To win the battle for air superiority, the Air Force needed a fighter that
could fly in all weather, be very powerful, very
maneuverable and deploy a range of weaponry. The F-15 has definitely met those
needs and, until the newer F/A-22's come on-line
to take her place, the F-15 will hold its place as the best fighter airplane in
our Air Force.
Developed in the early 1970's, the first F-15 went into service in 1976.
Its two powerful engines make it one of the only airplanes that can produce
more thrust than its overall weight. This means it can fly vertically,
straight up, for a long period of time without stalling or losing power.
The F-15 is one of the only airplanes to actually shoot down a satellite in
Earth's orbit. Imagine how high it had to fly and how much vertical
momentum it took to do that! That significant milestone was done from
Edwards.
There have been five different models of the F-15 but there are two basic
"flavors". With the exception of some A models that were built as two-seat
trainers, the A through C models are single-seat fighters. The D model is
a fighter designed with two seats. The newer E model was also designed to
be a two-seat bomber - not a fighter. The F-15E is also known as the
"Strike Eagle".
An aerial demonstration of an F-15's abilities is quite an impressive sight.
Not only does it climb at a fast rate, but it also turns quickly. When the
plane's two powerful engines are pointed back at the Air Show crowd and are at full throttle with the afterburners on, everyone will feel the energy radiating from this fabulous
machine!