The F-15I Raam (the Israeli Strike Eagle) is very similar to the F-15E on the surface, but quite different inside. Packed with cutting edge Israeli systems, the Raam features an avionics suite which is very potent and which is not too similar to the US version. Not much is known about the exact capabilities of these systems, however one can assume that they rival the original Strike Eagle in many respects.

Differences from the F-15E

Engines: All F-15I airframes are equipped with Pratt&Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, the stronger one from the two P&W engine models used in the Strike Eagles. The I model's engine exhaust actuator mechanisms are covered with titanium 'turkey feathers', which the USAF found too expensive to maintain and prone to get lost accidentally, hence omitted from the Strike Eagle. The actuator covers reduce aircraft drag, although only marginally.

Paint Scheme: The most apparent difference between the I and E models is their paint scheme. The E model has a one tone gunship grey color, while the I model uses a three-tone brown-green-grey paint scheme consisting of colors with codes of FS 30219, FS 33531 and FS 36375.

CFT's: The CFT's are Israeli made too, they are built by IAI. The I model uses a cone-like heat exchanger intake on the aft section of the CFT's, similar to the one used on E models equipped with PW-229 engines. E models equipped with PW-220 engines use a smaller air intake.

Cockpit: There are a few modifications in the cockpit as well.

• Raam aircrew use Elbit's helmet display system (called DASH), which projects critical flight and weapon usage information in front of the right eye of its wearer. This system is much like the conventional HUD (which is still kept in the Raam), but moved from a fixed position on the top of the dashboard to a position which moves together with the head of its wearer. The cockpit is equipped small sensors which detect head movements, thus the Raam always knows what her aircrew are looking at.
• The conventional alpha-numeric UFC got replaced with a more modern  LCD display.
• The I model's cockpit is painted black inside to reduce unnecessary light reflections when using night vision goggles.

Radar: Its radar, the APG-70I is based on the APG-70 radar of the Strike Eagle, but most probably with some features downgraded - however there is no direct proof of this, so one can speculate only. It is suspected that the HRM mode is degraded, plus EP, EA and special air-to-air modes like NCTR were deleted.

Electronic Warfare: The TEWS was deleted altogether, so Israel was forced to install their own system, the Elisra SPS-2110 IEWS which includes a missile approach warning system. EW systems got replaced by an Elisra SPS-3000 EW system. The I model lacks the thick AN/ALQ-128 EWWS antenna on the left vertical stabiliser. As a counterbalance it carries a pod instead which is similar in shape and size to the one on top of the right vertical stabilizer.

ICS Systems: The I model has 'square' type tailboom ICS antenna radomes, which house the AN/ALQ-135B 3 band antennas, one installed vertical (right tailboom) and one horizontal (left tailboom). The I model lacks the AN/ALQ-135 ICS blade antennas which are found under the nose section in the E model.

Countermeasures: The I model features additional chaff and flare dispensers on the tail booms facing downwards.

Lighting: The I model's formation light strips are blanked out.

Communication: The Raam is equipped with a secure communication system produced by Elta. It has a total 4 radios installed ranging from very short range, intra-flight to very long range communication. A data link is available too, this one produced by Rafael.

Additional avionics: The F-15I is equipped with an Israeli made data collection and transfer system, called RADA. For GPS guided navigation, the Raam uses an Israeli made system instead of the orginial EGI. LANTIRN and Litening pods are used with the Raam.

Weaponry: The F-15I Raam is compatible with all US produced weapons, plus a range of Israeli made wepons (both A/A and A/G). These are the following:

• Python 4 infra-red short range A/A missiles (built by Rafael), which has a 90 degree off-boresight launching capability. Practically all the pilot has to do is to look at the target and the missile can be launched.
• AGM-142 Popeye ASM (built by Rafael), a huge missile used against sea surface targets (that is ships).

Photos

Export Variant Photos » F-15I Raam (8)

Sources

• Steve Davies: Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle All-Weather Attack Aircraft (Airlife, 2003)
• Shlomo Aloni: Israeli F-15 Eagle Units in Combat (Osprey, 2006)
• Dennis R. Jenkins: McDonnell Douglas F-15E Eagle (Aerofax, 1998)
• GlobalSecurity.org
• www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

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