READER RESPONSE DRAFT #1

The F-15E Strike Eagle, a variant of the F-15 fighter family, excels as a versatile, dual-role aircraft (Air Force, 2019). It is designed for both air-to-air combat and precision air-to-ground strikes, making it a highly capable and adaptable fighter (Air Force, 2019). Since their merger, Boeing has replaced McDonnell Douglas as the fighter's manufacturer (Owen, 2023). The cropped delta wings are swept back at 45 degrees, which contributes to the fighter's flight and combat abilities (Zorro, 2017). It lacks leading-edge flaps, while the trailing edge is equipped with ailerons and a basic high-lift flap (Zorro, 2017). Due to these reasons, the plane has a low wing loading which gives it excellent maneuverability without compromising speed (Zorro, 2017). Titanium is used in the construction of the wing spars, which reinforces the wings from within, as it is more lightweight and durable than steel (Harris, 2023). As later variants of the F-15, a semi-monocoque fighter aircraft, are constructed entirely of aluminum (Zorro, 2017), the wings are made from aluminum.

Despite the F-15E's superb performance, the USAF wisely prioritized mass production of the more cost-effective and maneuverable F-16.

The Air Force (2021) describes the F-16 Fighting Falcon as a fighter aircraft designed for multiple roles and exceptional maneuverability. The latter was accomplished by using both the front flaps and rear flaperons, which can adjust to various angles and cambers, allowing the wings to optimize performance under different conditions (Pearl Habor Aviation Museum, 2017). The wings on the F-16 are also substantially smaller than those of the F-15E, measuring 9.8 meters (Air Force, 2021) compared to 13 meters respectively (Air Force 2019), which reduces the weight and increases maneuverability. Air Force Maj. Emmett Tullia II managed to outmaneuver six Iraqi surface-to-air missiles and save his life (Schogol, 2022), a feat which might not have been possible in the F-15E.

The F-16 has a cost advantage, priced at $18.8 million in 1998 for the F-16C/D variants (Air Force, 2021), compared to $31.1 million for the F-15E (Air Force, 2019). This is partially explained by the wings on the F-16 being smaller and thus, uses less material. The lower costs have enabled the USAF to field 1017 F-16C/D (Air Force, 2021) planes as compared to 219 F-15Es (Air Force, 2019).

While the F-16s are generally preferred for the above-mentioned traits, the F-15E's larger wings allow it to carry heavier payloads, and its titanium wing spars enhance its durability under fire, making it the superior air-to-ground fighter.

References

Air Force. (2019, April). F-15 Eagle. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104501/

Air Force. (2021, September). F-16 Fighting Falcon. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/

Harris, T. (2023, October 19). How the F15 Works. HowStuffWorks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/f-15.htm

Owen, J. (2023, December 11). What made the F-15 eagle jet a legend of the skies. SlashGear. https://www.slashgear.com/1467353/f-15-eagle-history/

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. (2017, September 26). General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin F-16. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/blog/general-dynamicslockheed-martin-f-16/#:~:text=On%20the%20F-16,%20the%20rear%20flaps%20are%20called%20flaperons%20to

Schogol, J. (2022, July 11). Air Force F-16 pilot explains how he dodged 6 missiles during insane Gulf War mission. Task & Purpose. https://taskandpurpose.com/history/air-force-f-16-gulf-war-missiles/#:~:text=Air%20Force%20Maj.%20Emmett%20Tullia%20II%20escaped%20death%20half%20a

Zorro, M. H. (2017, January 1). F-15 Eagle. Plane-Encyclopedia. https://plane-encyclopedia.com/cold-war/f-15-eagle/


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