*F-15C Eagle 53rd FS Bitburg AB Germany May 1992 "Operation Desert Storm" HA4561 scale 1:72

F-15C Eagle 53rd FS Bitburg AB Germany May 1992 "Operation Desert Storm" HA4561 scale 1:72
Highly detailed Hobby Master warbird
Scale: 1:72M


In 1967 the U.S. became aware of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. This made it necessary to develop a new aircraft to counter the MiG-25. The USAF rejected the USN F-14 Tomcat and issued its own requirements. The solution came in the form of the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle. The F-15A made its inaugural flight in July 1972 and in January 1976 the first Eagle entered service. The "E" entered service in 1989. The F-15 was the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the F-86 Sabre.

The 53rd FS began as the 53rd Pursuit Squadron. In 1952 the squadron began operating from Bitburg and in 1977 received their first F-15A/B with newer F-15C/D replacements arriving in 1980. On December 20, 1990 24 aircraft from the 53rd TFS deployed to the Gulf War until July 1, 1991. On January 27, 1991 53rd TFS F-15C 84-0027 flown by Captain Benjamin Powel shot down an Iraqi Mirage and a MiG-23. The 53rd returned to Bitburg and on October 1, 1991 was re-designated 53rd FS. The 53rd FS was deactivated in 1999.

Specifications for the McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F-15 Eagle
Role
C – Single-seat, all-weather, air-superiority fighter - 483 built
D – Dual-seat variant of the C – 92 built
E – Dual-seat, all-weather, multi-role strike fighter - 237 built