A perfect record. That's what the F-15SG is based on and nothing less.
This latest variant of the renowned F-15 fighter is modelled after the F-15E Strike Eagle, which has the distinguished combat record of 104 kills to 0 losses. The F-15E is employed mainly by the United States Air Force (USAF) and has proven its combat effectiveness many times over since its entry into service in April 1988.
Multi-role capability
Like the F-15E, the SG model is also an all-weather multi-role fighter designed to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plans to use this jet to replace its retired A-4SU Super Skyhawk fighter.
Said Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Khern: "The F-15SG will also add a new dimension to the RSAF's integration with the 3rd Generation SAF. The fighter will deliver effective air power to the rest of the SAF, enabling the RSAF to help shape land and maritime campaigns."
Although the original F-15 was meant to be a multi-role fighter, the earlier A to D models were never configured for ground duties. It was only with the E model that modifications were made to cater to this requirement, making this model almost an entirely new aircraft.
Some of the more significant changes include the addition of an aft seat for a weapon systems officer and newer avionics that allow for better low-level flying capabilities.
With the SG variant, further improvements were made to boost the fighter's situational awareness capabilities, self-defence mechanisms and survivability. All this is made possible with a unique blend of the latest avionics, an integrated sensor suite and advanced weapons.
State-of-the-art radar
"Singapore has incorporated some significant technological advances into the aircraft, most notable of which is an advanced, electronically scanned array radar. This radar is at the forefront of the technology for radars," said Mr Mark Bass, Boeing's F-15 Programme Vice-President.
The SG model is the first F-15 variant to incorporate the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, which allows it to detect targets faster and engage more targets than most other fighter radars.
Also, unlike mechanical radars that use moving flat-plate antennas, the AESA antenna that is housed in the nose of the aircraft comprises numerous small transmission and reception modules - each scanning a small fixed area - making it more reliable than previous F-15 radars.
Integrated sensor suite
Working in tandem with the AESA radar is the advanced integrated sensor suite from Lockheed Martin.
This includes navigation pods, Sniper Advanced targeting pods and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System which have been integrated into the F-15SGs by Boeing.
The navigation pod comes packed with the Terrain Following Radar and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, which enable the pilot to navigate the F-15SG at low altitudes at night and under varying weather conditions.
The third generation targeting pod, combined with targeting FLIR, allow for better detection ranges compared to older generation targeting pods. The SG model also sports a laser spot tracker that lets the fighter strike targets with greater accuracy, both during the day and at night.
As for the IRST system, it allows for the detection and tracking of objects that emit infrared radiation - such as jet aircraft and helicopters. Since the system does not emit any radiation, it decreases the probability of the fighter being detected while it is in use.
Said Mr Brad Korte, Boeing's F-15SG Programme Manager, of the IRST system: "It provides the capability to go out and look for infrared signatures - basically heat signatures - from other aircraft at long distances...which the E model does not have yet."
Combat advantage
Other key systems that give the F-15SG an edge over other fighters include the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). This system provides pilots with the capability to accurately direct both sensors and weapons at enemy aircraft even while performing high-G manoeuvres as pilots will only have to face the targets to lock onto them.
The JHMCS eliminates the need to look into the cockpit during air combat. The visor can also display various pertinent information such as air speed, altitude and target range.
The F-15SG also boasts the Link-16 Fighter Data Link which allows it to share target information with other aircraft, improving situational awareness and information exchange. Its Electronic Warfare suite comprises a warning receiver, a radar jammer and a chaff-and-flare dispenser to counter enemy threats.
The SG variant's ability to carry a larger payload of weapons and fuel translates to having a larger variety of weapons and better endurance, making it both lethal and versatile.
With its maximum payload of 23,000 pounds (10,400kg), it can carry up to eight air-to-air missiles in an
air-to-air configuration and up to 15 500-pound bombs in an
air-to-ground setup.
The fighter has an internal General Dynamics M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun installed in its right wing and its arsenal includes AIM-120 and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs.
Production contract for RSAF
"The Singapore Air Force will benefit greatly from the fact that the F-15E is a mainstay of the USAF fleet," said Mr Bass.
"The USAF intends to operate over 400 of this aircraft through 2025 and 2035, so the RSAF can benefit greatly from the spares and repair pipeline that is being established for the USAF, as well as benefit from the training and tactics developed by the USAF for the F-15E."
The first F-15SG completed its first test flight successfully on 16 Sep which lasted 1.5hours.
It was rolled out in a simple ceremony, witnessed by MG Ng, US Ambassador to Singapore Patricia Herbold and Boeing Military Aircraft president Chris Chadwick, at Boeing's factory in St Louis, Missouri, on 3 Nov.
The first batch of F-15SGs is due for delivery in the second quarter of next year. It will be handed over to the RSAF at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
Meanwhile, an RSAF detachment has already begun training on the USAF's F-15Es in the US.
According to Mr Chadwick, the production of the 24
F-15SGs the RSAF has ordered is on schedule and should be delivered by 2012.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
OF THE F-15SG
Engine: Two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines
Thrust: 29,000 pounds/engine
Combat ceiling: 65,000ft (19,800m)
Top speed: Mach 2.5 plus
Wingspan: 13.05m
Length: 19.45m
Height: 5.65m |
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