F-15SG is an advanced variant of the US Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Boeing. It is intended to strengthen air defence and strike capabilities of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The aircraft can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground attack missions in all weather conditions.
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The Government of Singapore signed a $1.6bn contract with Boeing for 12 F-15SG fighter aircraft to replace the RSAF’s retired A-4SU Super Skyhawk attack aircraft, in December 2005. The first F-15SG was rolled out in November 2008 and delivered in May 2009.
Orders and deliveries
Singapore Ministry of Defence placed an order for four additional F-15SGs and exercised an option for eight more aircraft in October 2007 as part of the original contract. The RSAF declared full operational capability of the F-15SG fighter in September 2013.
The final batch of eight fighters was delivered between early 2016 and July 2017.
The Government of Singapore signed a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement for 100 AIM-120C7 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) to support the F-15SG aircraft in April 2013.
The US State Department approved a $415m-worth FMS of GBU-10 Paveway II laser-guided bombs (LGBs), GBU-12 Paveway II LGBs, and FMU-152 or FMU-139D / B fuses to the Government of Singapore to support the Peace Carvin V F-15SG training detachment, in November 2017.
Two specially painted F-15SG fighters in commemoration of the RSAF’s 50th anniversary took part at the Singapore Air Show held in February 2018.
F-15SG Cockpit
F-15SG fighter aircraft features a two-seat, night-vision goggle (NVG) compatible glass cockpit to maximise flight safety. Joint helmet-mounted cueing system (JHMCS) display is installed on the F-15SG pilot helmet to provide continuous situational awareness in both day and night conditions.
Armament of F-15SG fighter
F-15SG multi-role tactical fighter aircraft has 15 weapon stations to carry a range of conventional and precision stand-off weapons based on the mission requirements.
The aircraft can be armed with up to eight AIM-120 or AIM-9X air-to-air missiles when deployed in air-to-air attack mission and 15,500lb laser-guided bombs or Maverick air-to-surface missiles in air-to-ground roles.
Equipped with a passive infrared target acquisition system, the AIM-9X can intercept and destroy enemy aircraft.
The fighter also carries an internal General Dynamics M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun on the right wing. Capable of firing up to 6,000 rounds a minute, the gun offers enhanced firepower and maximum lethality against air and surface targets.
The aircraft has a payload capacity of 23,000lb.
Self-protection and countermeasures
The tactical fighter aircraft is equipped with an APG-63 (V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities to detect and engage targets over long distances.
An onboard electronic warfare (EW) suite, comprising a radar jammer, a radar warning receiver, and a chaff/flare dispenser, offers defensive capability against radar-guided threats. The integrated electronic support and countermeasures system is used to detect, identify and localise threats with radiated electromagnetic energy.
The aircraft employs a Link-16 military data link to exchange target information with other aircraft to enhance situational awareness in the battlefield by reducing dual targeting.
The fighter also incorporates an infrared search and track (IRST) system to detect and track jet aircraft, helicopters and other targets with infrared radiation.
Sensors on-board F-15SG
An electro-optical suite with navigation and targeting pods is integrated into the aircraft to provide navigation and guidance.
The optical guidance and navigation unit, including terrain following radar (TFR) and forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, allows the pilot to operate the airplane at various altitudes under different weather conditions.
The third-generation AN / AAQ-33 Sniper advanced targeting pod developed by Lockheed Martin and fitted with a laser spot tracker and FLIR cameras provides target sighting, detection and tracking capabilities.
Engines and performance of F-15SG multi-role fighter aircraft
F-15SG multi-role fighter aircraft is powered by a pair of General Electric F110-GE-129C turbofan engines, which develop a thrust of 29,000lb each.
The Government of Singapore ordered the first 12 F110-GE-129C engines from General Electric in December 2005 and an additional 12 engines in October 2007.
The aircraft can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5 and operate at altitudes of 19,800m. It has the ability to perform high-G manoeuvres.
