War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Pe-8

2024-02-26T13:52:09Z

U132356605: /* History */ I changed the date that it was produced it had said 1339 and i don't belive they had planes in 1339 i changed it to the actual date 1939

{{Specs-Card
|code=pe-8_m82
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Petlyakov Pe-8''' was an early design Soviet heavy bomber which debuted in 1936. This monster of a bomber was the only four-engine bomber produced by the Soviet Union during World War II. Though impressive as it was, it was only produced in limited numbers and was reserved for special occasions called "morale raids" to encourage and raise the spirits of the Soviet population by hitting important German targets deep behind enemy lines to include bombing Berlin in mid-1941. Other prime targets included the nighttime bombing of factories, German airfields and rail yards. As such an important aircraft to the Soviet people, it became a priority target for the German Luftwaffe pilots to go after. By 1944, all remaining {{PAGENAME}}s were removed from service but were retrofitted for other jobs such as VIP transport and operations up into the Arctic Circle.

The Pe-8 was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]]. Though a large and tempting target, it is not without its merits. The huge bomber has a nose gunner, tail gunner, rear-facing dorsal turret and two rear-facing underwing gun pods. Attacking this aircraft especially from the rear whether above, below or directly from the rear is a bad choice as, like with the [[BV 238]], there are many defensive guns which can hit and hit hard. These defensive weapons are critical to protecting the bomber against inbound enemy fighters, especially because of the bomb payload which it can carry. Options can range between 2,000 and 5,000 kg bomb loads with as many as 40 x 50 kg or 100 kg bombs, or fewer but heavier bombs such as 6 x 500 kg bombs or a single massive 5,000 kg FAB-5000 bomb. The diverse payload options present a wide range of potential targets for the Pe-8, from clearing bases and detonating battleships, to carpet bombing ground defences and clusters of lighter vehicles.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The Pe-8 has poor flight characteristics: the plane is very heavy for its engines and thus is slow. This limits its top speed as well as its climb rate. The wings being massive, the turn radius is large and the bomber's manoeuvrability is mediocre. Combined with a short tail, this creates instability and causes the Pe-8 to wobble when changing directions. The bomber usually compresses and wobbles after doing sharp turns, which can be very lethal at low altitude. It can take the pilot a certain time to regain control of the bomber. When engaged in a steep dive, the same phenomenon (compressing and wobbling) takes place, restricting it only to a level bombing role.

Note for new Pe-8 pilots - Since this plane's control surfaces are huge and rotate very slowly, they will have lots of inertia: after you release a keyboard button for rolling, the ailerons will keep deflecting for a second or two before stopping, which is unlike the controls of smaller aircraft where the control surfaces stop deflecting immediately as soon as you release the button. Therefore it is a good practice to release the button a second before the Pe-8 is at an optimal position, as the control surfaces' inertia will do the job after letting go the keyboard input.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 402 || 387 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.9 || 37.6 || 4.9 || 4.9 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
|-
! Upgraded
| 445 || 422 || 35.1 || 36.0 || 10.2 || 7.2
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:Pe-8 lunarrainbow 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 535  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 380 || 310 || ~4 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 320 || < 350 || < 380 || > 341
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The Pe-8 has a durable airframe, meaning the bomber can take some damage, still complete its mission and make it home. Even if its fuel tanks are self-sealing, fires tend to be devastating for the structural integrity of the wings.

