* In the mid-1960s, the US Air Force (USAF) decided to acquire a new air-superiority fighter, with the result emerging in the next decade as the McDonnell Douglas "F-15 Eagle". The F-15 became one of the backbones of the USAF's combat capabilities in the remaining decades of the 20th century, and remains in first-line service in the 21st century. This document provides a history and description of the F-15.