The F-15 Eagle has proven itself as one of the best air-superiority planes of all time. In fact, unlike some legends of air combat, including the P-51, F-86, and F-4 Phantom, it remains undefeated. This plane is loved for its speed, performance, and sheer dominance in combat.
Despite all that, some folks still hate this aerial powerhouse. This, too, is very understandable—and the hate isn’t limited to those who’ve faced it in air-to-air combat (though we’re sure they make the list).
Plenty of folks have reasons to hate the F-15C. These reasons, specifically.
Why it’s easy to make fun of the F-15C
The F-15C Eagle is always flying high—it has its cockpit in the clouds. But it’s not like it can do anything air-to-ground, anyway. It was developed as a strict fighter, according to aviation historian Joe Baugher, with some bomb-dropping ability tacked on as an afterthought
So, this is a plane that hasn’t gotten any real action since 1999, when F-15s scored kills a few MiGs over Serbia. Twenty years without any real action — that’s one heck of a dry spell.
Why we should hate the F-15C
Well, what does it do for the grunts? Nothing. As an air-to-air specialist, the grunts don’t get jack from the Eagle. In essence, the pilots are getting flight pay to… what? Bore holes in the sky? To wait for MiGs and Sukhois that never come? To bring their ordnance back to base?
Plus, these birds are getting up there in years—some are even falling apart. These planes need to be replaced. Restart the F-22 production line, anyone?
Why you ought to love the F-15C
When it comes right down to it, the F-15C is the plane that makes it possible for every other plane to support grunts. Without the Eagle, the enemy could very well achieve air superiority, and that would leave planes like the A-10 and F-16 in a world of hurt.
Instead, historically, it’s been enemy planes that end up getting shot down or being forced to dump ordnance long before they reach their targets. Thanks to the F-15, A-10s, and F-16s can drop their bombs, launch their missiles, and fire their guns at the bad guys without having to worry about enemy fighters.
Furthermore, it will continue to dominate for years, aging like fine wine.