;Armour plates

* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind copilot's seat
* 8 mm Steel - Plate for underwing nacelle gunners x 2
* No armour glazing

;Critical components

* The pilot and the controls are located in front of the aircraft
* Engines and fuel tanks located throughout the wings
* Fuel tanks are self-sealing

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
[[File:Pe-8 *jermster 91 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|FAB-1000 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|FAB-5000 (5,000 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 40 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 40 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 12 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 1 x 5,000 kg FAB-5000 bomb (5,000 kg total)

The Pe-8 can carry the FAB-5000 bomb with over 5 tons of TNT equivalent, which proves extremely deadly in ground RB and naval battles. The 40 x 100 kg bombs loadout is suitable for carpet bombing against columns of vehicles and occasionally base bombing while the 4 x 1000 kg bombs loadout is best suited for destroying bases and airfields, and 2 bombs are required to destroy a base. The stock payload of 40 x 50 kg bombs has very little efficiency against ground targets due to lack of explosive power and is ill-suited for base bombing.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, dorsal turret (200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, tail turret (230 rpg)
* 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, 2 x engine nacelle turrets (200 rpg)
* 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose turret (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

The rear-facing 20 mm ShVAK cannon turrets are quite accurate and easy to aim, they will deal with any enemy fighter daring to come close. The 12.7 mm Berezin MGs in the engine nacelle turrets provide extra coverage from behind. While the defensive armament can be powerful, it is still ridden with weaknesses: the turrets lack any kind of armour, so your gunners can be knocked out easily and each turret has a low ammo count, resulting in frequent reloads that essentially leave you defenceless. The frontal 7.62 mm ShKAS MGs lack power to deal with fighters flying towards the Pe-8 head-on. Aircraft coming from high altitude can also avoid defensive firepower by exploiting their dead angles.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Pe-8 the interceptor 002.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]

The Pe-8, as mentioned earlier, is in essence a Soviet Death Star (a.k.a Tu-4 at a lower tier). It both boasts a very effective cannon armament and a high bomb load, able to destroy two bases in one pass. Its 5,000 kg bomb is especially useful in Ground Battles as a "tactical nuke" of sorts, able to wipe out large concentrations of enemy tanks.

However, the FAB-5000's practicality ends there. In Air Battles, the FAB-5000 is woefully overpowered against most targets and makes it inferior to most of the plane's other bomb loadout combinations. In addition, it peculiarly does less damage against an airfield than the 4 x 1,000 kg payload, further decreasing its usefulness. Instead, use the other payloads. The stock payload of 40 x 100 kg bombs, while difficult to aim, can still be used to base bomb, simply drop 12 on a base to destroy it (remember that the first 16 are pylon mounted meaning they drop in pairs, so the first base will require only 6 presses of the bomb release button). Keep using this payload for base bombing until you unlock the 4 x 1,000 kg modification, as all the other payloads yield less damage. You can use your bombs to destroy ground targets as well, however, be sure to be high enough or use a timer so that the bomb's splash damage doesn't knock you out.

Try to side climb around the main battle when going after bases, though your defensive armament is powerful, you will be an easy target for experienced players, heavy fighters, and groups of fighters that encounter you. If you see an enemy, always turn the plane to make sure the rear cannon-armed guns face the pursuer so you can focus as much of your defensive firepower on them as possible while also increasing the time you can put your guns on the target. Make sure to fire in bursts as your guns will jam if fired for too long.

===Ground RB===
In Ground Realistic mode, the Pe-8 can be used as a CAS aircraft to a devastating effect. If there are no fighter aircraft or few SPAA, try to find the largest group of enemies and drop the FAB-5000 as fast as you can. This usually results in 1-2 targets destroyed, but can easily net many more. Try to spawn early game, as there will be less fighter aircraft and SPAA. Let it be noted that there is a certain terror from seeing a FAB-5000 slam into the ground next to your tank that is not easily replicated elsewhere in War Thunder.

===Naval Battles===
In Naval Battles, the Pe-8's FAB-5000 is capable of destroying any ship. Due to its huge explosive mass, the FAB-5000 is able to create a massive shockwave that can cause an ammunition detonation to nearby ships (~ 50 m from explosion radius), this means it does not require a direct hit to deal a crippling blow to the enemy. With some luck, you can get knock out multiple targets with a single bomb drop, just like in ground battles.

