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Continued from
FrontPage of Article
The RSAF's F-15SG is an
all-weather multi-role fighter designed to achieve air superiority
over the battlefield. It is the most advanced and technologically
sophisticated variant of the F-15 aircraft built to date.
The F-15SG is equipped with the latest avionics, an integrated
sensor suite and advanced weapons. This unique configuration
provides the aircraft with exceptional situational awareness
capabilities, enhanced air-to-air and self-defence capabilities, and
outstanding survivability.
The state-of-the-art avionics, integrated sensor suite and advanced
weapons for the F-15SG include:
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
The F-15SG is the first production F-15 aircraft to have an AESA
radar with full air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The AESA
radar has an extended detection range, which allows the F-15SG to
detect and engage targets before it is detected. In addition, the
number of targets it can track and engage is also higher than most
other fighter radars. And unlike mechanical radars that use moving
flat-plate antennas, the AESA antenna comprises numerous small
transmission/reception modules - each scanning a small fixed area.
Hence, the AESA radar performance is far more reliable than the
previous F-15 radars.
Electronic Optics (EO) Suite
The F-15SG EO suite consists of two pods, which allows for
precise navigation and attack. The Navigation Pod, with the Terrain
Following Radar (TFR) and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), enables
the pilot to navigate the F-15SG at low altitudes at night, under
varying weather conditions. The 3rd Generation SNIPER Targeting Pod,
with targeting FLIR, is for the sighting, tracking and ranging of a
target. It has enhanced detection ranges over older generation
targeting pods. It also has a laser spot tracker, which allows the
F-15SG to deliver weapons on target with precise accuracy in day and
night.
Weapons Payload
The F-15SG is able to carry a larger payload of weapons and fuel,
giving it enhanced firepower and longer endurance for air defence
and counter-air operations missions. It also has the ability to
carry a large variety of both conventional and precision stand-off
weapons, making it extremely versatile and lethal. The F-15SG has a
maximum payload of 23,000lbs. This allows it to carry up to eight
air-to-air missiles in an air-to-air configuration, and up to
fifteen 500lbs bombs in an air-to-ground configuration. The aircraft
is also armed with an internal General Dynamics M-61A1 20mm Gatling
gun (installed in the right wing root), which can fire up to 4,000
or 6,000 rounds per minute.
Other F-15SG systems include:
Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) System
The IRST system detects and tracks objects that emit IR radiation,
such as jet aircraft and helicopters. Unlike radars, the IRST system
does not give out any radiation on its own, making it undetectable.
With IRST tracks, the F-15SG will be able to employ weapons without
the need to operate the radar, hence greatly decreasing the
probability of being detected.
Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
With the JHMCS, the pilot needs only to point his head at the
target, and weapons will be directed to where the pilot is looking,
providing the pilot with "first-look, first-shoot" high off-boresight
capabilities. JHMCS enables the pilot to accurately direct (cue)
sensors and weapons against enemy aircraft while performing high-G
aircraft manoeuvres. In addition, the pilot can view any desired
data (airspeed, altitude, target range, etc) 'heads-up', eliminating
the need to look into the cockpit during air combat.
AIM-9X
The AIM-9X is a supersonic, air-to-air, IR-guided missile which
employs a passive IR target acquisition system to home in on IR
emissions and to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. The AIM-9X,
coupled with JHMCS, allows the F-15SG pilot to attack and destroy
any airborne enemy without having to manoeuvre the aircraft. The
AIM-9X is an improved variant of the AIM-9M, with high off-boresight
angle capability, improved IR counter-countermeasure robustness and
missile manoeuvrability. The increased off-boresight acquisition
angle and improved situational awareness result in enhanced
lethality and survivability.
Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite
The F-15SG's EW suite is an integrated electronic support and
countermeasures system that comprises a warning receiver, a radar
jammer and a chaff/flare dispenser. The system can effectively
detect, identify and counter threats posed by an enemy, thereby
greatly enhancing its survivability.
Link-16 Fighter Data Link
The Link-16 Fighter Data Link allows the F-15SG to share target
information with other aircraft, thus greatly enhancing situational
awareness and information exchange. With enhanced battlefield
awareness, the fighter can gain an upper hand in the fast paced air
combat environment. The sharing of such information by air and
ground forces also reduces dual targeting and redundant employment
of weaponry.
Technical Specifications
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Two General Electric
F110-GE-129 engines |
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65,000 ft |
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42.8 ft |
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63.8 ft |
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18.5 ft |
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Mach 2.5 plus |
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M61 20mm cannon
AIM-120 air-to-air missiles
AIM-9X air-to-air missiles
Maverick air-to-ground missiles
Laser-guided bombs |
Source:
www.mindef.gov.sg News Release 4
Nov 2008

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