F-15 Engine Start Sequence

[strikeeagle]

If you're interested, here's the start seq for a 15 (It's been nearly 20 years since I've kicked a Strike out of chocks but here ya go!)

 

• Both ENG MASTER switches - ON
• Both ENG CONTROL switches - ON
• Both ENG GEN switches - ON
• JFS STARTER switch - ON (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)

 

• JFS HANDLE - PULL (If JFS start is unsuccessful, ROTATE handle CCW, and PULL again)
• JFS READY LIGHT - ON
• AMAD FIRE TEST switch - TEST

WHEN READY TO START

• #2 ENG FINGER LIFT - RAISE (#2 engine is always started first unless otherwise required by maintenance)
• Listen for audible JFS acceleration and airframe vibration from CGB engagement and isolation decupler rotation 
• Verify UTILITY HYD and PC2 HYD press increase
• Verify OIL press increase
• AT 20% ENG RPM #2 throttle - ADVANCE TO IDLE STOP
• AT 50% ENG RPM, JFS should decelerate to idle
• AMAD/ENG FIRE TEST switch - TEST
• NLG PIN REMOVAL - VERIFY (Crew Chief is holding it up for you to see before stowing)
• #1 ENG START (Same as #2 except no fire test and at 50%, JFS will decelerate and shut off.  Also verify PC1 HYD Press)

[YoYo]

Piece of cake!  Thank You!

[draconus]

On 2/7/2023 at 8:06 AM, strikeeagle said:

If JFS start is unsuccessful...

How often and what would be the reason?

Will it be even modeled?

[Njinsa]

Human error in following operation procedure in most cases.

For instance, you forgot to flip JFS switch ON so you waste one JFS accumulator.

Easy to model such case.

[j9murphy]

The start sequence above is shown by Razbam in this video...

 

what a cool sound:)

Edited February 21, 2023 by j9murphy

[j9murphy]

"The F-15 Eagle I flew during my USAF career incorporated a self-contained starter system consisting of a small auxiliary power unit called the JFS (jet fuel starter): you pulled a T-handle in the cockpit to discharge a hydraulic accumulator, which started the JFS (itself a small jet engine). Once the JFS was running, it powered a drive shaft to a central gearbox, which in turn transferred power by shafts to start each main engine, one at a time. When both engines reached idle RPM the JFS shut itself down. It wasn’t as fast as a cart start, but no external power was necessary. In this video you can hear the JFS running, each main engine starting in turn, followed by the sound of the JFS spinning down.

You might not think so but starting the F-15’s engines is just as noisy to the pilot as it is to the ground crew outside, maybe even more so. The JFS is tremendously loud; additionally, when each main engine reaches idle, and its inlet ramp slams down it’s a hell of a thump. Whenever I took non-pilot passengers up in a two-seater, I’d tell them there’d be a lot of strange and violent noises during engine start, plus plenty of shaking and alarming bumps, and not to get overly concerned unless they saw me jump out and run away." -- Source Air-Minded: F-15 JFS Airstarts (Updated) | Paul's Thing (pwoodford.net)

 

 

[strikeeagle]

21 hours ago, draconus said:

How often and what would be the reason?

Will it be even modeled?

Various reasons.  Like was mentioned, forgetting to turn the switch on, relay problems, fuel control issues…. The list can go on.