On Feb. 14, 1991 during "Operation Desert Storm" F-15E 89-0487 from the 335 th TFS/4 th TFW scored the first air-to-air kill for an F-15E. Special Forces were under attack by Iraqi forces and helicopters. The helicopters were circling and driving the ground forces toward awaiting Iraqi forces. F-15E 89-0487 and his wingman devised a plan to eliminate the helicopters starting with the lead that was on the ground so 0487 dropped a GBU-10. The helicopter began to lift off and miraculously the bomb found the airborne helicopter and destroyed it.

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-15E Strike Eagle - USAF 4th TFW, 335th TFS, #89-0487 Mi-24 Killer, Saudi Arabia, Operation Desert Storm, January 1991