Native Planes
There are two types of plane that are native to RAF Lakenheath. These are the F-15E and the F-35A.
Lakenheath planes can be identified by LN tail code:
Both planes are multirole strike aircraft and can be used for ground attack and air-to-air combat.
The more modern F-35E is in some ways more limited than the F-15E but is stealthier – i.e. more difficult to detect.
F-15E
F-35A
Identification
- More rounded curves to body
- Two-man crew
- Two engines
- The double fins are upright
- Often seen with large external fuel tanks on the wings
- Has a more angular body
- One pilot
- Single engine
- Tail fins at an angle
- No external fuel tanks
Performance
- Faster – Mach 2.5 at high altitude
- Heavier payload – 10,000kg
- Wide range of weapons
- Less manoeuvrable
- Less advance avionics
- Slower – Mach 1.6 at high altitude
- Smaller payload – 8,200Kg
- Smaller range of weapons
- More manoeuvrable
- More advance avionics
More Information
Operation
We expect that the F-15E will be more likely to be used on the day-to-day operations in the Middle East and elsewhere. However, the F-35A would be more likely to be used for air-to-air combat with peer air forces (e.g. Russia) with its stealth capabilities, greater manoeuvrability and more advanced avionics. The F-15E also has greater advantages in hitting well defend ended targets (e.g. air-defences) and getting far into hostile territory.
Although the F-15E is capable of carrying the B61-11 tactical nuclear bomb it seems that only the F-35A will be fitted with the more modern B61-12.
Visitors
RAF Lakenheath often get planes visiting from other bases or passing though to other countries.
Planes from Israel, Saudi Arabia as well as other European countries are often seen.
Be aware that there are single crew versions of the F-15 and two crew versions of the F-35.
Fighters and Bomber / Fighters include:
Cargo / Transport
