F-15 C/D ...
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered production in 1978 with the models' first flights in February and June of that year.These new models have Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements, including 2,000 lb (900 kg) of additional internal fuel, provisions for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 lb (30,700 kg).The additional takeoff weight allows internal fuel, a full weapons load, conformal fuel tanks, and three external fuel tanks to be carried. The APG-63 radar uses a programmable signal processor (PSP), so that when there is a need to upgrade the radar in the future for more advanced weaponry developed later, only reprogramming is needed. The PSP was the first of its kind in the world, and the upgraded APG-63 radar was the first radar to use it. Other improvements on the C and D models included strengthened landing gear, radar improvements, and a new digital central computer. An overload warning system was also added, which allows the pilot to fly the fighter to 9 g at all weights.
The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) was initiated in February 1983 with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 F-15Cs included the enhanced-capability Hughes APG-70 radar, which was developed for the F-15E. These 43 F-15Cs with APG-70 radar are sometimes referred as Enhanced Eagles. The earlier MSIP F-15Cs with the APG-63 were later upgraded to the APG-63(V)1, which significantly improved reliability and maintainability while providing performance similar to the APG-70. The improvements were retrofitted to existing F-15s.
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In 1979, McDonnell Douglas and F-15 radar manufacturer, Hughes, teamed to privately develop a strike version of the F-15. This version competed in the Air Force's Dual-Role Fighter competition starting in 1982. The F-15E strike variant was selected for production in 1984.
Beginning in 1985, F-15C and D models were equipped with the improved P&W F100-220 engine. It added a digital engine control to allow for quicker throttle response, less wear, and reduced fuel consumption. The original F100-100 engines were upgraded to a similar configuration with the designation F100-200E starting in 1997 and were ongoing as of 2007.
Recent upgrades include retrofiting 178 F-15C fighters with the AN/APG-63(V)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with delivery beginning in early 2009.[24] Additionally, the Air Force also plans to upgrade other F-15s with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).Lockheed Martin is working on an IRST system for the F-15C.
