A fighter jet with the serial number 89-0487, codenamed Lucky F-15E, accumulated over 15,000 flight hours during a combat mission on May 17, 2024. The design lifespan of an F-15E is approximately 10,000 flight hours, so the Lucky aircraft surpassing this milestone has significant symbolism.
Lucky F-15E achieved 10,000 flight hours on January 13, 2012. Over the following 12 years, it logged an additional 5,000 hours, averaging over 416 hours of flight per year, showcasing its high operational intensity. Interestingly, there are still older F-15C/D models in service, with the last F-15C produced in 1987, meaning most of the F-15C/D fleet has now exceeded 40 years in service. The longevity of the F-15 family is indeed remarkable.
Throughout its service, Lucky F-15E spent most of its time overseas. When it reached 10,000 flight hours in 2012, it was executing missions at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, becoming not only the first F-15E to achieve this milestone but also the first among all F-15 models.
Lucky F-15E was actively involved in various operations during its service, primarily in the Middle East and Afghanistan, including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
Not only did Lucky F-15E set flight hour records, but it also holds the record for using bombs to down armed helicopters.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, which served during the end of the Cold War, was designed to enhance ground attack capabilities based on the combat experience of the F-15, to replace the F-4 and F-111 for deep strike missions. It inherited the high-speed performance of the F-15C/D and remains the fastest fighter jet in the US Air Force, providing pilots with outstanding capabilities for mission effectiveness and survivability.
The latest version of the F-15 Eagle is the F-15EX Eagle II, which made its first flight on February 2, 2021, and began delivery to the US Air Force by the end of March. Based on the structure of the F-15E, the F-15EX incorporates advanced fifth-generation aircraft avionics, radars, optical detectors, electronic warfare warning systems, and fly-by-wire controls, along with more powerful engines, giving it increased thrust, agility, and payload capacity for both air superiority and devastating ground attack missions.
While lacking the stealth capabilities of the F-22 and F-35, the F-15EX boasts greater payload capacity, serving as a valuable transitional aircraft. The US military can use the F-22 and F-35 to neutralize enemy air defense systems and air superiority fighters, then deploy the F-15EX for demanding ground attack missions. Even before and after the introduction of sixth-generation fighters like NGAD and the B-21, the F-15EX will remain a critical asset in maintaining US military strength.
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