McDonnell Douglas F-15A "Eagle"

The McDonnell Douglas F-15A "Eagle" was developed as an all-weather interceptor and air superiority fighter and was adapted for air-to-ground use in the mid 1970s, becoming a potent strike aircraft with the ability to carry seven tons of bombs. It weighed 56,000 pounds and was armed with an M6A11 20 mm "Vulcan" cannon, four AIM-7 "Sparrow" missiles, four "Sidewinder" missiles, and 15,000 pounds of mixed ordnance carried externally. Powered by two Pratt and Whitney F-100-PW-100 turbofans producing 25,000 pounds of thrust, it had a maximum speed of 1,6000 miles per hour, a range of 3,4500 miles, a service ceiling of 65,000 feet, a crew of one, and 384 were built. This particular aircraft was originally issued to the 159th FG in April 1985, and the 159th was the first Air National Guard unit to fly the F-15 Eagle. Tail Number 73-086 was the second F-15 put into service in the USAF, while Tail Number 73-085, F-15 number one, was also possessed by the 159th Fighter Wing and is currently at the Warner Robins AFB Museum of Aviation, Georgia.

Arabi, Louisiana · United States