Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA4536
F-15E "Mi-24 Killer" 89-0487, 335th TFS/4th TFW, Saudi Arabia, Jan 1991 (with 4 x GBU-10)
 
General Background
In 1967 the U.S. became aware of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. This made it necessary to develop a new aircraft to counter the MiG-25. The USAF rejected the USN F-14 Tomcat and issued its own requirements. The solution came in the form of the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle. The F-15A made its inaugural flight in July 1972 and in January 1976 the first Eagle entered service. The "E" entered service in 1989. The F-15 was the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the F-86 Sabre".
 
The Aircraft
On Feb. 14, 1991 during “Operation Desert Storm” F-15E 89-0487 from the 335 th TFS/4 th TFW scored the first air-to-air kill for an F-15E. Special Forces were under attack by Iraqi forces and helicopters. The helicopters were circling and driving the ground forces toward awaiting Iraqi forces. F-15E 89-0487 and his wingman devised a plan to eliminate the helicopters starting with the lead that was on the ground so 0487 dropped a GBU-10. The helicopter began to lift off and miraculously the bomb found the airborne helicopter and destroyed it.