Eagles get new claws and remembering Apollo 1
F-15Es get a modernization upgrade and looking back on the brave Apollo 1 crew
“It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.”
- US. Air Force Manual
Mission Briefing:
Mission Briefing: The F-15E Strike Eagle Gets a High-Tech Edge
On January 16, 2025, the first two F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with cutting-edge warfighting software landed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. This marks a significant step forward in the evolution of the legendary F-15 platform, ensuring its continued relevance on the modern battlefield.
EPAWSS: The Eagle’s New Eyes and Ears
These upgraded F-15Es are fitted with the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), an advanced electronic warfare suite that transforms how the Strike Eagle detects and counters threats. With EPAWSS, these jets can:
Geolocate and jam threats: The system provides radar warning and jamming capabilities to detect enemy systems and neutralize them.
Survive contested environments: Enhanced situational awareness enables the jets to operate effectively in high-threat areas.
This upgrade is particularly significant as EPAWSS allows the F-15E to complement fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35, amplifying the overall combat effectiveness of the 48th Fighter Wing, stationed at RAF Lakenheath.
Force Multiplier for the 48th Fighter Wing
The two jets will be integrated into the 494th and 492nd Fighter Squadrons, bolstering the 48th Fighter Wing's ability to dominate the battlespace.
“Having EPAWSS operational at RAF Lakenheath significantly enhances our ability to detect and counter threats, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our crews,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, Commander of the 494th Fighter Squadron. “This advanced electronic warfare system, when combined with the F-35s, acts as a powerful force multiplier, transforming our operations and amplifying the 48th Fighter Wing’s impact in the battlespace.”
From Prototype to Full Production
The Air Force officially approved EPAWSS for full-scale production on January 6, awarding Boeing a $616 million contract for production kits. The work is divided among key locations:
Nashua, New Hampshire: Kit production.
St. Louis, Missouri: Manufacturing components.
San Antonio, Texas: Installation work, which began in July 2022.
The upgrades underscore the Air Force's commitment to maintaining the F-15E Strike Eagle as a critical asset in the aerial arsenal. Despite the jet’s nearly 40 years of service, enhancements like EPAWSS ensure it remains a formidable fighter for decades to come.
A Timeless Fighter Meets the Future
The F-15E has long been a workhorse of the U.S. Air Force, excelling in roles ranging from air superiority to precision strike. With EPAWSS, the Strike Eagle steps into a new era, capable of thriving in contested, high-tech battlefields while seamlessly integrating with modern fifth-generation fighters.
As these upgraded jets enter service, they represent not only a technological leap but also a testament to the adaptability and longevity of the F-15 platform. With the latest advancements, the Strike Eagle continues to soar as one of the Air Force’s most versatile and reliable assets.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these upgrades will impact the future of aerial warfare.
This Week in Aviation History
Remembering Apollo 1
On January 27, 1967, three brave astronauts lost their lives during what should have been a routine test for NASA’s Apollo Program. This tragic day serves as a solemn reminder of the incredible risks and sacrifices inherent in space exploration.
The crew of Apollo 1 consisted of three exceptional men:
Lieutenant Colonel Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, United States Air Force – One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and the second American to fly in space.
Lieutenant Colonel Edward H. White II, United States Air Force – The first American to conduct a spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission.
Lieutenant Commander Roger B. Chaffee, United States Navy – A promising rookie astronaut preparing for his first spaceflight.
During a “plugs-out” test at Cape Kennedy, Florida, just weeks before their scheduled launch, a fire broke out inside the sealed Apollo 1 Command Module. The spacecraft’s pure oxygen atmosphere, coupled with flammable materials inside the capsule, caused the fire to spread with terrifying speed. The cabin pressure soared to 29 psi (200 kPa), and just 17 seconds later, the capsule ruptured. Despite the efforts of ground crews, Grissom, White, and Chaffee were tragically unable to escape.
A Tragic Turning Point for Apollo
The loss of Apollo 1 was devastating, but it was not in vain. The tragedy spurred NASA to reevaluate and overhaul spacecraft safety protocols, materials, and procedures. These improvements laid the foundation for the eventual success of the Apollo Program, culminating in the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing in July 1969. Without the sacrifices of the Apollo 1 crew, the dream of "one giant leap for mankind" may never have been realized.
The Latin phrase "Ad Astra Per Aspera"—"To the stars through difficulties"—was chosen as the crew’s memorial motto. It reminds us that progress often comes at great cost and that those who dare to push the boundaries of human potential often face extraordinary risks.
Let us take a moment to honor the courage and dedication of these three astronauts who gave their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery. Their legacy endures, not only in NASA’s achievements but also in humanity’s collective determination to reach beyond our limits.
For those who wish to learn more about the Apollo 1 tragedy and its far-reaching impact, NASA’s detailed investigation summary can be found here: Apollo 1 Accident and Investigation.
Their story is a reminder that every achievement in spaceflight is built upon the determination and sacrifices of those who came before.
Ad Astra Per Aspera.
In Case You Missed It
Getting back to the F-15, see why it has the longest missile range of any US platform:
Photo Outlet
Over the next year I will be releasing some of the best photos I took at the airshow, here is the next series:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
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-Tog