Widely considered to be one of the most successful, modern airframes of all time, the F-15 Eagle is the standard by which many air superiority fighters measure up.
F-15As are single-seat, all-weather, air-superiority fighters that first took flight in 1972. These aircraft were the first US Air Force fighters to have an engine thrust greater than the normal weight of the aircraft, allowing it to accelerate while in a vertical climb. Thanks to the F-15’s thrust, weight, and maneuverability, it is an excellent air-to-air fighter that has accumulated over 100 aerial victories with no losses.
Personnel on Hill Air Force began supporting the F-15 in the 1970s. From airframe subassembly management to landing gear overhaul, Hill has worked to ensure F-15s could remain a viable part of the fleet for decades. Today, Hill personnel provide maintenance and overhaul support all F-15 landing gear components, to include its wheels and brakes.
The F-15A on display rolled off the assembly line in 1978 and served time at bases in the Netherlands and the United States. In 1994, after 3,500 flight hours, the aircraft retired, and personnel restored it for display at the Hill Aerospace Museum in 1994.
Airmen from the 325th Fighter Wing, assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, restored this aircraft and marked it with the emblems of the three fighter squadrons of their wing. Also of note, the “Pride of Bay County” marking they included represents the strong relationship that the unit had with the residents of Florida, where the aircraft was last assigned.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 77-0090
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
Primary Function: Tactical Fighter
Crew: One
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 turbofans; Thrust: 23,950 lbs
Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in
Length: 63 ft 9 in
Height: 18 ft 8 in
Weight: 27,000 pounds (empty); 56,000 pounds (maximum takeoff weight)
Speed: 570 mph (cruising); 1,875 mph (maximum)
Range: 3,450 miles
Service Ceiling: 65,000 feet
Armament: One 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon; Up to 8 air-to-air missiles
Payload: 15,000 lbs. external ordnance
Cost: $10,890,000
Years of Service: 1976 – Present
In 1970, Hill Air Force Base received Specialized Repair Activity assignments, including repair on the F-15’s skid control. Three years later, the Ogden Air Materiel Area also received the Specialized Repair Activity assignment for repair on the F-15’s landing gear.
The F-15A was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and accepted by the USAF in October 1978. The aircraft was then assigned in November 1978 to the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the USAF Europe at Soesterberg Air Base in The Netherlands.
In July 1980, the aircraft was transferred to the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Tactical Air Command at Eglin Air Force Base. The 57th Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis Air Force Base took possession of the aircraft in November 1982. In February 1984, the 405th Tactical Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base got the aircraft.
The aircraft was assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base in February 1992. It was first assigned to the 95th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron but was later moved to the 1st Fighter Squadron. In early 1994, the F-15 was retired, logging 3,500 flight hours. It was refurbished for static display by personnel of the 653rd Combat Logistics Squadron Support at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base. The aircraft arrived at Hill Aerospace Museum in late March 1994.
Widely considered to be one of the most successful, modern airframes of all time, the F-15 Eagle is the standard by which many air superiority fighters measure up.
In a head-to-head battle, the F-16’s higher maneuverability proves its advantage, but each aircraft has its own advantages and disadvantages, making comparison difficult, but not impossible.
While the F-15 is a faster aircraft, able to move at Mach 2.4 utilizing full afterburner, the F-22 can maintain a cruising speed of Mach 1.6 giving it a significant advantage.