However, delivering the FAB-5000 to the targets can be a bit tricky as anti-aircraft fire in Naval battles is much more accurate, hard-hitting, and plentiful. One would try to compensate for this by flying high up, but you will find that it is hard to aim the FAB-5000 from these altitudes. Thus, it is more effective to bring the Pe-8 to higher-tier battles with larger, less manoeuvrable, and usually slower ships.

To drop the bomb accurately, start by setting the bomb fuse to 0s to ensure that the enemy will not get away from the explosion radius, then fly up to an altitude of at least 4,000 m to avoid most of short range AA barrages (around 4,500-5,000 m is a suitable altitude for an accurate and relatively safe drop), select an isolated or a slow target which has few escorts, then approach them. Make sure to watch the long range flak barrages while flying evasively to ensure that they will not hit you, while getting close. Take a look at the water trail left behind the target to get an idea of its course and speed. Then go to the bomb sight view, aim well and lead the target, and drop the bomb. You can use the bomb tracking camera to see where the bomb dropped and (in case of Arcade battles) adjust your aim for the next drop in case the shockwave wasn't able to destroy the target. With some practice, you can make the bomb drop close enough to the target, allowing the massive explosive blast to do the rest.

====Counter-tactics====

When pursuing the Pe-8, try to go for a head-on - nearly all the time there is critical damage and "pilot snipes" to down the aircraft - with the added bonus that the front is the least defended area of the Pe-8. Use your mobility to do so. When in a not so optimal position, try to come up at a angle above the Pe-8 - with a sharp enough angle, you will stop the 12.7 mm MGs from reaching you, and with a bit of luck, you will make it past the single 20 defending the plane.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:Pe-8 the interceptor 001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Inbound bogie as seen by the nose gunner somewhere over the Eastern Front.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Good payload options for various mission types, including a massive 5,000 kg bomb
* Powerful defensive armament
* Durable airframe, can take some damage and make it home

'''Cons:'''

* Poor flight performance
** Large, heavy, and slow
** Poor climb rate, top speed and manoeuvrability (large turn radius, wobbling effect)
* Prone to devastating fires
* Stock payload is mediocre
* Large deadzones for defensive armament
* Defensive armament is poorly protected
* In combined ground battles, the very large blast radius of the FAB-5000 bomb can easily cause accidental friendly fire

== History ==


Pe-8 (also known as TB-7, ANT-42, or "Petlyakov") was initially developed in 1936-1939 as a high-speed, high-altitude heavy bomber as further development of previous heavy bomber [[TB-3M-17-32|TB-3]]. On November 9, 1936, the aircraft prototype was completed, and serial production of the aircraft started in 1939. Pe-8 was adopted by the Red Army Air Force in 1941 and used in 1941-1954.

Design-wise, the aircraft was a four-engine all-metal monoplane with retractable front landing gear, a non-retractible tail wheel, and a crew of 12. Initially, the plane was designed to use liquid-cooled AM-35A engines of 1200 hp each, but different modifications also used different engines like AM-34FRNV, diesel M-30, M-82FN, and diesel ACh-30. The Pe-8 had an internal bombay capable of mounting up to 5000 kg of ordnance. In 1943, the notorious FAB-5000 was developed. Since the bomb did not fit entirely into the bomb bay of the Pe-8, the plane flew with the bomb bay doors slightly open. The Pe-8 had powerful defensive weapons, consisting of two 20 mm ShVAK cannons, two large-calibre 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine guns, and two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns mounted at a point on the nose of the vehicle. The aircraft's ability to fly at high altitudes and with impressive defensive weapons allowed the Pe-8 crews to do without fighter escort.

