The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. Also of note, it is the first United States Air Force fighter aircraft developed specifically for air-to-air combat since the F-86 Sabre designed in 1947. It is supplemented by the next generation F-22A Raptor
The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The Eagle can be armed with the AIM-7F/M Sparrow or AIM-120A/B/C AMRAAM (AdvancedMedium Range Air-to-Air Missile) radar guided missiles on its lower fuselage corners, with AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal M61A1 Vulcan 20mm Gatling gun in the right wing root. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat. The F-15 holds the world record of 104 enemy aircraft destroyed with no F-15 losses. Over half of the kills were achieved by Israeli F-15 pilots, the rest by U.S pilots and at least one by a Saudi Arabian pilot.
Images of F-15 Eagles in flight
F-15A "Streak Eagle"
F-15 S/MTD "ACTIVE"
F-15C "Splinter"
F-15D Tyndall Training 325 Sqn
F-15D+CFT: Israel Air Defense Force
F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 492 Sqn "GBU-28 Bunker Buster"