The F-15B ACTIVE (Advanced Control Technology for Integrated Vehicles) is a technology demonstrator succeeding the S/MTD research program. In this stage, the ACTIVE was designed to investigate methods of control-logic programming and measure supersonic shockwaves.
Description[]
Developer's reveal of the F-15B ACTIVE
An experimental variant of the two-man F-15B Eagle, this design includes canards and 2D Reverse Thrust-Vectoring Systems to greatly enhance mobility. It was only used to demonstrate the viabilty of thrust-vectoring systems to assist in take-off and landing and combat, demonstrating greatly improved speed control and landing space reduction. A last-minute retrofit and installation of radar and fire control systems has given the Eagle some combat capability.
Armament[]
Standard weapons
- No cannon
- AIM-9L Sidewinder with 90 units
Special weapons
- AIM-120A AMRAAM with 16 units
- LAU-10DB (Zuni Mk-24) with 40 units
- BLU-27B (Napalm) with 28 units
Trivia[]
- As a research aircraft, the real ACTIVE had its weapon hardpoints removed.
- Additionally, the ACTIVE and S/MTD programs used the same aircraft: 71-0290, the serial number given to the first F-15B, when it held the original designation of TF-15A.
- The F-15B ACTIVE is the first aircraft in Vector Thrust in which a canard design forced the removal of the cannon.