McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle

The Eagle was designed in the late 1960s in response to an Air Force request for a new air superiority fighter. The McDonnell-Douglas design was accepted by the Air Force in December 1969. One of the primary requirements for the aircraft was that it be very maneuverable at a wide range of speeds and altitudes. Many of the Eagle's design features, including; the twin tails, two engines and large-area wing, are a result of this requirement. At a normal weight the F-15A has a thrust to weight ratio of 1.17 to 1. This means that for every pound of weight of the aircraft, the engines produce 1.17 pounds of thrust giving the Eagle the ability to accelerate straight up. Later versions of the Eagle remain the primary air superiority fighter for the U.S. Air Force, but are beginning to be replaced by the F-22 Raptor.