Althought the F-4 Phantom showed it's power in Vietnam it too was soon becoming overpowered, and outdated. The USAF needed a new fighter jet that would provide strong-strike, and air superiority capabilities. The McDonnell Douglas corporation presented a new all-weather tactical fighter. The basis of the design, viewed by some, the match to the MiG25/31. The three years in their reviews and studies, they found a most favorable weapon, in 1972 two prototypes were incorperated. It took another year before they were fitted with the proper new-age electronics including the revelutionary APG-63 radar, pilot's head-up display (HUD), and the very first Hands on Throttle and stick (HOTAS) systems. It was fitted with two Pratt & Whitney F100-P-100 Turbofan. The F-15 Eagle was the first jet aircraft in peace times, from prototype to active service, in only two years. With advanced fly-by-wire tech., the F-15 is able to dogfight like no other. It is also able to land on short, and damaged runways.
