That is incorrect, it was standard on the F-15C’s. Every photo of any F-15 that went to Iraq (either time) had CFT’s. The F-15’s in Alaska, Hawaii, Okinawa, etc. all have them. The F-15’s launched the morning of 09-11-01 had CFT’s.
The CFT was one of the first upgrades identified to be needed by the F-15A’s. This was part of the “Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements” program, and this was made starting in the “C” variant in 1979! In aerial combat the F-15A’s worked the verticle far greater than any previous aircraft. This consumed fuel at a greater rate than the designers had planned. The CFTs were originally known as “Fuel And Sensor, Tactical (FAST)” packs as there were schemes to use them to carry defense-suppression or reconnaissance payloads as well, but these schemes didn’t pan out. The CFTs were initially put through flight trials in 1974 with the second TF-15A. The USAF did not select the F-15E as its deep interdiction fighter-bomber until March 1984 (AW&ST 03/05/84 Pg 18 & 19).

I dont think so. As I mentioned, only the Kevlavik Eagles carried them usually. Maybe the Alaskan Eagles had them sometimes. But for USAF F-15Cs, CFTs are usually not carried. Oh, and Hawaii ANG flies F-15As anyway.
The fuel consumption problem of the F-15A resulted from excessive use of afterburners. Due to fear of compressor stalls when engaging the burners, pilots would often run the afterburner in minimun setting all the time. This was solved with the improved 200/220 engines and with the addition of another 2000lb internal fuel tank.
Pics show Eagles from Alaska, Kadena and Hawaii, without CFTs of course 😉

I have enjoyed two complete lessons in a Russian beginner course so far. 😀
The course completes at ALTE 1 level, I hope I will get there.

I think your F-15 prices are 20 years out of date. As has been said, the F-35 price isn’t set yet. Only forecasts are available. $39 mn was the forecast price of the F-35C, in 2002 prices, made in 1996. The current official (i.e. the one used in budgeting) forecast in 2002 prices is $60 mn, or about $66 mn in 2006 prices.

I think you should re-examine the bases of your prices, & try to find some which are comparable, & you should also consider the development cost of navalising the F-15.

Yes, the $29M for the F-15 is from the mid-seventies. That equals around $100M in todays dollars!

And the cost of navalising would be huge. For starters, you need a complete new wing with wing fold and slats.

Thats excellent news 🙂
Total orders stand now at 25 if I remember correctly, 6 for the Swiss air force.

The F-16 testbed for the JSF intake reached Mach 2 with the DSI intake, same speed as normal. Should be enough for any fighter.
And 100kg weight saving is nice.

Does the F-22 have the same A2G capability as the F-117?

The LGBs are way more accurate and the F-117 can carry 2000lb weapons. It is equipped with FLIR too.
The Raptor has none of it. So I would say no.
A/G will be F-35 business.

If Elmendorf will get one Raptor squadron only, the Nighthawks will be gone pretty soon.

7.9 tons is my info, too.
You must consider two things:
– it is still 1 ton lighter than standrad F-16C
– it is faster than most available jets (not by itself an advantage, but some people may want it)
– it is known for very rugged structure and didn’t show any fatigue problems, something the F-16 cannot claim
– it is 3-4 tons lighter than a MiG-29 while having mostly similar capabilities

Under the Mirage 2000 the only available designs are the SAAB Gripen and possibly the FC-1 and T-50 (but both 20 years younger).

– The F-16 has much more thrust though.
– top speed is higher, yes, but Mach 2 should be enough. Besides, F-16 outaccelerates Mirage 2000 easily from M0.4 to 0.9. Unfortunately, I dont have any data on higher speeds.
– definitely.
– I agree.