USAF 493rd FS "Grim Reapers" based at RAF Lakenheath, England wanted to mark the 45 years the Eagle has been in Europe operating from various bases. F-15C 86-0172 was given a special paint scheme to mark the occasion with a shield on the left vertical stabilizer marked "Eagle 1977 - 2022" and listing the many bases that have been home to the F-15 Eagle. Painted on the right stabilizer was the 493rd FS "Grim Reapers" logo. The speed brake wore serial numbers of other F-15s. Early February 2022 saw the departure of the last F-15 Eagle.

Designed to meet US Air Force requirements for an air superiority fighter to replace the F-4 Phantom, the F-15 Eagle first flew on July 27, 1972. 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. Since entering service in 1976, 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.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-15 is produced with a high metal content using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The model features near seamless construction as seen on all Hobby Master products, and this is particularly evident with the tight-fitting conformal fuel tanks present on the F-15E variant. Separate open and closed canopy and speed brakes are included, yielding uncompromising detail that functional hinges would lack at this scale. Other fine features include a detailed cockpit interior, a variety of ordnance and drop tanks appropriate to the paint-scheme and landing gear that constructed as completed subassemblies for easy installation.

Info:      F-15C Eagle - USAF 48th FW, 493rd FS Grim Reapers, #86-0172, RAF Lakenheath, England, F-15 Europe 45th Annivesary 2022