Ameer Randolph
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter designed to maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The F-15's fuel capacity depends on the variant and the use of conformal fuel tanks (CFTs). The F-15E Strike Eagle, for example, has an internal fuel capacity of 12,915 lb (5,858 kg), which can be increased to 22,267 lb (10,100 kg) with the use of CFTs and further increased to 34,162 lb (15,496 kg) with the addition of three 600-gallon (2,270 L) external fuel tanks. The F-15C and F-15D models were fitted with the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000), which included 2,000 lb (910 kg) of additional internal fuel and provisions for exterior CFTs. Each CFT can hold 750 US gallons (2,840 L) of fuel, increasing the aircraft's range and reducing the need for in-flight refuelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 12,915 lb (5,858 kg) internal, 22,267 lb (10,100 kg) with CFTs, 34,162 lb (15,496 kg) with CFTs and 3× 600-gallon (2,270 L) external fuel tanks |
| Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) capacity | 750 U.S. gallons (2,840 L) of fuel in each tank |
| Additional internal fuel capacity (F-15C and F-15D models) | 2,000 pounds (910 kg) |
| F-15EX payload capacity | 29,500 lbs. (13,300 kg) |
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What You'll Learn
Conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) hold 750 US gallons
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a highly advanced, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft. The F-15 Eagle has several variants, including the F-15C and F-15D, which were introduced in 1978, and the F-15E Strike Eagle, which first flew in 1986. The F-15 is designed to be extremely manoeuvrable and to provide the Air Force with air supremacy over the battlefield.
The F-15 Eagle can be equipped with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), which are attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing. These CFTs are designed to minimise drag and can hold up to 750 US gallons (2,840 litres) of fuel each. This additional fuel significantly increases the aircraft's range and reduces the need for in-flight refuelling.
The F-15C and F-15D models were designed with provisions for these exterior conformal fuel tanks. The Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) included a 2,000-pound increase in internal fuel capacity, allowing for a total of 910 kg of additional fuel. This upgrade also increased the maximum takeoff weight to 31,000 kg, enabling the aircraft to carry internal fuel, a full weapons load, conformal fuel tanks, and three external fuel tanks.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, developed by McDonnell Douglas and now produced by Boeing, is also equipped with conformal fuel tanks. These tanks, known as FAST packs (Fuel And Sensor Tactical), were initially tested on the F-15 before being adopted for the F-15E. The F-15E's CFTs produce lower drag than conventional underwing or underbelly drop tanks, contributing to the aircraft's extended range and performance.
In summary, the conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) designed for the F-15 Eagle and its variants can each hold 750 US gallons of fuel, significantly enhancing the aircraft's range and capabilities.
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F-15C and F-15D models can carry 2,000 lbs more fuel
The F-15 Eagle is a tactical fighter designed to allow the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The F-15C and F-15D models, which entered production in 1978, can carry 2,000 lbs more fuel than previous models. This is due to the inclusion of the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000), which includes provisions for exterior conformal fuel tanks (CFTs).
CFTs are attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the aircraft. They can hold 750 US gallons (2,840 L) of fuel, increasing the range of the aircraft and reducing the need for in-flight refuelling. While they cause some additional aerodynamic drag, they produce less drag than conventional external tanks.
The F-15C and F-15D models can also carry three external fuel tanks in addition to the CFTs, further increasing their fuel capacity. The increased fuel capacity allows for a greater range and endurance, enhancing the aircraft's ability to perform long-duration missions.
The F-15 Eagle has undergone various upgrades and derivatives since its introduction, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, which features conformal fuel tanks and improved range and capabilities. The F-15EX is the latest variant, offering advanced capabilities, increased payload capacity, and improved range and speed.
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The F-15E has two CFTs for extended range
The F-15 Eagle is a tactical fighter designed to help the Air Force gain and maintain air supremacy. The F-15E Strike Eagle, derived from the F-15 Eagle, is an American all-weather multirole strike fighter. It was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. The F-15E has two conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for extended range. These tanks hug the fuselage of the aircraft to produce lower drag than conventional underwing or underbelly drop tanks. Each conformal tank can hold 750 US gallons (2,840 L) of fuel. The F-15E's range can be further extended by adding three 600-gallon (2,270 L) external fuel tanks.
