During the 1960’s and in Vietnam the U.S. military realized the F-4 Phantom II was barely able to
cope with the Soviet aircraft and began looking for a newer faster and air dominance aircraft. The
Air Force rejected the F-14 and a contract was awarded to McDonnell Douglas to produce the
required aircraft. With this came the birth of the TF-15A Eagle. The first TF-15A delivered to an
operational unit was 73-0108 for the 555th TFTS/58th TTW. Depending on the source there
were between 58 and 62 TF-15A/F-15B’s built.

The F-15B was originally designated McDonnell Douglas TF-15A in the early 1970’s. Aircraft 71-
0291 was the second two-seater variant produced. It made its first flight on October 18, 1973 and
was re-designated an F-15B on December 1, 1977. Over time the aircraft was used to develop
the FAST PACK (conformal fuel tanks) used on the F-15E and made world-wide sales tours. One
stop in 1976 was the Farnborough Air Show wearing a paint scheme to celebrate the 1976
American Bicentennial. 71-0291’s career ended as a Battle Damage Repair trainer.

McDonnell Douglas TF-15A renamed F-15B specifications

Role – Two-Seat Trainer

First Flight TF-15A – July 1973

First Flight 71-0291 – October 18, 1973

Production F-15B Formerly TF-15A – 61 Built between 1972/1979

The F-15B is almost identical to the F-15A except for the longer canopy which allows for two
seats. A few internal items are removed to permit this extension

Dimensions
Length – 63 ft 9 ins
Wingspan – 42 ft 9.5 ins
Height – 18 ft 5.5 ins

Performance
Power Plants - 2 X Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 (JTF22A-25A) axial-flow turbofans
Thrust – 12,420 lbs dry / 14,670 lbs @ full military power / 23,830 lbs with after-burners.
Maximum Speed – 1,650 mph, (Mach 2.5) @ 36,000 ft
At Sea Level – 915 mph
Cruising Speed – 570 mph
Initial Climb Rate – 40,000 fpm
Service Ceiling – 65,000 ft
Maximum Range Un-refueled – 3,450 miles
Fuel
Maximum Internal – 1,790 US gallons
External – 3 X 610 gallon drop tanks
Maximum Total – 3,620 US gallons

Weight
Empty – 27,000 lbs
Combat – 40,000 lbs
Gross – 41,500 lbs
Maximum Takeoff – 66,000 lbs

Armament
1 X 20 mm General Electric M61A1 Vulcan cannon with 940 rounds
4 X AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles
or
4 X AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
4 X AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles

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