The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine fighter and attack aircraft the first flight of which took place on July 27 1972. The F-15 aircraft is the result of the experience gained from air combat over Vietnam and is also the USAAF s response to the Soviet Mig-23 and Mig-25 fighters. It was created as part of the FX (Fighter Experimental) project in which the winner was McDonnell-Douglas in 1969. When designing the F-15 particular emphasis was placed on the maximum reduction of service time. Mainly on the one hand it was based on the installation of elements that were as easy to use as possible and on the other hand the use of automatic systems which kind of relieve people. As a result the successor of the F-4 Phantom surpassing it in all respects can be served in half the time. Another strength of the F-15 is the pair of Pratt-Whitney F100 afterburner engines which produce 4 500 kg more thrust than the machine itself weighs allowing it to make tight turns without sacrificing great speed. In addition it makes it possible to suspend a huge amount of additional weapons on 8 knots under the wings and fuselage. From the moment the F-15 entered service several variants were created. The C and D versions are the second generation of single and double seater aircraft respectively replacing the A and B versions in 1979. Externally they do not differ much from them but the avionics underwent a comprehensive modification which made the Eagle even more lethal weapon. In the 1980s the F-15D also experimented with ASAT anti-satellite missiles. A version of the F15-E Strike Eagle was being developed at the same time. Contrary to the previous models the E version is not only a hunting machine used for air superiority but also an assault machine with a wide range of possibilities for attacks on ground targets. The E version entered service in 1988 and is expected to remain in the line until 2035. Another variant is the F-15J exported and produced under license in Japan. F-15 aircraft were exported to several countries including Japan Israel Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The F-15 turned out to be a very valuable machine achieving air victories among others. during Operation Desert Storm and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Technical data (version E): Maximum speed: 2660 km / h climb speed: 255 m / s practical ceiling 19500 m maximum range: 5580 km armament: fixed - 1 six-barrel M61A-1 20mm cannon suspended - up to 10660kg load..