104-0: How the F-15 Fighter Has Such an Insane Combat Record

What You Need to Know: With an impressive combat record of 104-0, the American-made F-15 Eagle is renowned for its speed, maneuverability, and lethal firepower. Originating from the Vietnam War era, the F-15 was developed to rival Soviet MiG fighters and has proven its superiority in air-to-air combat.

-The latest iteration, the F-15EX, further elevates its capabilities, carrying over 13.5 tons of weapons and launching up to 12 air-to-air missiles.

-Nicknamed the "bomb truck," the F-15EX combines the Eagle's legacy with advanced technologies, ensuring the platform remains a formidable asset for the U.S. Air Force in the years ahead.

Why the F-15 Eagle’s 104-0 Record Still Stands Strong

Renowned for its 104-0 combat record without a loss, the American-made F-15 Eagle remains a fan favorite among aviation buffs and military experts alike. The fourth-generation platform may be technically lagging behind the newer F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, but the Eagle still holds its own when it comes to speed and armament power.

In fact, the F-15 remains the fastest air superiority fighter within any American military service. The jet’s air superiority is achieved through a combination of unparalleled maneuverability, range, weapons, avionics, and acceleration. These top-tier capabilities certainly contribute to the platform’s stellar combat record.

An overview of the platform

The Eagle’s prowess and development can be traced back to the early days of the Vietnam War when the Navy and Air Force were sorting out details for a joint future tactical aircraft. At the time, then-Secretary of State Robert McNamara tasked both services to create a singular platform that could fulfill the missions of both. The Soviets were flying the MiG-23 and MiG-25, which were considered to be exceptional fighters. Big-name manufacturers like North American Rockwell, Fairchild Republic, McDonnell Douglas, and General Dynamics all submitted proposals. The Air Force ultimately selected McDonnell Douglas’s design plan and the F-15 was born.

When the Eagle prototype took the skies, it achieved many “firsts.” The platform was the first of its kind capable of attacking multiple enemy targets at the same time from distances of up to 100 miles thanks to its cutting-edge air-to-air radar-guided missiles and advanced radar system. Notably, the jet was also the first of its kind to be able to accelerate straight up towards the sky directly after take-off due to its incredible acceleration speed.

The F-15 at work

United States Air Force Lieutenant Cesar Rodriguez shot down more Soviet MiG jets than any other pilot ever since the Vietnam War.

The revered pilot achieved his first two kills during the first Gulf War against a MiG-23 and MiG-29 both flown by the Iraqi Air Force. His third kill occurred at the end of the decade in the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

Introducing the F-15EX

The F-15’s stellar combat record has contributed to the platform’s continued service in the USAF. The F-15EX is the latest variant to be introduced, equipped with cutting-edge capabilities that surpass its preceding Eagle airframes. Experts refer to this new Eagle as a “bomb truck” since it can carry more than 13.5 tons of weapons. Earlier this year, it was reported that this platform was able to carry and launch up to one dozen air-to-air missiles. Breaking records in terms of quantity and tonnage of ordnance carried is what makes the Eagle II such a lethal variant.

While the F-15 may be an aging variant, the incorporation of next-generation technologies into the latest variant will help it to serve the needs of the Air Force for years to come.

About the Author: Maya Carlin, Defense Expert

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.