F-15 Eagle in Action
(Softcover)
SS10247

By David Doyle.
First flying in 1972, the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle has
transitioned from a true air superiority fighter into an all
weather strike aircraft. Thus far, the aircraft has compiled one
of the most enviable records of a post-Vietnam fighter, logging
over 100 victories and no losses in air to air combat.

The bulk of the fighter aircraft operated by the USAF in Vietnam
had been conceived during the Cold War as interceptors against
nuclear-armed Soviet bombers. This strategy involved high
altitude, high speed, air to air missile armament, and a long
range. Utilizing these aircraft in Vietnam, with visual
engagement rules, pointed to the shortcomings of the planning.

Though both the F-105 and F-4 were deployed to Vietnam, neither
were truly optimized for the role that they were forced into.
Further shortcomings of the then-current fighter strategy was
revealed in July 1967 when the Soviet’s unveiled the MiG-25
Foxbat. The Foxbat was a twin tail, twin engine fighter aircraft
capable of Mach 2.8. The US Air Force responded with renewed
interest in what was then known as the F-X program. This program
had begun as an effort to develop a multirole aircraft with
variable geometry wings.

After briefly considering a lightweight, single engine fighter, a


concept discarded in light of the shortcomings of the F-104,
Project Definition Phase (PDP) contracts were issued to
Fairchild- Republic, McDonnell Douglas, and North American
Rockwell on December 30, 1968. After considering the proposals
advanced by all three firms, a design and development contract
was issued to McDonnell Douglas for the aircraft that would be
designated F-15.

Illustrated with over 170 color and B/W photos, 5 color profiles,


line drawings and data table. 80 pages.

ISBN=978-0-89747-839-7