JC Wings 1:72 Military Series JCW-72-F15-016 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle Diecast Model USAF, #71-0291 Prototype, 1980, w/Ground crew. Limited Edition 500 Pieces Worldwide. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle. The F-15E Strike Eagle began as a private venture by McDonnell Douglas. Designed to be operated by a pilot and a weapons system officer (WSO), the airplane can carry bombs, missiles and guns for a ground attack role, while maintaining its capability as an air superiority fighter. Its airframe was a strengthened and its service life doubled to 16,000 flight hours. To assist in development, McDonnell Douglas modified the second TF-15A prototype, AF serial number 71-0291, as a demonstrator. The aircraft, known as the Advanced Fighter Capability Demonstrator, first flew on 8 July 1980. In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111, eventually selecting the F-15E. The first production F-15E was delivered to the USAF in April 1988 with a total of 236 aircraft completed through 2001. Includes maintenance truck, pilot ladder and three figures. Please note: An optional display stand. Is available separately if you wish to display this model “in-flight”. Designed to meet US Air Force requirements for an air superiority fighter to replace the F-4 Phantom, the F-15 Eagle first flew on July 27, 1972. Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas’s design in 1969 to meet the service’s need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. Since entering service in 1976, it is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills by the Israeli Air Force. JC’s 1:72 scale F-15s feature an impressive amount of pad-printed markings including some elaborate paint schemes and numerous warning placards found adorning the entire airframe. They are highly detailed with a delicate thin cambered wing, simulated stainless-steel heat shielding surrounding the engine exhausts, movable razor thin all metal elevators and rudders. The underside of the aircraft features metal landing gear with a full complement of beautifully pad printed ordnance. Showing remarkable attention to detail, actuators extend and retract with the hinged canopy and speed brake and compressor fans will even spin if air is blown into the engine intakes! JC Wings 1:72 Military Series. The JC Wings “1:72 Military” range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:72 scale. JC Wings 1:72 Military diecast airplanes feature. Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Selected moving parts such as canopies, control surfaces and swing-wings. Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.