If the Air Force chose a pure attack design, maintaining air superiority would be a priority for a new airframe. The A-4 and A-7 were more capable in the attack role, while the F-5 less so, but could defend itself. Several existing designs could fill this role the Navy favored the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and LTV A-7 Corsair II, which were pure attack aircraft, while the Air Force was more interested in the Northrop F-5 fighter with a secondary attack capability. In January 1965, Secretary McNamara asked the Air Force to consider a new low-cost tactical fighter design for short-range roles and close air support to replace several types like the F-100 Super Sabre and various light bombers then in service. As part of this policy, the USAF and Navy had embarked on the TFX (F-111) program, aiming to deliver a medium-range interdiction aircraft for the Air Force that would also serve as a long-range interceptor aircraft for the Navy. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was pressing for both services to use as many common aircraft as possible, even if performance compromises were involved. Navy fought each other over future tactical aircraft. The F-15 can trace its origins to the early Vietnam War, when the U.S. As of 2021, the aircraft is being produced in several variants.ĭevelopment Early studies The aircraft design proved flexible enough that an improved all-weather strike derivative, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was later developed, entered service in 1989 and has been exported to several nations. Its design included a secondary ground-attack capability that was largely unused. The F-15 was originally envisioned as a pure air-superiority aircraft. The Eagle has been exported to Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills by the Israeli Air Force. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976. Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas's design in 1969 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing). USAF F-15C during Operation Noble Eagle patrol, 2007 For other uses, see F-15 (disambiguation).

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