Aircraft saw combat use in 1941-1944 during the bombing of Berlin, Koenigsberg, Helsinki and the Battle of Kursk. One of the most notable aircraft missions was the bombing of Berlin in August 1941, just after the start of the Great Patriotic War. While the raid did comparatively minor damage, it was a huge morale victory as it demonstrated the vulnerability of Germany at that time.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pe-8_m82 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:Pe-8 hammer 91 001.jpg
Image:Pe-8 *jermster 91 002.jpg
Image:Pe-8 hammer 91 002.jpg
Image:Pe-8 the interceptor 003.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ZRRbMZ12LHQ|'''The Shooting Range #241''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:34 discusses the Pe-8.}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Boeing [[B-17 (Family)|B-17]] Flying Fortress
* Messerschmit [[Me 264]]
* Short [[Stirling B Mk I|Stirling]]
* Nakajima [[G5N1|G5N]]
* Piaggio [[P.108B serie 1|P.108]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272434-petlyakov-pe-8-m-82a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Petlyakov}}
{{USSR bombers}}

LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)

2024-02-26T13:30:10Z

U132356605: /* Description */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb}}
== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''
[[File:LDGP Mk 84.png|left|thumb]]
{{break}}

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F3H}}{{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1H}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4h}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-10}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-84}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_germany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_israel_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-111}}{{Specs-Link|f_111a}}
{{Navigation-Line|FJ-4}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 893.6 kg (1,970 lbs)
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 428.6 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Comp. H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 578.61 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || 117 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || 17 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || 205 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

[[File:LDGP Bombs.png|left|thumb|Comparison to other LDGP (low drag general purpose) bombs]]
{{break}}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Largest of the Mk.80 series of bombs, capable of destroying vehicles within 21 metres of its detonation

'''Cons:'''

* Weight of the bomb can significantly debilitate aircraft performance

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

F-15A

2024-02-08T16:16:00Z

U132356605: I changed the amount of air-to-air kills from 103 to 104 I also stated the stall speed I also stated that it has the m61 Vulcan and that it with said cannon can win a fight with the Su-27 JAS 39 and J-11.

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_15a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Towards the end of the Vietnam War, the United States saw their major shortcoming in dogfighting performance, as the heavy [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom]] operated by most branches at the time was garnering an unsatisfactory kill-death ratio. Meanwhile, the far more manoeuvrable "gunfighter" [[F-8E|F-8 Crusader II]] was achieving a far better track record. As a result, not long after the end of the conflict, two new development projects were started by the USAF, one of which was the F-X program to develop a "next generation" fighter that favoured manoeuvrability over top speed. However, the F-X program would take a sharp turn not long after, as multiple radar reports from Turkey and Israel observed an unknown Soviet aircraft flying overhead at speeds above Mach 3. Quick investigation through spy satellites and high altitude reconnaissance aircraft brought the discovery of the Soviet's latest MiG-25 aircraft, which at the time was assumed by the West as a high tech, next generation fighter made of the latest composite materials. What scared the United States the most, was that the design of this MiG-25 was dangerously similar to the initial prototypes of the F-X program, which had not even flown yet. Eventually, development of the F-X program was accelerated into its latter phases, resulting in the venerable F-15 Eagle, an absolute best of all worlds, no compromises held, air superiority fighter to combat this new Soviet threat. However, the defection of Viktor Belenko to Japan with his MiG-25 shortly after showed the world that the MiG-25 was overestimated, being in reality constructed out of heavy metals and armed with weaker avionics suited for long range combat, making the MiG-25 merely a heavy interceptor, and not the "next generation super-fighter" that was feared before. The same cannot be said about the indomitable Eagle however, as the F-15 and its later variants would go on to establish the most widely regarded air-to-air combat kill-death ratio of any modern jet fighter: '''at least 104 aircraft kills without a single confirmed loss.'''

Introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' succeeds the equally famous [[F-4E Phantom II]] in the tech tree. The F-15A is represented as a mid-life variant, being outfitted with 240 countermeasures, but lacking its upgraded radar or AIM-120 missiles. Even without such upgrades, the Eagle is still a very fearsome monster in top tier jet battles, utilizing its great avionics and incredible missile selection, including the lethal [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] with IRCCM flare-rejection, to prey on enemy aircraft at a safe distance. More importantly, unlike the earlier Phantoms, when push comes to shove, the Eagle can reliably dogfight most enemies it may face thanks to its stable airframe design and absurd engine power giving it incredible acceleration and TWR. One must still be wary however that the Eagle is not completely undefeatable, and proper usage of this aircraft requires training and discipline just like its real life counterpart. Some enemies to be aware of are the [[Mirage 4000]] and early [[F-16A]]s for their ability to win an extended dogfight over the Eagle, but moreso cautious when engaging players flying the [[JAS39A|JAS 39]], [[J-11]], and [[Su-27]], as these aircraft not only possess an unstable airframe allowing them to perform impressive maneuvers (and defeat the Eagle) at low speeds, but they also carry lethal close range missiles with IRCCM, which when coupled with their helmet-mounted targeting systems, can prove to be very dangerous for any enemy, Eagle or not, which gets close and slow in a dogfight. The f-15A also has quite the low stall speed at 61 Knots or 113km/h. While it isn't as maneuverable as the JAS 39, J-11, and the Su-27 it does have a good cannon that being the M-61 Vulcan Cannon.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The Eagle on full fuel can be a very sluggish fighter, and this is especially noticeable with a full weapons load. On low fuel however, the F-15A is no slouch and can easily contend with anything in its BR range. The high speed pull is quite good for a jet of its size, and it can sustain up to 20 degrees per second at lower speeds (450 km/h). At speeds above Mach 1, the jet can sustain up to 13G, and won't experience wing overload until 15-16G. The Eagle is best described as rocket-like, as its high thrust-to-weight ratio give it an excellent climb rate, and allows it to stay in prolonged dogfights. In terms of speed, the aircraft reaches its top speed fairly quickly, but is slower than contemporaries like the F-16C or Mirage 2000 at lower altitudes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,563 || 2,531 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 20.9 || 288.1 || 273.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,657 || 2,592 || 19.9 || 20.5 || 383.4 || 330.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,629  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 548 || 481 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 || 2
| colspan="2" | 12,500 kg || colspan="3" | 314 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 14,065 kg || 15,528 kg || 17,042 kg || 17,715 kg || 27,571 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,140 kgf || 8,510 kgf
| 1.21 || 1.10 || 1.00 || 0.96 || 0.62
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,061 kgf (1,629 km/h) || 13,939 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.98 || 1.80 || 1.64 || 1.57 || 1.01
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

Even though the aircraft possesses no armour, the Eagle is very durable, even tanking missiles at times, and can continue to fly in a severely crippled state. Minor structural damage is in some cases negligible to stability or performance. This doesn't mean you should brush off damage however, and like several other jets in this BR range, the F-15A can easily destabilize if missing even a wing tip. If badly hurt, you should almost never stay aggressive and attempt to repair at your nearby airfield.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
* 240 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! 610 gal drop tanks
| || 1* || || || || 1 || || || || 1* ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,448 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Wing-mounted drop tanks must be equipped together
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 610 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

'''Air Realistic Battles'''

The F-15A is very capable as a frontline fighter, and has a large number of countermeasures at its disposal in case of any threats. The AIM-9M is likely going to be your primary armament, as the AIM-7M is limited in use. The combination of a very capable platform and IRCCM make the Eagle a deadly fighter. However, you should avoid engaging a group of enemies, as this is where the jet struggles. Even though it retains speed very well, it can easily slow down when backed into a corner. As always, stay with your team and don't head into furballs blindly. Avoid drawn-out dogfights as this can easily lead to a third-party situation, and the off-boresight capability of enemies like the Su-27, JAS-39, J-11, and later MiG-29 variants can best the Eagle even if in the disadvantageous position. The F-14 Tomcat can also be a formidable opponent in BVR combat due to its long-range Phoenix air-to-air missiles that utilizes active-radar homing. The F-15A is no slouch, however, as it can hold its own in a BVR fight. Be sure to pay attention to your RWR and defend accordingly.

