104-0 Score: How the F-15 Set an Unsurpassed Dogfight Record

The famous American F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet remains a favorite of aviation enthusiasts and military experts with an impressive list of combat achievements.

The history of the creation and development of the Eagle aircraft dates back to the beginning of the Vietnam War, when the Navy and Air Force worked out the details of a joint future tactical aircraft. Then-Secretary of State Robert McNamara instructed the agencies to create a single platform that could perform the tasks of both. 15 Eagle.

The American fighter F-15 Eagle with an impressive combat record of 104-0 (104 losses without losses) is famous for its speed, maneuverability and firepower. The F-15 was developed during the Vietnam War to counter Soviet MiGs and proved its superiority in air combat.

• The latest modification of the F-15EX has further expanded its capabilities: the fighter carries more than 13.5 tons of weapons and launches up to 12 air-to-air missiles.
• Nicknamed the “bomber carrier,” the F-15EX combines the Eagle's heritage with cutting-edge technology to ensure that the aircraft remains the most important an asset to the US Air Force in the coming years.

The American fighter F-15EX Eagle II remains the favorite aviation enthusiasts and military experts

Why the F-15 Eagle's record is still unbeaten

Known for its 104-0 combat record (104 kills with no losses), the American-made F-15 Eagle remains a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and military experts. The fourth-generation platform may be technically behind the newer F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but the Eagle still holds its own when it comes to speed and weapon power.

In fact, the F- 15 remains the fastest air superiority fighter in the US military. The advantage of the fighter in the air is achieved thanks to the combination of unsurpassed maneuverability, range, weapons, avionics and acceleration. These world-class capabilities have undoubtedly contributed to the platform's outstanding track record.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Aircraft Overview

The history of the creation and development of the Eagle dates back to the beginning of the Vietnam War, when the Navy and Air Force worked out the details of a joint future tactical aircraft. Then-Secretary of State Robert McNamara directed the agencies to create a single platform that could handle both of their tasks. The Soviets flew the MiG-23 and MiG-25, which were considered exceptional fighters. Prominent manufacturers including North American Rockwell, Fairchild Republic, McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics presented their offerings. In the end, the Air Force chose the McDonnell Douglas project, and the F-15 was born.

When the Eagle prototype took to the skies, it became a “first” in many respects. The platform became the first of its kind to be able to attack several enemy targets simultaneously from a distance of up to 160 km thanks to the latest air-to-air missiles with radar guidance and an advanced radar system. It is noteworthy that this fighter was also the first of its kind, able to take off immediately after takeoff thanks to its incredible acceleration speed.

F-15 at work

US Air Force Lieutenant Cesar Rodriguez shot down more Soviet MiG fighters than any other pilot since the Vietnam War.

The pilot achieved his first two losses during the first Persian Gulf War, shooting down a MiG-23 and MiG-29 belonging to the Iraqi Air Force. Its third downing occurred at the end of the decade during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

Introducing the F-15EX

The F-15's unparalleled combat experience has helped it remain in service with the U.S. Air Force. The F-15EX is the latest version of the fighter, equipped with advanced capabilities that surpass previous Eagle models. Experts call this new Eagle a “bomb carrier” because it can carry more than 13.5 tons of weapons. Earlier this year, it was reported that the platform can carry and launch up to a dozen air-to-air missiles. New records for the number and tonnage of ammunition carried – this is what makes the Eagle II a real killing machine.

Despite the fact that the F-15 is already outdated, the introduction of next-generation technologies into the latest version will help it serve the Air Force for many years to come.

About the author

Maya Karlin — is a national security writer for The National Interest, an analyst at the Center for Security Policy, and a former Anna Sobol-Levi Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including The National Interest, the Jerusalem Post, and the Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.