Heh, if u can mount it, the strike eagle can fly it.
The strike eagle was made for these kinda deep strike profiles. It
was designed with the ability to make low-level penetration attacks
through enemy controlled airspace, defend itself against air
attacks, and proceed on to destroy its target.
This is a capability that the US Navy's Superhornet cannot
replicate.
Of course, with such a heavy load, the strike eagle's ability to
dogfight will be hampered. If a knife fight occurs, like they get
jumped by mig-29s, the package will have to abort. Air to ground
payload jettisoned to defend themselves against a more agile
opponent, and then make it back to base.
I wouldn't say a strike package with Strike Eagle will always be
self escorting. It really depends on the element of surprise. If u
know the enemy is not expecting u, and u need to hit something
really far behind. The strike eagle is the way to go. It can run
low and fast and deliver its payload with extreme prejudice. To
maintain the element of surprise, such a deep strike package would
HAVE to be "self-escortin" in order not to tip off the enemy.
The F-15E packs perhaps one of the most powerful and advanced
Tactical Electronic Warfare System available for an attack air
craft. Its rumored to be so effective that the pilots are only
allowed to use it in real combat situations. The jamming signal is
touted to be so powerful that it can not only cause harm to the
equipments jammed, but to the operator as well. How that works, I
am not too sure...
If its just the normal deep strike, and the enemy knows u're
coming. Naturally a SEAD escort package and escort package would
have to be tagged together with the strike.
Can the F-16C/D fulfill such a role? Yes, but at a shorter range.
The longer the range, the lesser the payload.. hardpoints occupied
by fuel tanks.
But the F-15E or SG is supposed to be able to carry a lot of
payload, AND hit very long distances.
