has a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants. The F-15Es are expected to remain in service past 2025. The USAF has pursued the Next-Generation Bomber, a medium bomber concept which could take over the Strike Eagle's "deep strike" profile. The F-35A Lightning II is projected to eventually replace many other attack aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II, and may also take over much of the F-15E's role; however, the F-15E has better combat range under payload.

Pictured here is a stunning 1:72 scale diecast replica of an Israeli Air Force Boeing F-15A Baz multi-role fighter that was attached to No.133 Squadron, and scored the first MiG kill on February 13th, 1981. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 10-1/2-inches

Release Date: December 2021

Historical Account: "Knights of the Twin Tail" - Israel established the 133 squadron to operate the F-15A in late 1976, receiving its first four in early December 1976. The first shipment of F-15A and F-15B aircraft was completed in 1978. Although the squadron flew missions over Lebanon in 1978, it saw its first action in June 1979 when Israeli pilots encountered Syrian MiGs over Lebanon.

In June 1981, several F-15A aircraft escorted some F-16s of the 117 squadron that carried out a strike against Iraq's Osirak nuclear development facility. Later in the year, Israel began adding F-15C and F-15D variants to the 133 squadron. The new F-15 variants were scheduled to be transferred to a separate squadron in 1982, but the commencement of hositilies against Syria in Lebanon postponed the transfer until after fighting had ended.

In 1988, many of the F-15A and F-15B reportedly underwent several radar and engine upgrades, but the 106 squadron remained the primary F-15 squadron. During the first Gulf War in 1990, the 133 squadron remained on full alert for several months and took part in continuous air patrols until February 1991. As of July 2005, the 133 squadron flew exclusively 15A/B/D aircraft.