"Fortune Favors The Bold"
Audentes Fortuna Juvat | Motto of the 366th Fighter Wing
The F-15E Strike Eagle is an all-weather, multi-role, twin seat strike fighter derived from the F-15 Eagle air superiority tactical fighter.
Its unparalleled range, persistence and weapons load make it the backbone of the U.S. Air Force, with the capability to perform air-to-air or air-to-surface missions at all altitudes, day or night, in any weather.
Designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft, the 'E' variant Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes.
The Strike Eagle has been deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force and Operation Odyssey Dawn carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat patrols and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries.
It is affectionately known as the Mudhen, with 'mud' in reference to its air to ground role and 'hen' referencing its fat conformal fuel tanks.