F-15J
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is the biggest foreign user of the F-15, and Japan is the only license-builder of the type. The F-15, the commanding fighter built for the US Air Force, was developed by McDonnell Douglas with its first flight in 1972. In Japan, it was introduced into the Air Self-Defense Force, and manufactured and licensed as the F-15J, with MHI as the primary contractor. Beginning in 1981, there have been a total of 223 units, including the F-15DJs, manufactured and delivered to the Air Self-Defense Force. The Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ Eagle is the principal air superiority fighter operated by the JASDF.
The Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) initially acquired 88 F-15s to replace four squadrons of F-104Js and operate alongside six squadrons of F-4EJs, the latter apparently being tasked with the less difficult targets. Deliveries began in July 1980. This "Peace Eagle" program includes 12 F-15DJ two-seaters, which, like the first two F-15J single-seaters, were built at St. Louis by McDonnell Douglas. The remaining 86 F-15Js were constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first F-15J was handed over in July 1981, and the first operational squadron was activated at Nyutabaru AB in late 1982.
Japan has purchased and produced a total of 223 air-to-air F-15 known as the F-15J, most of which were assembled in Japan from largely indigenously manufactured sub-assemblies and equipment. The JASDF acquired 203 single-seat F-15Js and 20 tandem-seat F-15DJs. The first two F-15Js were delivered from MDD, the first flying at Saint Louis on 4 June 1980. All the other F-15Js were built by Mitsubishi. The first 12 F-15DJs were built by MDD, with the remaining eight assembled by Mitsubishi from knockdown kits provided by MDD.
The F-15J is identical to the F-15C aside from some avionics changes. These differ from the F-15C/D with the deletion of sensitive ECM, radar warning, and nuclear delivery equipment. The AN/ALQ-135 is replaced by indigenous J/ALQ-8 and the AN/ALR-56 RHAWS is replaced by J/APR-4.
As 0f 2003 a total of 10 F-15s had been lost due to mishaps, reducing the total inventory to 213 aircraft [SOURCE], for an attrition rate of roughly one every two years. On 20 October 1983 an F-15DJ crashed into the Pacific Ocean 110 miles E of Nyutabaru (RJFN), Japan. On 13 March 1987 an F-15J crashed into the sea 100 miles E of Hyakuri (RJAH), Japan. On 29 June 1988 a pair of F-15Js crashed into Sea of Japan, after collision with wingman F-15J. An F-15J was lost on 26 January 1990, and another on 2 July 1990. On 13 December 1991 an F-15DJ crashed during the approach of Komatsu AB (RJOP), Japan. On 27 October 1992 an F-15J crashed 45 miles NE of Tokyo, Japan into Pacific Ocean. On 6 October 1993 an F-15DJ crashed into the Sea of the coast of Northern Japan. On 6 October 1995 an F-15J was supposed to be burnt out after a failed take off of Komatsu AB (RJOP), Japan. On 22 November 1995 an F-15J crashed after Cpt. Higuchi Tatsumi was shot down by an AIM-9L sidewinder fired by another JASDF F-15 flown by Cpt. Hino Junya during air-to-air combat training, he called 'Safe' when firing for the 'Kill' Tatsumi ejected and was picked up safe.
The F-15C has provisions for FAST (Fuel And Sensor Tactical) packs on each side of the fuselage, each giving an additional 5,000 lb (2268 kg) of fuel. With FAST packs in place and three 600-US gal (2271-litre) tanks on pylons, the F-15C's gross weight is increased to 66,700 lb (30255 kg). This gives an endurance of over five hours, and an unrefuelled ferry range of 3,080 miles (4957 km).
