Description

As the Vietnam War expanded, the needs of the Navy and USAF could not be serviced by a single aircraft design.  The USAF stressed extra power and maneuverability for their needs in an air superiority fighter aircraft.  After many proposals, the selected design, F-15C Eagle, entered service in 1978.  It has an exceptional record of 100 victories and no losses in air-to-air combat.

The F-15C is powered by two F-100 engines, and can reach a top speed of Mach 2.5.  The pilot can fly up to 9 g and still maintain control.  It has an internal 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon and a “look down/shoot down” radar system that can distinguish low flying aircraft from ground clutter.  The F-15 has been sold to other countries worldwide and is still in service today.  With continuing improvements, it is expected to still be around past 2025.