F-15J

F-15J

F-4EJ Kai Phantom II

F-15J(M)

F-15J

F-4EJ Kai Phantom II

F-15J(M)

Japan

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
13.0	13.0	13.0

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:410 000

Purchase:1 100 000

Show in game

Description

The F-15J Eagle

is a variant of the American F-15 Eagle, customized for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and produced under a licensing agreement with the United States, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries taking the lead in manufacturing. The F-15J, which entered service in the early 1980s, was designed to replace Japan's aging fleet of F-104J Starfighters and F-4EJ Phantoms. This twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter features advanced radar and avionics for long-range engagement. The aircraft's design emphasizes air-to-air combat capabilities, featuring a mix of short and medium-range missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow, respectively on top of the domestic AAM-3 missile.

In game the F-15J is the crown jewel of the Japanese Air Tree. This translates to a very fast dedicated Air Superiority fighter, that is suprisingly nimble for such a heavy machine. It remains a very capable jet even when compared to it's competition like the SU-27 and the JAS39 Gripen. It is also the only plane featuring the AAM-3 domestic japanese missile in game.

It was introduced in Update "Air Superiority" and is the most advanced aircraft of the japanese Air tree, sitting at a battle rating of 12.3 (AB/RB/SB).

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear

Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier

Air brakes

Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps

Max speed

at 10 668 m2 592 km/h

Turn time21 s

Max altitude16 764 m

Engine2 х Ishikawa-Harima F100-IHI-100

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight46 t

The F-15J is a heavy aircraft, that is quite nimble for it's size. It can pull surprisingly well for it's weight and size. It can also rip between mach 1.0 and 1.1 with a combination of elevator, rudder and ailerons.

It also wants to pull very hard around 800km/h IAS.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	___	___	16764	__._	__._	__._	__._	___
Upgraded	___	___		__._	__._	__._	__._

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
_	_	_	_	_	_

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
0	700	___	___	___	~__	~__

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< ___	< ___	< ___	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
_____		_	_,___ kg		___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)			Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel
___ kg	___		_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg	_,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition	100%	___%/WEP	_m fuel	__m fuel	__m fuel	MGW
Stationary	___ kgf	___ kgf	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__
Optimal	___ kgf (_ km/h)	___ kgf (_ km/h)	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear700 km/h

The F-15 was designed with a focus on survivability. In real life this very jet landed without a wing. the pilots did not know the wing was missing until after they landed.

In game this plane is a tank compared to other jets. the F-15 can often survive non direct missile hits and still be operational enough to land, compared to an F-16 or a Mirage 2000 that will not like flying if they have damaged wings. The F-15 has no armor protection, but the high amount of countermeasures (x240) helps with decoying incoming missiles.

Overall, the F-15 is one of the most survivable aircraft of top tier, being able to withstand more damage than other jets.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 940 → 4 430

RB8 485 → 12 786

SB9 991 → 15 056

Total cost of modifications312 000

471 000

Talisman cost3 200

Crew training310 000

Experts1 100 000

Aces3 600

Research Aces1 350 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

90 / 320 / 500 %

256 / 256 / 256 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 New boosters Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 450 Wings repair Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 510 Engine Research: 34 000 Cost: 52 000 1 100	Fuselage repair Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 Airframe Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 450 Cover Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 510	Flares/Chaff Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 JM61A1_belt_pack Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 BLU-27/B Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 AIM-9L Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 320 G-suit Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 450 Mk82 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 450 AIM-7M Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 450 JM61A1_new_gun Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 510 Mk84 Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 510 AIM-9M Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 510 EFS Research: 34 000 Cost: 52 000 1 100 AAM-3 Research: 34 000 Cost: 52 000 1 100

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)	Lead indicator

Offensive armament

The F-15J is armed with:

• 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
• 240 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The F-15J can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs		1, 6				1, 6				1, 6
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs		1, 6				1, 6				1, 6
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs		1				1				1
BLU-27/B incendiary bombs		3				3				3
AAM-3 missiles	1		1						1		1
AIM-7M Sparrow missiles				1	1		1	1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles	1		1						1		1
AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles	1		1						1		1
610 gal drop tanks		1*				1				1*
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,448 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
* Wing-mounted drop tanks must be equipped together

Default weapon presets
3 x 610 gal drop tanks 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles 4 x AAM-3 missiles 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total) 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total) 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total) 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs

The F-15J has very basic armament loadouts. It gets access to some of the best IR missiles in game being the AAM-3, which are in game feel like an improved version of the famous Aim-9m. In terms of SARH missiles, the Aim-7M are the only possible missiles.

In terms of Air to Ground missiles, the F-15J has 3x hardpoints that can carry up to 3x 2000LBS bombs, up to 18x 500LBS bombs or up to 9x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs.

The F-15J also has access to up to 3x Drop tanks.

Usage in battles

The F-15J is a top tier aircraft that that can punch above it's weight. It is a big and heavy aircraft, that has all of the features a top tier competitive jet needs for Air to Air combat. It gets access to 8x Air to Air missiles total, a good amount of flares and has a good flight model.

One might think the F-15J would be bad at dogfighting, however due to it's design it can fight surprisingly well for such a big plane. It can have a hard time against planes that can pull a lot of AOA (Angle of Attack) like the SU-27, or the JAS-39, however due to the powerful engines of the F-15J, such enemies will have a hard time keeping up with the Eagle in the long run.

The F-15 flight model can be compared to a combination of an F-4 and an F-16. It is a brick, like the F-4, however it turns extremely well under the right circumstances, like an F-16.

• The F-15J does not have a lot of playstyles due to it's limitations. It should be used as a "boom and zoom" plane. the F-15J should never be inside the "furball" that forms in the first minutes of the match, however the pilot of the F-15 should be ready to at any moment after the formation of the "furball" be ready to speed towards it in order to fire some AAM-3 missiles and maybe Aim-7M missiles. After passing through the furball and dodging incoming missiles, the pilot should keep it's energy up, and go back again to try and destroy some more targets. It is also possible to grab 12x 500LBS bombs in order to destroy one base for some extra RP and SL, and then proceed to fight the enemy planes. Generally 40 minutes of total fuel is enough for a match of Air Realistic battles. Each drop tank has around 11 minutes of fuel.
• The F-15J should can be a good Interceptor in Ground Realistic battles, however the F-16AJ outclasses the F-15J due to it's AGM-65B.

The F-15J is quite a specialized Aircraft, tailor made for Air Superiority due to it's armament. It is a competitive Jet that has it's own quirks and few compromises, but it is very scary in the hands of a good pilot. Overall an aircraft with a lot of potential.

Pros and cons

The F-15J is a slightly niche Aircraft, that specializes in Air Superiority.

Pros:

• Very high thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing very high acceleration, rapid climbing and dogfight endurange
• High amount of countermeasures (x240) allowing it to decoy missiles reliably
• AAM-3 missiles. The AAM-3 can be described as an improved AIM-9M with better turning capability.
• High amount of fuel, making it possible to afterburn for longer than the average air RB match. (~18minutes)
• Good manoeuvrability for such a big and heavy jet fighter. It has the capability of out-manoeuvering lighter or more nimble opponents.
• High Ammo Count. 940x Rounds.

Cons:

• Heavy weight. The F-15J remains a very heavy plane, that in some cases does not want to do what the pilot wants it to.
• No Guided Air to Ground Armament
• Tends to Compress at speeds above mach 1.

History

The F-15J Eagle, a cornerstone of Japan's air defense, represents a pivotal chapter in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) history. This twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter, a variant of the American McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, emerged from Japan's strategic need to modernize its air capabilities in the 1970s. During this period, Japan was in the process of phasing out its aging fleet of F-104J Starfighters and F-4EJ Phantoms. After a thorough evaluation of various options, including the F-14 Tomcat and F-16 Fighting Falcon, the JASDF settled on the F-15 Eagle, primarily for its unmatched air superiority.

The journey of the F-15J began with a landmark agreement in 1978 between Japan and the United States, allowing Japan to produce the fighter under license. This decision was more than a mere procurement choice; it was a strategic maneuver aimed at bolstering Japan’s domestic aerospace industry. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was entrusted with the manufacturing, marking a significant step in Japan's post-war industrial and defense capabilities. The initial batch of F-15Js was assembled in the United States and then shipped to Japan for final assembly, but subsequent units were wholly constructed in Japan, showcasing the country's growing technical prowess.

The F-15J was tailored to meet specific Japanese requirements. It incorporated indigenous electronic warfare systems, radar, and other avionics, distinguishing it from its American counterpart. However, in line with Japan's defense-oriented policy, certain features like in-flight refueling were initially left out.

Inducted into service in 1982, the F-15J swiftly became the backbone of Japan's air superiority. Over the years, it underwent several upgrades, enhancing its radar, avionics, and weapon systems to keep pace with global technological advancements. The F-15J's role extended beyond mere hardware; it was integral in joint training exercises with the United States and other allies, honing the JASDF's tactical capabilities and ensuring interoperability.

A key aspect of the F-15J's operational history is its role in air defense. Tasked with safeguarding Japan's airspace, it has been routinely scrambled to intercept foreign military aircraft, particularly Russian and Chinese, near Japanese territory. However, in alignment with Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution, the F-15J has not been engaged in active combat. Its use has been strictly limited to defensive and deterrence missions.

Looking to the future, Japan has initiated an ambitious modernization program for its F-15J fleet. This program aims to equip the fighters with advanced electronics, radar systems, and the ability to carry more sophisticated weaponry. Yet, as the defense landscape evolves, discussions about the F-15J's role in Japan's future air defense strategy continue, with potential transitions to newer platforms like the F-35 Lightning II being considered.

In summary, the F-15J Eagle stands as a testament to Japan's strategic defense evolution, symbolizing the nation's commitment to maintaining a robust air defense capability while adhering to its foundational principles of self-defense and regional stability.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• https://forum.warthunder.com/t/mitsubishi-f-15j/2526

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Jet Fighters	F2H-2 · F3H-2
	F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
	F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
Strike Aircraft	AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
Helicopters	AH-6M
Export/Licensed
Aircraft	◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
	F-15J · F-15J(M) · Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
	▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters	Lahatut
	The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Later it was merged with The Boeing Company in 1997.
See Also	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Japan jet aircraft
IJNAS
Experimental	Kikka
Reconnaissance	R2Y2 Kai V1 · R2Y2 Kai V2 · R2Y2 Kai V3
IJAAS
Fighters	Ki-200
JASDF
Fighters	F-86F-30 ▅ · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅
	F-104J
	F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II
	F-15J · F-15J(M)
	F-16AJ
	F-1
Trainers	T-2 Early · T-2
Foreign
Thailand	▄AV-8S · ▄F-5E FCU