фото: McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle Prototype (sn 71-0291)  McDonnell Douglas F-15B-4-MC Eagle. Built as the TF-15A.  First flight Oct 18, 1973.

Robert Sullivan • 16-05-2007  

Описание: MSN 0012/B002. Built as the TF-15A. First flight Oct 18, 1973. Assigned to the combined McDD/USAF F-15 Joint Test Force at Edwards AFB, May74 to Apr75. The aircraft was used for the development of the FAST pack (conformal fuel tanks). To Europe for a demonstration tour Sep74. Displayed at Farnborough Air Show Sep74 Bailed Feb76 to McDonnell Douglas as a demonstrator and test aircraft. Painted 1976 with special bicentennial markings involved in an extensive around-the-world sales tour, Sept 76. Displayed at Farnborough Air Show Sep76. Redesignated Dec 1, 1977 as the F-15B. Converted 1979 to the Hughes/McDD private venture F-15E Strike Eagle prototype; a program that was initially known as the F-15DRF (Duel Role Fighter). The aircraft was to be equipped with an APG-63 ground mapping radar, a (partial) glass cockpit and FAST packs. First flight July 8, 1980. To Europe for a demonstration tour Sep 1980. Displayed at Farnborough Air Show Sep 1980. An official USAF program started in March 1981 and was known as the ETF (Enhanced Tactical Fighter), which was to replace the F-111. This competition ended in a fly-off between the Strike Eagle and the F-16XL. The aircraft was deployed to Edwards AFB to join the evaluation program; testing was also conducted from Eglin AFB. On 24 February 1984, the Strike Eagle was declared the winner of the competition. In the late 1980s, 71-0291 was involved in the integration of the LANTIRN pod and the F-15E weapons system. In May 1991 the aircraft was inscribed ‘F-15RTD Peek Eagle’. This was a private McDD venture; the aircraft was fitted and tested with a centerline pod with reconnaissance equipment and a data link. 71-0291 was last noted in active service in June 1992, although the aircraft still was on Boeing charge in May 1999. The airframe was noted in a compound on the corner of Marchbank Road and Macon, outside the Warner Robins ALC, Robins AFB, GA in August 2001. Used as a BDRT at Robins AFB. To the Alsalam Aircraft Co, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 6 November 2002. It was possibly used for some time as a GIA again but eventually restored and painted into RSAF markings for the RSAF museum at Riyadh. Marked with serial ‘1315’. This aircraft has sported French cockades in 1976 during visit of some members of the Armee de l'Air.

Tags:




Поиск и фотоизображения предоставлены компанией Flickr с помощью сервиса Flickr API согласно Правилам пользования сайтом Flick.com и его сервисами. Графические изображения являются публичными, размещёнными их авторами в свободный доступ (Public) и физически расположены на серверах Flickr. Все права на фотографии принадлежат их авторам согласно пользовательскому соглашению сервиса Flickr.com и охраняются законами, регулирующими авторские права.