BZ's Nellis '08 - F-15 page

Photo Gallery

The F-15E Strike Eagle is an all-weather strike fighter, designed for long-range interdiction of enemy ground targets. In Desert Storm, the F-15E carried out deep strikes against high-value targets, performed "Wild Weasel" (SEAD) patrols and provided close air support for coalition troops.

According to wikipedia: While most of the F-15C/Ds are being replaced by the F-22 Raptor there is no slated replacement for the F-15E. The Strike Eagle is a more recent variant of the F-15, and has a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants. The F-15Es are expected to remain in service past 2025.

The Strike Eagle is also affectionately called the 'Mud Hen'. Certainly a humorous play on the official name, but also accurately reflects the down and dirty role of close air support. With its twin Pratt & Whitney F100-229 afterburning turbofans, the F-15E can reach speeds of Mach 2.5+, and carry over 24,000lbs of ordnance. In contrast, the B-17 Flying Fortress could carry a maximum of 8000 lbs of bombs (on short missions at that)!

Used a Nikon D200 w/ a 70-300mm VR lens, and D50 w/ a 18-105mm VR lens.
- Bernard Zee


This F-15E is loaded up with a huge assortment of ordnance!


I have no clue what anything is, except that they all make varying levels of BOOM!
David Stanley Hands was kind enough to help ID all those bombs and missiles. AIM-120 AMRAAM medium range active radar guided air to air missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder Infra Red seeking short range air to air missiles, GBU-15 TV guided 2000lb "Smart Bomb", and Mk82 500lb iron bombs. Click here to see the labelled picture.


Suffice to say, it would be a BAD day to be on the receiving end!


The F-15 West Coast Demo Team is actually based in Elgin, FL. This would seem a bit odd, as FL is no where close to the West Coast. The Air Force site clarifies this by explaining that 'West Coast' was retained for heritage purposes.


I have to say, that I was 'Wow'ed by the F-15 demo.


It is an older design, and no longer cutting edge (like the F-22), but is it ever awesome to watch!


Plenty of afterburner, and nice close-in passes.


I particularly love this shot! A bit of vapor forming on the wings as he banks around for the photo pass.


The sensations of hearing and feeling the roar of the engines on afterburner gives me a thrill everytime!


In some respects, it is more enjoyable than the Raptor show; as the Strike Eagle only had 2 speeds: fast, and faster!


Keeping the nose up after landing.


The F-15 rolls by the crowd after the heritage flight. That's the F-22 behind it.


Thumbs up!! Great show guys!



Click on the link below to return to the 2008 Nellis Air Show main page.
Nellis '08 Gallery Index

If you have any comments, drop me a line at: szee1@comcast.net
Thanks!
Bernard Zee