F-15 Eagle Essay, Research Paper
Designs and technologies of fighter aircraft?s have come a long way this past half
century, enabling aircraft?s to break the sound barrier and fly at speeds of mach 1, something
they do now is a matter of routine. Wing platform has changed from strait to swept wings. The
use of exotic metals and materials is increasing, and more powerful propulsion units are being
developed.
the idea was to get a fighter aircraft with a wing optimized for a high load factor and
bullet free performance at 0.9 mach and 30,000 feet; a high thrust-to-weight ratio to achieve
very high maneuverability throughout the flight envelope; one man operation of the weapon
systems for all missions; a realistic air-to-air fighter fatigue life of 4,000 hours; an advanced
cockpit layout wing such things as displays and controls allowing heads-up during combat; a
reduction in maintenance hours per flight hour to typical W.W.II fighter levels; a combat
survival structure, fuel, hydraulic, flight control and electronically sub-systems to enable a safe
return to base; a maximum mission gross weight in the order of 40,000 lb.; a long-range pulse
Doppler radar with look down compatibility; and a maximum compatibility of mach 2.5 at
altitude.
After many different designs and tests, the first F-15 Eagle was born on June 26, 1972. It?s
first flight was exceptionally well. There were only 2 problems; one was that a new, more
effective speed break was needed for the aircraft to accelerate and decelerate rapidly. A new
speed break was put in immediately.
The front fuselage section of the F-15 eagle holds most of the avionics, together with
the fire control systems, radar, cockpit, nose gear and environmental control systems. The
central pod provides main undercarriage and four fuel tanks; the forward tank is the bladder
type, the other 3 are self-sealing. In the left wing shoulder, there is an in-flight re-dash fueling
receptacle. An M-61 0.8 in. cannon is mounted in the right wing shoulder. The frames of the
central section, together with 2 large variable geometry intakes on either side are
manufactured from machine aluminum.
The engine has a 3-stage fan section and variable chamber inlet guide vance upstream
of the first rotors stage to provide airflow?s at an optimum angle for the first-stage fan blades.
This ensures the engine operating ability. A 2-stage compressor turbine has air-cold blades in
both side.
The secondary power system is mounted on the air frame in fire-resistant bays just
forward, below and between the engines. It derives secondary power from the engine.
hydraulic power is survived by 4 interchangeable 55 GPM pumps. Two primary and one utility
provide hydraulic power for flight central and utility functions. With the exception of the
electrical-powered flaps, all of the F-15 Eagles flight controls, including the speed brake, are
operated hydraulically. the flight control system is a combination of mechanical and
hydraulically
control.
Fin and stabilization torque boxes are constructed from titanium ribs and spars. They
have composite skins of aluminum honeycomb and bonded boron, while their leading and
trailing edges are of aluminum skin with an aluminum honeycomb core.
In conclusion the F-15 Eagle aircraft is a sophisticated aircraft of the 20th century.