The F-15 has played a significant role in U.S. Air Force operations over the past five decades. Known for its air superiority capabilities, it can reach speeds up to Mach 2.5 and has not been lost to enemy action in air-to-air combat. Globally, F-15s have recorded more than 100 enemy aircraft shot down.
In comparison with earlier fighters like the P-51 Mustang—which suffered over 2,500 losses while achieving about 5,000 aerial victories during World War II—the F-15 stands out for never having been shot down by enemy aircraft.
Captain Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez was among those who flew this specific F-15C during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. While serving with different units throughout its career—including squadrons based in Japan and Oregon—the jet became notable for two confirmed kills against Iraqi MiGs under Rodriguez's command.
Smithsonian specialists plan to demilitarize the aircraft before displaying it alongside other contemporary military jets such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder at Udvar-Hazy. The exhibit aims to showcase developments in military aviation technology and their broader impacts on geopolitics.
Recalling his experience flying this F-15C during combat missions, Rodriguez told Air & Space Forces Magazine: “I put a lot of pain on that airplane, and the crew chiefs fixed her up and got her going again the next day… I wouldn’t trade it.” He described flying the jet as “a lot of fun” despite challenging moments.
Rodriguez achieved three aerial victories during his career—two against Iraqi MiGs in 1991 and one against a Yugoslavian MiG-29 in 1999—making him one of only four Americans since 1972 with three or more confirmed kills.
The museum’s Modern Military Aviation gallery also features several other historic aircraft such as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing Dash 80 prototype, B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, and Concorde SST.
The technical specifications of the F-15 highlight its power: equipped with two Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines generating nearly 23,450 pounds of thrust each (in C/D models), a wingspan of nearly 43 feet, maximum takeoff weight exceeding 68,000 pounds, top speed near Mach 2 class (1,875 mph), ceiling up to 65,000 feet and range exceeding 3,400 miles with external tanks. Its armament includes an internal M61A1 cannon plus combinations of AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
Although initially intended for retirement in favor of newer platforms like the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle—which emphasizes multi-role ground attack capability—the single-seat F-15C remains relevant due to its performance characteristics. Recent upgrades have led to development of advanced variants such as the Boeing-built F‑15EX Eagle II, which features updated flight controls and electronics but does not include stealth technology found on newer fifth-generation fighters.
Other museums display notable Eagles from USAF history including "Streak Eagle," which set multiple time-to-climb world records shortly after entering service in January–February 1975; another displayed example participated in NATO’s Operation Allied Force over Yugoslavia where Captain Jeff "Claw" Hwang shot down two MiG‑29s within ninety seconds using AIM‑120 missiles without friendly losses.
Boeing remains responsible for manufacturing both legacy Eagles and current production models like the F‑15EX. Headquartered in Chicago since being founded on July 15, 1916—and led by CEO Kelly Ortberg—the company produces several commercial airliners alongside military platforms including various generations of Boeing fighters.
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