The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F-15 Eagle is today 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.

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).