The FE was designed in the s for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. During these operations, the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets and combat air patrols , and provided close air support for coalition troops. It has also been exported to several countries.
Unlike the F-4, the F was designed for air superiority with little consideration for a ground-attack role; the F Special Project Office opposed the idea of Fs performing interdiction, giving rise to the phrase "Not a pound for air to ground. Despite a lack of official interest, McDonnell Douglas had quietly included a basic secondary ground attack capability in the F's design since the beginning and worked on an Fderived interdictor fighter.
The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the General Dynamics F and the remaining F-4s, as well as to augment the existing Fs. The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming. The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credible air-superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it was not American-made, it was not seriously considered.
Yates , ran from through 30 April , during which the FE logged more than flights, demonstrated takeoff weight of more than 75, pounds 34 t , and validated 16 different weapons-carrying configurations. The single-engined FXL was a promising design, which with its radically redesigned cranked-delta wing , greatly boosted performance; if selected, the single- and two-seat versions were to be designated FE and FF, respectively.
Construction of the first three FEs started in July The first of these, , made its maiden flight on 11 December Having a sturdier airframe rated for 8, hours of service life or up to 16, hours with proper depot maintenance programs, twice the lifetime of earlier variants, the FE is expected to remain in service past In , the USAF was reportedly considering future options, with no replacement for the FE being slated at that time.
