Airplane Model*Hobby Master HA4512 1:72 TF-15 Eagle 'Bicentennial' – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice

Hobby Master HA4512 1:72 TF-15 Eagle ‘Bicentennial’ 1976 Farnborough International Air Show

During the 1960s and in Vietnam the U.S. military realized the F-4 Phantom II was barely able tocope with the Soviet aircraft and began looking for a newer faster and air dominance aircraft. TheAir Force rejected the F-14 and a contract was awarded to McDonnell Douglas to produce therequired aircraft. With this came the birth of the TF-15A Eagle. The first TF-15A delivered to anoperational unit was 73-0108 for the 555th TFTS/58th TTW. Depending on the source therewere between 58 and 62 TF-15A/F-15Bs built.

The F-15B was originally designated McDonnell Douglas TF-15A in the early 1970s. Aircraft 71-0291 was the second two-seater variant produced. It made its first flight on October 18, 1973 andwas re-designated an F-15B on December 1, 1977. Over time the aircraft was used to developthe FAST PACK (conformal fuel tanks) used on the F-15E and made world-wide sales tours. Onestop in 1976 was the Farnborough Air Show wearing a paint scheme to celebrate the 1976American Bicentennial. 71-0291s career ended as a Battle Damage Repair trainer.