From the moment the F-15 first tore into the sky, it had one single-minded goal — to be the best.
Total air superiority over any other aircraft it encountered was only half of it; Air Force planners also demanded an air-to-ground ability for getting in and out of hot locations, delivering its full complement of bombs.
A lofty project whose design phase rejected 500 concepts, most carrying too much weight and power. The Air Force needed to the F-15 to be punchy, but nimble.
As a result the jet wound up flying circles around its contemporary opponent, the Mig-25, which succumbed to the weight and power burden the Air Force rejected.
The F-15 was introduced in 1976 and over its lifetime, as technology caught up with military demand, the F-15 was in a bit of a sweet spot as its modifications and upgrades crystallized into a unique modern fighter.
Designed originally starting in 1967, the McDonnell F-15 Eagle had one basic purpose: air superiority.
In total, more than 1,200 F-15s of all variations saw service with several countries; Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan and others.
How could you not want to get in on this action — not the fastest by a long shot, but by far the most maneuverable aircraft in the skies.
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