New Delhi, April 4 (IANS). Iran claimed that it had shot down an American fighter plane. After his claim, the world’s attention has once again focused on America’s state-of-the-art F-15E Strike Eagle. This aircraft is counted among the most reliable and multi-role fighter jets of the US Air Force. US Air Force’s official website ‘AFdotMIL’ has also thrown light on this.
The F-15E Strike Eagle was first introduced into service in 1988. It has been specially designed in such a way that along with fighting enemy aircraft in the air, it can also accurately attack the targets on the ground. It operates with a two-man crew—a pilot and a weapon systems officer. It is claimed that because of this, complex missions can be executed in a better way.
This fighter aircraft is capable of flying in all weather conditions and at any time of the day or night. The state-of-the-art avionics and radar systems fitted in it give it the ability to identify targets from long distances and attack them accurately. Its APG-70 radar system can track both air and ground targets, allowing it to deal with multiple threats simultaneously.
A major feature of the F-15E is its LANTIRN (Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared) system, which enables it to fly at very low altitudes and carry out precise strikes even at night or in bad weather. This system helps the pilot to fly safely very close to the ground.
This aircraft is also very powerful in terms of performance. Its maximum speed is about 1,875 miles per hour (more than Mach 2.5) and it can fly at an altitude of about 60,000 feet. Its long range and ability to carry heavy weapons make it suitable for attacking deep into enemy territory.
Talking about weapons, apart from the 20 mm internal cannon (gun), it can be fitted with air-to-air missiles like M-9 Sidewinder and M-120 Amram. Along with this, it can also carry various types of precision guided and conventional bombs.
This aircraft has been manufactured by American aerospace company Boeing. Its initial price was around $31 million, which has increased to around $100 million with modern upgrades.
According to the US Air Force, the F-15E Strike Eagle is a strength of the US Air Force due to its long range, heavy payload and ability to perform missions while protecting itself.
–IANS
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