Identify an F‐15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is a fighter aircraft made by McDonnell Douglas. It is primarily used by the United States Air National Guard, such as the 123rd division. It is an icon for military spotters due to its popularity. This wikiHow can help you identify it.
Steps
- Identify the tail. The F-15 has two tails which stand vertically. They are spaced on the back and are outside of the engines. They can be identified by how they are vertical, not diagonal like the F/A-18 or F-22. They are shaped like a rectangle which have a diagonal front. They can be found with markings and the registration of the aircraft. As well as what squad they belong to.
- Identify the engines. The F-15 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines with afterburners. They are located in the middle of the aircraft but the afterburners are located on the back of the aircraft, while the front of the engines are on the sides of the fuselage. They are relatively big and are easily visible from the bottom or back of the aircraft.
- Identify the armament. The F-15's main armament consists of an M-61A1 cannon, four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and four AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. They are located below the wings. They also include two drop tanks that are contained just below the missiles. The cannon is located in the fuselage of the aircraft and can be seen when the aircraft compartments are opened.
- Identify the registration. The registration can be found on the tail of the aircraft. Record it down and search it up later. Websites should identify the aircraft. If being used by the United States, the Registration will start with an N. Other countries will have different registration guidelines.
- Identify the fuselage and landing gears. The fuselage is the body of the aircraft, it is slim and short. It is located in the middle of the aircraft and contains the cockpit. It is pointed on the front but cut off on the back to make room for the turbofan engines, as well as the elevators and tails. It is 63 feet and 9 inches long.
- Identify the paint scheme or markings (livery). The livery of an F-15 is typically a dark grey with black text for the registration. On rare occasions, the F-15 can have a camo livery or heads of sharks or eagles on the back. Other aircraft can have red stripes on the tails to identify to friendly aircraft.
Warnings
- Do not interfere with military operations to get a good picture. You can be arrested.
