The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has added a McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle to its collection — the first fighter jet of its kind to enter the museum. The fighter jet, considered one of the most significant aircraft of the post-World War II era, arrived Aug. 13 at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, where it is now on display.
“We are thrilled to accept the F-15C into the museum’s collection,” said Mike Hankins, modern military curator at the museum. “The Eagle is one of the most iconic American fighter aircraft of the last 50 years, and this particular F-15 has powerful stories to tell.”
The F-15 is notable for its combat record over the past 50 years, serving as a U.S. Air Force air superiority fighter designed for all-weather operations and air-to-air combat. Built with an emphasis on maneuverability, it can reach speeds up to Mach 2.5. In air-to-air combat, no F-15 Eagles have been lost to enemy fire, while pilots flying the aircraft have recorded more than 100 kills…