“Aut Vincere Aut Mori (Conquer or Die)” – Motto of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an all-weather multirole fighter, derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes. The Strike Eagle has been deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Odyssey Dawn carrying out deep strikes against high-value targets, combat air patrols, and providing close air support for coalition troops. It has also seen action in later conflicts and has been exported to several countries. The F-15E will be upgraded with the Raytheon APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar after 2007, and the first test radar was delivered to Boeing in 2010. It combines the processor of the APG-79 used on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with the antenna of the APG-63(V)3 AESA being fitted on the F-15C. The new radar upgrade is to be part of the F-15E Radar Modernization Program. The new radar was named APG-63(V)4 until it received the APG-82 designation in 2009. The RMP also includes a wideband radome (to allow the AESA to operate on more radar frequencies), and improvements to the environment control and electronic warfare systems. While some of the F-15C/Ds have been replaced by the F-22 Raptor, there is no slated replacement for the F-15E in its primary “deep strike” mission profile. The Strike Eagle is a more recent variant of the F-15, and has a sturdier airframe rated for twice the lifetime of earlier variants. The F-15Es are expected to remain in service past 2025. The USAF has pursued the Next-Generation Bomber, a medium bomber concept which could take over the Strike Eagle’s “deep strike” profile. The F-35A Lightning II is projected to eventually replace many other attack aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II, and may also take over much of the F-15E’s role; however, the F-15E has better combat range under payload. Pictured here is a stunning 1:72 scale diecast replica of a USAF Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role fighter that was painted in a celebratory “75th Anniversary of the 4th Fighter Wing” scheme, and attached to the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, then deployed to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, during 2018. Dimensions: Wingspan: 7-inches Length: 10-1/2-inches. Features: – Diecast construction – Opening cockpit – Accurate markings and insignia – Full complement of weapons – Interchangeable landing gear – Comes with seated pilot figure – Comes with display stand. Historical Account: “Fourth but First” – The 4th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Combat Command’s Ninth Air Force. It is stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where it is also the host unit. The wing is one of two Air Force units that can trace its history to another country. The wing’s 4th Operations Group had its origins as the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons Nos. 71, 121 and 133 Squadrons. When the United States entered World War II, these units, and the American pilots in them, were transferred to the United States Army Air Forces VIII Fighter Command, forming the 4th Fighter Group on September 12th, 1942. The 4th Fighter Group was the first fighter group to use belly tanks, the first to penetrate Germany, the first to accompany bombers to Berlin, the first to accomplish the England-to-Soviet Union shuttle and the first to down jet fighters. The group was credited with the destruction of 1,016 (including strafing kills) enemy aircraft, more than any other American fighter unit, and produced 38 aces.