∵AF是圆的切线,且AF=18,BC=15,∴由切割线定理可得AF2=FB?FC,∴182=FB(FB+15),∴FB=12,∵AB=AD,∴∠ABD=∠ADB,∵AF是圆的切线,∴∠FAB=∠ADB,∴∠FAB=∠ABD,∴AF∥BD,∵AD∥FC,∴四边形ADBF为平行四边形,∴AD=FB=12,∵∠ACF=∠ADB=∠F,∴AC=AF=18,∵ AE AC = FB FC ,∴ AE 18 = 12 27 ,∴AE=8.故答案为:8.