What is the difference of an F-15 Eagle and an F-15E Strike Eagle?

Question

What is the difference of an F-15 Eagle and an F-15E Strike Eagle?

Answer 1

The F15E is an F15D redesigned for air-ground operations.  It's avionics are optimized for air/ground weapons delivery.  

While theoretically it retains the air/air capability of the "light greys", the conformal fuel tanks and extra pylons reduce its maneuverability.

The F15E replaced the F111 and F4.  There was an "F15G" program which was to replace the F4G Wild-Weasel SAM suppression aircraft.  Testing showed issues with launching HARMS off its pylons-so it was abandoned.  Otherwise very impressive might-have-been.

EDIT:  The controls weren't really "added".  They were there from the F15D.  Also, in the AF anyway, two seat aircraft always had full controls for the guy in back:  F100F, F105G, F4, F111, F15E.

Answer 2

The F-15 Eagle (composed of the F-15A, F-15B, F-15C, and F-15D) is an air superiority fighter designed to engage in air to air combat with other aircraft. The A and C models are single seat while the B and D models are two seaters.

The F-15E is primarily an air to ground platform (it drops bombs). Externally it resembles the F-15B/D since it has two seats, but it is painted a darker gray color. It also features conformal fuel tanks as standard (it is an option for the others). The F-15E retains the air to air capabilities of the A,B,C, and D models.

Answer 3

What they said.

And I've learned that the F15E is larger than its predecessors, and that most military aircraft with dual seating don't have flight controls in the aft seat.

Color me amazed.

Answer 4

A lot... to name a few

* significant structure strengthening for handle low-level high-G turns

* significant upgrade of engine thrust

* major upgrade of avionics (first use of color screens in fighters) and very hi-res radar (can generate 3D maps from a single sweep)

* addition of rear-seat controls (yes, the WSO can fly the aircraft, unlike most other two-seaters)

* conformal tanks (built onto fuselage, cannot be jettissoned)

* semi-permanently mounted ALQ-131 jammer and LANTIRN systems

* autopilot linked to terrain following radar

Answer 5

weight, size, payload typical tasks, range

E version is slightly bigger, it has larger tanks, is exclusively dual seated and dedicated to air interdiction and close air support, while the A/C versions are single seated air superiority fighters, and the B/D dual seater-trainers

Answer 6

F-15 Air Superiority Aircraft

F-15E same aircraft but modified for air to ground role while still retaining the F-15's characterstics.