What You Need to Know: The F-15 Eagle, a formidable U.S. Air Force asset with unmatched air-to-air combat records, is unsuitable for aircraft carrier operations. Carrier operations require either ski-jump takeoffs or the CATOBAR (catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested recovery) system, and the F-15 lacks necessary features like reinforced airframe and landing gear to endure CATOBAR stresses.
-Its payload capacity, non-folding wings, and emergency-only tailhook further restrict carrier compatibility.
-While theoretically possible with extensive modifications, converting the F-15 for carrier duty would compromise its performance. The Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet is optimized for carrier operations, fulfilling similar roles to the F-15.
The F-15 Eagle is one of the U.S. Air Force’s most capable combat aircraft. With a record of over 200 shootdowns for no combat losses, it is a superior air-to-air fighter. The F-15E Strike Eagle variant is a highly capable air support asset while the new F-15EX adds 4.5 generation capabilities to this venerable platform.
But can the F-15 land on an aircraft carrier? Doing so would give it the added reach and flexibility of Navy strike aircraft without tying it to shore based facilities. Unfortunately, although it would be an impressive feat, F-15s will never be carrier capable.
Modern carrier........