F-15 "Eagle"

The F-15 Eagle was one of the most reliable U.S. fighters, with an advanced guidance system that displayed steering and weapon system information on a screen for the pilot. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, it provided a defensive umbrella that permitted the deployment of air, land and sea assets into the area of operation. In one encounter, an F-15 pilot flying faster than the speed of sound was notified by the Airborne Warning and Control System that there was a bogie in his area, then picked up the Iraqi MiG-29 on his own radar. Armed with Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, and aided by the F-15's superior speed and heat-seeking missiles, the pilot quickly maneuvered into position and commenced the attack. The MiG-29 was no match for the skills and technical superiority of the American pilot, and the whole encounter probably lasted no more than 15 seconds. The USAF selected the McDonnell Douglas F-15 in December 1969 to meet its requirement for a new air superiority fighter, and the first flight of the F-15A was on July 27, 1972. This aerospace vehicle, serial number 71-0280, is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Lackland AFB, Texas · United States