The Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather Air Superiority Fighter based on the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle in use by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
History[]
The F-15 Eagle was one of thirteen candidates Japan evaluated as a replacement for the JASDF F-104J/DJ Starfighter and F-4EJ Phantom II in 1975. The Eagle was announced the winner, and Japan awarded Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with the prime contract to build 187 F-15C/D Eagles under license as the F-15J/DJ. Initial production of 2 F-15J and 12 F-15DJ Eagles was handled in the United States. The type entered service with the JASDF in 1981.
The F-15J is a twin-engine, twin-tail, single-seat air superiority fighter used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and is virtually identical to the F-15C Eagle used by the United States. The main differences between the aircraft are found in the electronic warfare systems of the F-15J (both the ECM and RWR are indigenous), and certain updates given to the F-15C, such as Link 16, were not worked into the F-15J.
These fighters replaced F-4EJ and F-104J squadrons with 7 squadrons along with a training squadron.
Overview[]
The F-15J is one of Japan's two air-superiority fighters, the other one being the F-4EJ. It is essentially an upgrade of the American F-15A, carrying a slightly improved load-out and ECM suite. In both Japanese and Blue Dragons coalition decks, it is the most expensive air-superiority fighter (at 150 deployment points), but is a more flexible option to South Korea's two front-line air superiority fighters -- the F-16C Peace Bridge and KF-16C -- wielding both short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles. It comes in a card of 2 Hardened.
The main drawbacks of the F-15J is its lack of an active medium-range missile and 150 point cost. Its semi-active Sparrows require the F-15J to both maintain visual contact and continue closing on its target until the missile reaches it. If at any point visual contact is lost, the F-15J is redirected, or the Eagle is stunned or destroyed, the Sparrow will veer off course. Also, at 150 points per aircraft, the F-15J is not a cheap asset, and may be swarmed and splashed by more numerous, less expensive fighters.
Weapons[]
Red Dragon[]
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gatling Gun | AAM | AAM |
| Name | M61A1 Vulcan | AIM-9M Sidewinder | AIM-7M Sparrow |
| Caliber | 20mm | Infrared [AoE] [F&F] |
SemAct Radar [AoE] [SA] |
| Ammo | x 940 | x 4 | x 4 |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1575 m  Airplanes = 2800 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = 2100 m Airplanes = 4200 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = N/A m Airplanes = 7700 m
|
| Accuracy | 40% | 60% | 50% |
| Stabilizer | 40% | 60% | 50% |
| AP Power | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HE Power | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Suppression | 92 | 200 | 240 |
| Rate of fire | 4028 r/min | 2 s r/min | 0 s r/min |
Gallery[]
See also[]
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