The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F-15 Eagle is today still one of the world's most formidable interceptor fighters. Although largely designed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it still remains the primary air-superiority fighter serving with the USAF, and will remain so well into the first decade of the 21st century. In addition to service with the United States, the F-15 is also utilized by the air forces of South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

As of 2005, the F-15 family of aircraft has a perfect air-combat record of more than 100 victories and zero defeats. F-15s downed four MiG-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict and 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm. During the Balkan conflict, the F-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions.

The first flight of the F-15 Eagle was made in July 1972. In November 1974, the first F-15 Eagle was delivered to the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where training began in both F-15A and B aircraft. In January 1976, the first F-15 Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va.

The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory beginning in 1979. These new models have Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements, including 2,000 lb (900 kg) of additional internal fuel, provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks, and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 lb (30,700 kg).

The F-15 Multistage Improvement Program was initiated in February 1983, with the first production MSIP F-15C produced in 1985. Improvements included an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles; and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 included the enhanced-capability Hughes APG-70 radar which was carried forward into the F-15E. The earlier MSIP F-15C's with the APG-63 were later upgraded to the APG-63(V)1, which significantly improves reliability and maintainability while providing performance similar to the APG-70. A limited number of F-15C aircraft have also been fitted with the APG-63(V)2 AESA radar.

This F-15C model of the USAF 48th FW, located in RAF Lakenheath, England, represents 84-001 which was the first MSIP II aircraft produced.