3 August 1972: During a 45-minute test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, the McDonnell Douglas YF-15A-1-MC Eagle prototype, 71-0280, went supersonic for the first time, reaching Mach 1.5.
An air-superiority fighter, the F-15 entered service with the United States Air Force in 1975. More than 1,500 fighter, two-seat trainer, and two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers have been built by McDonnell Douglas and Mitsubishi. It is operated by allied air forces around the world and is expected to remain in front line service until 2025.
© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes
The seventh F-15A, 71-0286 (msn 0007), that was involved in the initial test program is now on display at the Combat Air Museum, Topeka, Kansas. Though faded, it is still in the colors of the first photo.
Because the airframe did not have radar and other valuable equipment, lest the aircraft be lost in testing, 0007 never reached squadron service.
0007 was tested to ensure that Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles could safely be launched throughout the flight envelope, something computer models and wind tunnel testing said would be no problem. In actual testing in June 1973 a missile struck 0007 on launch.
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