58th TFS / 33rd TFW, Tabuk AB, Saudi Arabia, 1991
For the past 30 years, the F-15 Eagle has been the most successful jet fighter to see action. This all-weather, extremely manoeuvrable tactical fighter is designed to maintain air superiority in combat situations. Originally intended to out-class the mighty Russian MiG-25, the Eagle has dominated the skies since its maiden flight in 1972. A February 2008 report states that the F-15, flown in combat by the US Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Israeli Air Force, have a combined victory tally of 104 to 0. The Eagle has never been defeated.
During operation Desert Storm, the Eagle was responsible for 36 of the 39 Air Force air-to-air victories, 34 of which were recorded by the single seat F-15 ‘C’ edition. One of the well-known Eagles of Desert Storm was the aircraft referenced in this model (85-0102), which was responsible for three victories against IQAF aircraft. The first of these was recorded on January 29, 1991, when Captain David Rose destroyed a MiG-23 with an AIM-7 missile. A few days later, on February 7, Captain Anthony Murphy recorded victories against two Sukhoi Su-22 aircraft. Note that although this F15C aircraft was assigned to Col. Rick Parsons, Rose and Murphy recorded these victories.
The three Iraqi flags on the port side represent the victories recorded by this aircraft during operation Desert Storm. The single green star, next to Col. Parson’s name, commemorates his victory of a Su-22, which was recorded while flying a different F-15C (85-0124).
I used Tamiya’s 1/32 scale model kit to produce this spectacular aircraft. The following aftermarket parts were used to replicate an authentic F-15C Eagle: super detailed resin cockpit (Black Box), seamless intakes (Cutting Edge), accurate exhaust nozzles (Cutting Edge), detailed AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles (Cutting Edge) and weighted wheels (Contact-Resine).
The paint scheme for this aircraft is the standard Air Force Dark Ghost Grey over Light Ghost Grey. An outline of the method used for painting the panel lines and rivets can be found in the construction article for the 1/32 scale Academy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, under Rivets and Panel Lines. Enjoy the photos.
