The aircraft is highly modified and is not representative of production F-15 aircraft.
Canards are control surfaces located in front of the main wing.
This aircraft is easily distinguishable from other F-15 aircraft because of its canards. These additional lifting surfaces offer greater maneuverability and load capability. These canards are modified F-18 horizontal tail surfaces. These four systems receive pilot commands with other aircraft data, like airspeed, altitude and angle of attack. Using this information, the controllers then calculate the best way to achieve the performance desired by the pilot.