'''Air Simulator Battles'''

In simulator battles, the F-15 is very formidable due to its smokeless AIM-9M air-to-air missiles, but is limited by the seeker range and speed of the AIM-7M. The cockpit allows for excellent visibility and provides great situational awareness to the pilot, but the jet does lack HMD, so you must point your nose at targets. The biggest advantage the F-15A has in a simulator battle is its high speed manoeuvrability and smokeless missiles, allowing for stealthy kills.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Quite manoeuvrable at all speeds
* Very fuel-efficient engines
* High TWR and amazing acceleration
* AIM-9M missiles are very effective with IRCCM

'''Cons:'''

* The aircraft is much more sluggish at higher fuel loads
* Large and easy to hit target
* Prone to wing overload until "Airframe" modification
* No TWS mode hinders BVR capabilities
* Can only carry four short-range IR missiles; two fewer than many of its peers

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-15A

2024-02-08T16:02:23Z

U132356605: /* Description */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_15a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Towards the end of the Vietnam War, the United States saw their major shortcoming in dogfighting performance, as the heavy [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom]] operated by most branches at the time was garnering an unsatisfactory kill-death ratio. Meanwhile, the far more manoeuvrable "gunfighter" [[F-8E|F-8 Crusader II]] was achieving a far better track record. As a result, not long after the end of the conflict, two new development projects were started by the USAF, one of which was the F-X program to develop a "next generation" fighter that favoured manoeuvrability over top speed. However, the F-X program would take a sharp turn not long after, as multiple radar reports from Turkey and Israel observed an unknown Soviet aircraft flying overhead at speeds above Mach 3. Quick investigation through spy satellites and high altitude reconnaissance aircraft brought the discovery of the Soviet's latest MiG-25 aircraft, which at the time was assumed by the West as a high tech, next generation fighter made of the latest composite materials. What scared the United States the most, was that the design of this MiG-25 was dangerously similar to the initial prototypes of the F-X program, which had not even flown yet. Eventually, development of the F-X program was accelerated into its latter phases, resulting in the venerable F-15 Eagle, an absolute best of all worlds, no compromises held, air superiority fighter to combat this new Soviet threat. However, the defection of Viktor Belenko to Japan with his MiG-25 shortly after showed the world that the MiG-25 was overestimated, being in reality constructed out of heavy metals and armed with weaker avionics suited for long range combat, making the MiG-25 merely a heavy interceptor, and not the "next generation super-fighter" that was feared before. The same cannot be said about the indomitable Eagle however, as the F-15 and its later variants would go on to establish the most widely regarded air-to-air combat kill-death ratio of any modern jet fighter: '''at least 104 aircraft kills without a single confirmed loss.'''

Introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' succeeds the equally famous [[F-4E Phantom II]] in the tech tree. The F-15A is represented as a mid-life variant, being outfitted with 240 countermeasures, but lacking its upgraded radar or AIM-120 missiles. Even without such upgrades, the Eagle is still a very fearsome monster in top tier jet battles, utilizing its great avionics and incredible missile selection, including the lethal [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] with IRCCM flare-rejection, to prey on enemy aircraft at a safe distance. More importantly, unlike the earlier Phantoms, when push comes to shove, the Eagle can reliably dogfight most enemies it may face thanks to its stable airframe design and absurd engine power giving it incredible acceleration and TWR. One must still be wary however that the Eagle is not completely undefeatable, and proper usage of this aircraft requires training and discipline just like its real life counterpart. Some enemies to be aware of are the [[Mirage 4000]] and early [[F-16A]]s for their ability to win an extended dogfight over the Eagle, but moreso cautious when engaging players flying the [[JAS39A|JAS 39]], [[J-11]], and [[Su-27]], as these aircraft not only possess an unstable airframe allowing them to perform impressive maneuvers (and defeat the Eagle) at low speeds, but they also carry lethal close range missiles with IRCCM, which when coupled with their helmet-mounted targeting systems, can prove to be very dangerous for any enemy, Eagle or not, which gets close and slow in a dogfight.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The Eagle on full fuel can be a very sluggish fighter, and this is especially noticeable with a full weapons load. On low fuel however, the F-15A is no slouch and can easily contend with anything in its BR range. The high speed pull is quite good for a jet of its size, and it can sustain up to 20 degrees per second at lower speeds (450 km/h). At speeds above Mach 1, the jet can sustain up to 13G, and won't experience wing overload until 15-16G. The Eagle is best described as rocket-like, as its high thrust-to-weight ratio give it an excellent climb rate, and allows it to stay in prolonged dogfights. In terms of speed, the aircraft reaches its top speed fairly quickly, but is slower than contemporaries like the F-16C or Mirage 2000 at lower altitudes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,563 || 2,531 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 20.9 || 288.1 || 273.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,657 || 2,592 || 19.9 || 20.5 || 383.4 || 330.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,629  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 548 || 481 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 || 2
| colspan="2" | 12,500 kg || colspan="3" | 314 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 14,065 kg || 15,528 kg || 17,042 kg || 17,715 kg || 27,571 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,140 kgf || 8,510 kgf
| 1.21 || 1.10 || 1.00 || 0.96 || 0.62
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,061 kgf (1,629 km/h) || 13,939 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.98 || 1.80 || 1.64 || 1.57 || 1.01
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

Even though the aircraft possesses no armour, the Eagle is very durable, even tanking missiles at times, and can continue to fly in a severely crippled state. Minor structural damage is in some cases negligible to stability or performance. This doesn't mean you should brush off damage however, and like several other jets in this BR range, the F-15A can easily destabilize if missing even a wing tip. If badly hurt, you should almost never stay aggressive and attempt to repair at your nearby airfield.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
* 240 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! 610 gal drop tanks
| || 1* || || || || 1 || || || || 1* ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,448 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Wing-mounted drop tanks must be equipped together
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 3 x 610 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

'''Air Realistic Battles'''

The F-15A is very capable as a frontline fighter, and has a large number of countermeasures at its disposal in case of any threats. The AIM-9M is likely going to be your primary armament, as the AIM-7M is limited in use. The combination of a very capable platform and IRCCM make the Eagle a deadly fighter. However, you should avoid engaging a group of enemies, as this is where the jet struggles. Even though it retains speed very well, it can easily slow down when backed into a corner. As always, stay with your team and don't head into furballs blindly. Avoid drawn-out dogfights as this can easily lead to a third-party situation, and the off-boresight capability of enemies like the Su-27, JAS-39, J-11, and later MiG-29 variants can best the Eagle even if in the disadvantageous position. The F-14 Tomcat can also be a formidable opponent in BVR combat due to its long-range Phoenix air-to-air missiles that utilizes active-radar homing. The F-15A is no slouch, however, as it can hold its own in a BVR fight. Be sure to pay attention to your RWR and defend accordingly.

'''Air Simulator Battles'''

In simulator battles, the F-15 is very formidable due to its smokeless AIM-9M air-to-air missiles, but is limited by the seeker range and speed of the AIM-7M. The cockpit allows for excellent visibility and provides great situational awareness to the pilot, but the jet does lack HMD, so you must point your nose at targets. The biggest advantage the F-15A has in a simulator battle is its high speed manoeuvrability and smokeless missiles, allowing for stealthy kills.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Quite manoeuvrable at all speeds
* Very fuel-efficient engines
* High TWR and amazing acceleration
* AIM-9M missiles are very effective with IRCCM

'''Cons:'''

* The aircraft is much more sluggish at higher fuel loads
* Large and easy to hit target
* Prone to wing overload until "Airframe" modification
* No TWS mode hinders BVR capabilities
* Can only carry four short-range IR missiles; two fewer than many of its peers

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}