Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle
| Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Reduced-signature multirole strike fighter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Defense, Space & Security |
| Proposals | Republic of Korea F-X Phase III (FX-III) |
| Number built | 1 demonstrator aircraft (F-15E1) |
| History | |
| First flight | 8 July 2010 (demonstrator F-15E1) |
| Initiated | 17 March 2009 (public unveiling) |
| Developed from | McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle |
| Fate | Not selected for procurement; remained a proposal/demonstrator |
The Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle was a modified F-15 Eagle with stealth characteristics, It was a concept developed by Boeing as an export-oriented, stealthier variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle. The F-15SE was designed with conformal weapons bays and other features aimed at reducing its radar cross section (RCS). Although marketed for export sales, the design was not selected for development and adoption by any military forces.
The F-15SE planned to incorporate several features to minimize its radar cross-section (RCS), making it harder to detect by enemy radar. The traditional vertical stabilizers were canted outward at a 15-degree angle to reduce radar reflections. Extensive use of radar-absorbent material (RAM) on the airframe helped absorb radar waves, further reducing the RCS. The F-15SE was designed to carry weapons internally, eliminating the need for external hardpoints that would increase the RCS.