The F-15E's CFTs were initially called Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) packs. They can be attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing. The USAF 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron based in Iceland was the only squadron to use CFTs regularly due to its extended operations over the North Atlantic. The F-15E's CFTs increase its range and reduce the need for in-flight refuelling. They also do not affect the aircraft's performance as much as conventional external tanks.
The F-15E Strike Eagle was first flown in 1986, with production continuing under Boeing following the company's merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. The F-15E has been in use since 1985, with over 400 F-15Es and derivative variants produced. The F-15SE Silent Eagle is a proposed variant of the F-15E with fifth-generation fighter features, such as internal weapons carriage and radar-absorbent material. The F-15SE optimises for air-to-air missions and lacks all-aspect stealth features for missions inside areas protected by ground-based anti-aircraft systems.
The F-15C and F-15D models of the F-15 Eagle entered production in 1978. These models were fitted with the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000), which included provisions for conformal fuel tanks. The F-15C was also planned to have the EPAWSS system installed, which includes advanced electronic countermeasures, radar warning, and increased chaff and flare capabilities. The 2040C Eagle upgrade, also called the Golden Eagle, is designed to keep the F-15 relevant through 2040. It includes conformal fuel tanks for extended range.
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The F-15EX has twice the fuel capacity of other fighters
The F-15 Eagle is a highly manoeuvrable, all-weather tactical fighter jet. The F-15EX is a variant of the F-15 Eagle, which boasts twice the fuel capacity of other fighters.
The F-15EX is designed to be affordable, reliable, and capable of rapid modernisation to keep pace with adversaries. It has a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs (13,300 kg) and delivers four times the weapons payload of other fighters. The F-15EX also offers twice the range and speed of other fighters.
The F-15EX achieves its superior fuel capacity through the use of conformal fuel tanks (CFTs). These are attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing and are designed to minimise aerodynamic drag. Each conformal tank can hold 750 US gallons (2,840 litres) of fuel, significantly increasing the jet's range and reducing the need for in-flight refuelling.
The F-15EX also incorporates advanced technologies such as next-generation radars, sensors, and networking capabilities. It features an all-glass digital cockpit and advanced electronic warfare suites, allowing it to operate in highly contested airspace. With its superior fuel capacity, advanced technologies, and increased payload, the F-15EX is a dominant modern combat fighter that can meet evolving threats.
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The F-15SE Silent Eagle has conformal weapons bays (CWBs) instead of CFTs
The F-15 Eagle is an American all-weather multirole fighter jet. The F-15E Strike Eagle variant is fitted with two conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that hug the fuselage to produce lower drag than conventional underwing/underbelly drop tanks. They carry 750 US gallons (2,800 litres) of fuel.
The F-15SE Silent Eagle is an upgraded version of the F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft, developed by Boeing for international customers. The F-15SE has conformal weapons bays (CWBs) instead of CFTs. The CWBs hold weapons internally and also have a small amount of fuel storage. The F-15SE was optimised for air-to-air missions and features twin vertical tails canted 15 degrees outward to reduce radar cross-section and provide rear lift to the aircraft. The CWBs can be removed and the aircraft can be reconfigured with CFTs depending on mission requirements.
The F-15SE Silent Eagle was Boeing's first attempt at a "4.5 Generation" version of the Strike Eagle, competing against the F-35A and the Eurocanards. The project started in 2009 and the first prototype flew in July 2010, successfully launching an AMRAAM missile from the CWB. Potential customers included Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. However, the F-15SE lost out to the F-35 in the F-X III competition launched by South Korea's Defense Acquisition and Procurement Agency. The development cost of the F-15SE is estimated at $100 million each, with an expected market for 190 orders.
The F-15SE features advanced technology such as next-generation Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, and an infrared search and track (IRST) system. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines or two Pratt & Whitney F 100-PW-229 engines, both providing 29,000 lbs of thrust. The F-15SE also has an advanced electronic warfare system and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
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Frequently asked questions
The F-15 Eagle has a fuel capacity of 12,915 lb (5,858 kg) internal. With Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs), this capacity increases to 22,267 lb (10,100 kg).
Conformal Fuel Tanks are attached to the sides of the engine air intakes under each wing. They can hold 750 US gallons (2,840 L) of fuel each.
No, CFTs were developed for the F-15C and F-15D models.
CFTs increase the range of the aircraft and reduce the need for in-flight refuelling. They also have less aerodynamic drag than conventional external tanks.
Yes, CFTs slightly degrade performance by increasing aerodynamic drag. They also cannot be jettisoned in-flight.
