This is the third of four caches in a series on the history and mission of Seymour Johnson AFB.
Seymour Johnson AFB is home to the largest F-15E Strike Eagle fleet in the Air Force, with four Fighter Squadrons. Ground zero here is located close to the airfield’s extended runway centerline, and if you are at this cache on a weekday between 1000-1900 “local”, chances are you’ll be able to see these jets as they take-off and land directly over you. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low and medium altitudes, day or night, and in all weather.
The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer (WSO). Previous models of the F-15 are assigned only air-to-air roles; the "E model” is a dual-role fighter. It has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way back out.
The Strike Eagle is being upgraded to the APG-82 radar system, an active electronically scanned array radar that can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges than ever before. During an air-to-surface weapon delivery, the pilot is capable of detecting, targeting and engaging air-to-air targets while the WSO designates ground targets.
The low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system 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. A navigation pod contains 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. A Sniper advanced targeting pod contains a laser designator and an infrared and electro-optical tracking system that mark an enemy for destruction at long ranges. Once tracking has been started, targeting information can be automatically handed off to GPS or laser-guided bombs.
One of the most important additions to the F-15E is the rear cockpit, and the weapons systems officer. On four screens, this officer can display information from the radar, electronic warfare or infrared/optical sensors, monitor aircraft or weapons status and possible threats, select targets, and use an electronic "moving map" to navigate. In addition to three similar screens in the front seat, the pilot has a transparent glass heads up display at eye level that displays vital flight and tactical information. The pilot is also aided with a helmet-mounted cueing system visible wherever he or she happens to be looking.
Seymour Johnson AFB F-15Es are powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines that incorporate advanced digital technology for improved performance. For example, with a digital electronic engine control system, F-15E pilots can accelerate from idle power to maximum afterburner in less than four seconds. Faster engine acceleration means quicker takeoffs and crisper response while maneuvering. These engines can produce 50,000 pounds of thrust (25,000 each) at sea level.
As Strike Eagles scream overhead, see if you can pick out any of their munitions. Even when on training missions, they captive-carry training missiles. For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most weapons in the Air Force inventory. It also can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) for the air-to-air role. The “E model” also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds.