Japan licensed built variant of McDonnell Douglas F-15
The
Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ Eagle
is a twin-engine, all-weather
air superiority fighter
based on the
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
in use by the
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
(JASDF). The F-15J was produced under license by
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
. The subsequent
F-15DJ
and
F-15J J-MSIP (MSIP Configuration II Aircraft)
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
variants were also produced. Japan is the largest customer of the F-15 Eagle outside the United States.
[6]
In addition to combat, F-15DJ roles include training. The F-15J Kai is a modernized version of the F-15J.
[7]
[8]
Kai was an early designation that has gradually subdivided; nowadays, Japan no longer uses 'kai' to refer to newly upgraded F-15Js. Instead, Japanese predominantly use J-MSIP or F-15MJ.
Development
[
edit
]
In June?July
1975, the
Japan Defense Agency
(JDA, now Ministry of Defense) examined the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle as one of the 13 candidates for the replacement of the
F-104J/DJ Starfighter
and
F-4EJ Phantom II
. A single-seat F-15C and a twin-seat F-15D were evaluated at
Edwards Air Force Base
, and in December 1975, the F-15 was announced the winner, with the government intending to purchase 187 F-15J/DJs. By April 1978, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was designated as the primary contractor and licensing for the F-15C/D was achieved.
[9]
[10]
After
congressional
review, the
Department of Defense
(DoD) withheld the aircraft's electronic warfare and engine systems from the licensing. Initially, the aircraft were produced in the U.S. and exported to Japan. This initial export production contributed to aircraft development under the
defense industry of Japan
while facilitating base production of aircraft, achieving the goal of producing a fighter to Japan's requirements.
[11]
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) acquired 203
F-15Js and 20
F-15DJs, of which 2
F-15Js and 12
F-15DJs were built by McDonnell Douglas in
St. Louis
, Missouri.
[9]
Dubbed the "Peace Eagle" by the DoD
FMS
program, the first F-15J built in St. Louis was delivered to the
United States Air Force
for its first flight on 4 June 1980, and a subsequent cruise on 15 July to Japan. Additionally, 8
F-15Js were manufactured in large components and shipped to Japan for final assembly by
Komaki
of Mitsubishi, the first of these (serial number 12?8803) making its maiden flight on 26 August 1981.
[9]
[12]
Companies divided the remainder share and produced it under license from 1981, with final assembly of aircraft performed by Mitsubishi.
[9]
In the latter period of 1981, the first F-15J/DJ aircraft were sent to
202nd Tactical Fighter Squadron
, which was reorganized as an Eagle FTU and renamed the 23 Flying Training Squadron at
Nyutabaru base
on 21 December 1982. The JASDF developed a plan to form the first squadron after the
KAL007 shootdown
by a Soviet
Su-15
on 1 September 1983. In March 1984, new F-15Js began replacing the
203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron
's F-104Js at
Chitose Air Base
, located across the
La Perouse Strait
from the
Soviet fighter base
on
Sakhalin
Island.
[9]
On 24 December 2018, it was announced that Japan is considering selling their F-15s to the U.S. in order to acquire funds to purchase F-35s.
[13]
The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed on February 4, 2022 that 68
F-15Js will be upgraded through the Japan Super Interceptor (JSI) programme under a cost of JPY646.5 billion (USD5.6 billion).
[14]
Boeing was awarded an undefinitized contract not-to-exceed $24,550,000 for the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor program.
[15]
Design
[
edit
]
F-15J/DJs are identical to F-15C/Ds aside from the
ECM
, radar warning system, and nuclear equipment. The AN/ALQ-135 Internal Countermeasures System is replaced by the indigenous J/ALQ-8 and the AN/ALR-56
Radar Warning Receiver
is replaced by the J/APR-4. The engine is the
Pratt & Whitney F100
turbofan, produced under license by
IHI Corporation
. Some aircraft still have an inertial measurement unit, an old type of the
Inertial navigation system
. All F-15J/DJs have two UHF radios, which are also VHF capable.
[16]
The F-15J is characterized by an indigenous data link, but they do not support
Link 16
FDL mounted by USAF F-15Cs. It works as a basic bidirectional link with the Japanese ground-controlled intercept network, and it is limited because it is not a true network.
[16]
Mitsubishi received the F-15C/D Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) and in 1987 began upgrading the F-15J/DJs. Improvements included an uprated central computer, engines, armament control set and added the J/APQ-1 countermeasures set.
[17]
[18]
The F100-PW-220 (IHI-220) was upgraded to the F100-PW-220E (IHI-220E) with a digital engine electronic control retrofit.
[19]
Differences in appearance from earlier F-15Js include the J/ALQ-8 ICS with an ICS antenna mounted under the intake. The J/APQ-4 RWR antenna position on the F-15J/DJs is the same as F-15C/Ds, but the lens of F-15J/DJ MSIPs is black rather than white for F-15C/Ds.
[16]
Improvements and upgrades
[
edit
]
F-15Js have been equipped with the Japanese-built
AAM-3
missile, a Japanese successor to the
AIM-9 Sidewinder
follow-on with distinctive "barbed" forward fins. Japan has been investigating an advanced fighter to replace the F-15, meanwhile the F-15J fleet is being modernized.
[20]
On 28 July 2003, the first upgraded F-15J (#928) made its first flight, and it was delivered to the JASDF Air Development Test Wing on 21 October 2003.
[21]
[22]
On 10 December 2004, the Japanese Government approved a Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP) to modernize the F-15J MSIPs over five years in accordance with new National Defense Program Guidelines.
[23]
The upgrade is being implemented in phases, but ultimately the upgrade will include a new ejection seat; replaced IHI-220E engines; more powerful processor; uprated electrical generation and cooling capabilities to support more avionics and the Raytheon
AN/APG-63(V)1
radar.
[20]
which has been produced under license by
Mitsubishi Electric
since 1997. Raytheon expects the radar will ultimately be installed in 80 F-15Js.
[24]
The new radar will support the
AAM-4
missile, the Japanese answer to the
AMRAAM
.
[20]
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) requested the modernization and deployment of reconnaissance aircraft in June 2007, and it was planned to upgrade some F-15Js with
synthetic aperture radar
pods; these aircraft would replace the
RF-4 Phantom IIs
currently in service.
[25]
[26]
On 17 December 2009, the reconnaissance upgrade disappeared from the budget after the
Democratic Party of Japan
took power following the
2009 general election
, and priority was given instead to improvement of the F-15J and the
Mitsubishi F-2
. The number of F-15J upgrades was increased from 26 to 48, and the MoD purchased part of the modernization for 38 fighters. However, the full budget for modernization is incomplete. 48 F-15Js would get a Link 16 datalink and helmet-mounted sight under this upgrade program.
[27]
The helmet-mounted sight will support the
AAM-5
dogfighting missile, which will replace the AAM-3.
[20]
On 17 December 2010, modernization was funded for 16 F-15Js
[28]
but the MoD reduced this to 10 F-15Js.
[29]
In late October 2019 the US
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
approved a possible sale to Japan of up to 103
APG-82(V)1
Active Electronically Scanned Array
(AESA) Radars, 116 Advanced Display Core Processor II Mission System Computers and 101 AN/ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare Systems for the upgrade of 98 F-15Js to a "Japanese Super Interceptor" (JSI) configuration for an estimated cost of $4.5 billion.
[30]
It can also carry a large air-to-surface weapon on its centerline weapon station, such as an
AGM-158B JASSM-ER
or
AGM-158C LRASM
, giving the aircraft an air-to-ground and anti-ship capability. In July 2020, Boeing signed an agreement with MHI to provide assistance and support to the program. Work on this program was set to start in 2022.
[31]
[32]
Variants
[
edit
]
- F-15J
- Single-seat all-weather air-superiority fighter version for the
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
139 built under license in Japan by
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
in 1981?97, two built in St. Louis.
[33]
- F-15DJ
- Two-seat training version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 12 built in St. Louis, and 25 built under license in Japan by Mitsubishi in the period 1981?1997.
[33]
The rough differences caused by procurement lead time.
[
edit
]
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has made multiple changes to the specifications and details of their aircraft models during the production process to accommodate their upgrade plans. These changes can be categorized into different batches, each with specific improvements and added equipment. Below are the specific changes for each batch:
- Batches C1 - C3
:
- Equipped only with the J/APR-4 radar warning device.
- C4 Batch onwards (from aircraft 62-8869 onwards):
- Added AN/ALE-45(J) chaff/flare dispenser.
- C6 Batch onwards (from aircraft 82-8899 onwards):
- C7 Batch onwards (from aircraft 92-8909 onwards):
- Added J/ALQ-8 onboard electronic warfare system (J variant only) and replaced the radio with AN/ARC-182 U/VHF.
- C8 Batch onwards (from aircraft 02-8917 onwards):
- Upgraded radar warning device to J/APR-4A.
- C12 Batch onwards (from aircraft 42-8945 onwards):
- Engine replaced with F100-IHI-220E.
- C14 Batch onwards (from aircraft 62-8958 onwards):
- Added J/APQ-1 rear warning device (J variant only) and upgraded radar warning device to J/APR-4B.
[3]
[4]
Pre-MSIP(F-15J)
[
edit
]
C1 ~ C5 lots delivered from 1981 (Showa 56) to 1984 (Showa 59) are colloquially referred to as Pre-MSIP aircraft. This includes 98 F-15J aircraft (from 02-8801 to 82-8898) and 12 F-15DJ aircraft (from 12-8051 to 52-8062). F-15J aircraft 42-8832 suffered damage to the nose section during a ground runaway incident in 1991 (Heisei 3). After being transported to
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
, it was repaired and refurbished as a J-MSIP aircraft (resulting in modernization and refurbishment), then deployed to the 303rd Squadron at
Komatsu Airport
.
J-MSIP (Japan-Multi-Stage Improvement Program, F-15J)
[
edit
]
The Japan Multi-Stage Improvement Program, akin to the US MSIP, involved implementing unique capability enhancements during procurement. It was applied to 103 aircraft delivered from the C-6 to C-17 batches since 1985 (Showa 60), including J models (serial numbers 82-8899 to 82-8965) and DJ models (serial numbers 52-8063 to 92-8098). Aircraft 42-8832, a J model, underwent refurbishment from a Pre-MSIP configuration to J-MSIP after sustaining nose damage in a ground taxi mishap in 1991 (Heisei 3). Currently, there are 101 J-MSIP aircraft in service (68 J models and 33 DJ models, excluding three lost).
[2]
Key differences from Pre-MSIP include:
- Installation of MIL-STD-1553B data bus (with temporary retention of H009 for AIM-7 operations)
- Upgrade to enhanced processing central computer (CP-1075/AYK→ CP-1075A/AYK)
- Additional electrical wiring to improve the performance of fire control systems for
AAM-4
air-to-air missiles
- Replacement of analog armament control panels with Multi-Purpose Color Displays (MPCD)
- Conversion of fire control sets to AN/AWG-20 PACS
- Replacement of voice radios from AN/ARC-164 → AN/ARC-182
- Transition of engines on F-15J 42-8945 and later, and F-15DJ 52-8088 and later, to F100-IHI-220E for enhanced electronic control and durability (with retrofitting of Pre-MSIP -100 equipped aircraft to equivalent -220E standards)
- Addition of J/APQ-1 Rear Warning System to F-15J 62-8958 and later models
[3]
Upgrade for F-15J/DJ to Support New Air-to-Air Missiles
[
edit
]
Initially, these upgrades were performed during the periodic maintenance (IRAN) of the F-15J/DJ J-MSIP aircraft. Recently, however, they have been incorporated into a modernization plan targeting J-MSIP aircraft.
The upgrades include the addition of operational capabilities for both the AAM-4 and AIM-120 missiles, as well as the AAM-5 missile. The exact number of aircraft undergoing these upgrades has not been disclosed.
The modification items are as follows
[
edit
]
- Reprogramming of the central computer and radar's OFP (Operational Flight Program), based on the program created during the test operation of the AIM-120B.
- Replacement of the launcher from LAU-106/A to the modified LAU-106A/A. The LAU-106A/A retains the umbilical connector for the AIM-7, allowing the AIM-7 to remain operational after the modification.
- Replacement of the fire control set (from AN/AWG-20 to AN/AWG-27).
- Installation of the J/ARG-1 command guidance system.
- Modification of the J/APR-4A radar warning receiver and the J/ALQ-8 electronic countermeasure system.
- Modification of the AAI interrogate antenna on the plate antenna of the AN/APG-63. The identification points on the modified aircraft's external appearance are as follows, although confirming these without close inspection of the LAU-106A/A makes identification challenging:
[34]
- Moving the manufacturer's nameplate from the central part of the LAU-106/A missile launchers at Stations 3, 4, 6, and 7 forward and adding a connector slightly behind the original nameplate position.
- Removing the wire from the central part of the missile attachment ring.
Operators
[
edit
]
-
Japan
Specifications (F-15J)
[
edit
]
Data from
[
citation needed
]
General characteristics
- Crew:
1
- Length:
19.43 m (63 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan:
13.05 m (42 ft 10 in)
- Height:
5.63 m (18 ft 6 in)
- Wing area:
56.5 m
2
(608 sq ft)
- Airfoil
:
root:
NACA 64A006.6
;
tip:
NACA 64A203
[37]
- Empty weight:
12,700 kg (27,999 lb)
- Gross weight:
20,200 kg (44,533 lb)
- Max takeoff weight:
30,845 kg (68,002 lb)
- Fuel capacity:
6,100 kg (13,448 lb) internal
- Powerplant:
2 ×
Pratt & Whitney F100-220
(or ?100)The engine is a Pratt & Whitney F100 built under licence by IHI Corporation .
afterburning turbofan
engine, 77.62 kN (17,450 lbf) thrust each dry, 111.2 kN (25,000 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed:
2,650 km/h (1,650 mph, 1,430 kn) / M2.5
+
at high altitude
- 1,450 km/h (900 mph; 780 kn) / M1.2 at low altitude
- Service ceiling:
20,000 m (66,000 ft)
- Rate of climb:
254 m/s (50,000 ft/min)
- Wing loading:
358 kg/m
2
(73 lb/sq ft)
- Thrust/weight
:
1.12
Armament
- Guns:
1×
20 mm
M61 Vulcan
940 bullets.
- Hardpoints:
10 , with provisions to carry combinations of:
See also
[
edit
]
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
[
edit
]
Citations
[
edit
]
- ^
a
b
"More F-35s Wanted: Why Japan is Downsizing Its Fleet of F-15 Eagles"
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Archived
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. Retrieved
14 June
2020
.
- ^
a
b
"平成26年行政事業レビュ?事業番?0044"
.
日本防衛省
. 1 September 2014. Archived from
the original
on 21 March 2020.
- ^
a
b
c
"F-15J (航空機) - 近代化改修 - わかりやすく解? Weblio?書"
.
www.weblio.jp
(in Japanese)
. Retrieved
13 June
2024
.
- ^
a
b
"F15??機改修の?コストは68機分で6465億円 防衛?備?が?表(高橋浩祐) - エキスパ?ト"
.
Yahoo!ニュ?ス
(in Japanese)
. Retrieved
14 June
2024
.
- ^
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.
judgit.net
. Retrieved
14 June
2024
.
- ^
Rininger 2009, p. 150.
- ^
Orr, Christian D. (31 December 2023).
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.
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. Retrieved
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2024
.
- ^
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. Retrieved
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2024
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a
b
c
d
e
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- ^
Jenkins 1998, p. 38.
- ^
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- ^
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Archived
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. Retrieved
16 March
2011
.
- ^
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.
Archived
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20 March
2019
.
- ^
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.
Archived
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2022
.
- ^
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.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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2022
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a
b
c
Davies and Dildy 2007, p. 153.
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(in Japanese). Rightwing.
Archived
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. Retrieved
16 March
2011
.
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. Jane's Avionics.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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2011
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
goebel, greg.
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. Air Vectors.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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2011
.
- ^
Aoki, Norio.
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(in Japanese). Archived from
the original
on 22 July 2011
. Retrieved
16 March
2011
.
- ^
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(in Japanese). MHI Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works. Archived from
the original
on 5 September 2012
. Retrieved
16 March
2011
.
- ^
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(PDF)
.
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. Ministry of Defense.
Archived
(PDF)
from the original on 23 March 2011
. Retrieved
16 March
2011
.
- ^
"
Melco starts F-15J radar upgrade
Archived
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archive.today
".
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, 14 March 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
- ^
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Archived
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- ^
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.
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(PDF)
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Bibliography
[
edit
]
- Lorell, Mark A.
Troubled partnership: a history of U.S.-Japan collaboration on the FS-X fighter
. Transaction Publishers, 1996.
ISBN
978-1-56000-891-0
.
- Davies, Steve (2002).
Combat Legend, F-15 Eagle and Strike Eagle
. London: Airlife Publishing, 2002.
ISBN
1-84037-377-6
.
- Davies, Steve and Doug Dildy (23 October 2007).
F-15 Eagle Engaged: The World's Most Successful Jet Fighter
. Osprey Publishing, 2007.
ISBN
978-1-84603-169-4
.
- Jenkins, Dennis R.
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter
. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 1998.
ISBN
1-85780-081-8
.
- Rininger, Tyson (18 January 2009).
F-15 Eagle at War
. Zenith Imprint, 2009.
ISBN
978-0-7603-3350-1
.
External links
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edit
]
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Company designations
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