Categories
War

The Battle of Mohács – How an Empire Fell in Just 2 Hours

Categories
All About Guns War

Why the PLA Didn’t Love the AK 47

Categories
War

The Fat Electrician Reviews: OODA loops and Quackbang Grenades

Categories
All About Guns

The Fat Electrician Reviews: 75th Ranger Regiment

Categories
All About Guns Allies War

The story of Corporal Sidney Bates, VC

Categories
All About Guns War

Japan’s Underwater Aircraft Carriers By Tom Laemlein

On September 9, 1942, residents of Brookings, Oregon noticed a fire to the east of town, near Wheeler Ridge on Mount Emily. About noon, two spotters on the fire lookout tower noted the smoke despite the foggy conditions.

The fire spotters and several townsfolk also noted a strange aircraft in the area that day, and when the U.S. Forest Service workers went to the fire site, they found that it had been started by a Japanese incendiary bomb. Fortunately, the area was quite damp, and the fire quickly burned out. The bewildered forest service men turned over parts of the bomb casing, complete with Japanese markings, to U.S. Army personnel.

The massive I-401 submarine seen after surrender on September 13, 1945. The deck gun at the aft is a Type 11 5.5-inch gun. Image: NARA
The massive I-401 submarine seen after surrender on September 13, 1945. The deck gun at the aft is a Type 11 5.5-inch gun. Image: NARA

There were many questions, but only one thing was certain: America had been bombed. But how?

On that September day, Chief Warrant Officer Nobuo Fujita, an Imperial Japanese Navy pilot, and his observer, Petty Officer Shoji Okuda, took off in their Yokosuka E14Y recon aircraft, on their mission to fire-bomb the massive forest near Brookings, hoping to start a significant forest fire with two 168-pound incendiary bombs. They had reached the coast of Oregon in the giant submarine “I-25”, the tiny E14Y floatplane carried in a watertight capsule on the deck of the sub. The I-25 was 356 feet long, weighed 2,584 tons, and had a range of 16,000 miles.

A U.S. identification slide of the Yokosuka E14Y1 “Glen” float plane. Launched from the I-25, a Glen was the only Axis aircraft to bomb the contiguous United States during World War II. Image: Author’s collection
A U.S. identification slide of the Yokosuka E14Y1 “Glen” float plane. Launched from the I-25, a Glen was the only Axis aircraft to bomb the contiguous United States during World War II. Image: Author’s collection

Existence of the Yokosuka E14Y (Type O Small Reconnaissance Seaplane, later codenamed “Glen” by the Allies) was unknown to the U.S. military at that time, and the entire concept of a stealthy submarine “aircraft carrier” was essentially something out of a Buck Rodgers comic.

What Japan’s air attack on U.S. soil lacked in effectiveness was made up for in imagination. Fujita’s flight in the E14Y floatplane was somewhat bewildering to the American military, but it certainly provided proof-of-concept for the Japanese, and plans for more powerful attacks were set in motion.

One of the giant “I-class” (Type A Mod. 2) submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The I-14 was one of the submarine aircraft carriers assigned to the planned attack on the Panama Canal. Image: NARA
One of the giant “I-class” (Type A Mod. 2) submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The I-14 was one of the submarine aircraft carriers assigned to the planned attack on the Panama Canal. Image: NARA

While the September 1942 attack was the only time enemy aircraft bombed the continental United States, it was the second time the Japanese I-25 attacked America. During the night of June 21, 1942, the I-25 surfaced near the mouth of the Columbia River and fired 17 rounds from its 5.5-inch deck gun at Fort Stevens.

None of the shots hit the fort and there were no casualties. The artillerymen in the fort could not locate the submarine and their commander opted not to return fire to prevent revealing his position — leading to a major reevaluation of U.S. coastal artillery. Again, although their attack was ineffective, the Japanese proved they could strike America’s west coast.

The Panama Canal Mission

After the Battle of Midway in early June 1942, the Japanese were increasingly on the defensive. Even so, the Japanese continued development of their aircraft-carrying submarines, along with specialized, high-performance floatplanes to use with them.

These are the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal: the target of Japanese military planning to prevent the easy transit of American ships to the Pacific Theater. Image: NARA
These are the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal: the target of Japanese military planning to prevent the easy transit of American ships to the Pacific Theater. Image: NARA

By late 1944, two “Toku-gata” class subs, the I-400 and I-401, had been built. The I-class boats weighed 5,300 tons and were 400 feet long. Each I-400 sub could carry three of the new Aichi M6A1 “Seiran” floatplanes, carried in a watertight hangar at the front of the conning tower.

The I-class subs had a range of thousands of miles — and more than enough to reach the USA if they sailed east or west. In late 1942, a fleet of 18 I-class submarines was planned. This number was cut several times, and by the end of the war only three had been completed, with just two available for service.

The first Aichi Seiran flight was in November 1943. Using an Atsuto liquid-cooled engine (an inverted V-12, generating 1,400 HP on takeoff), the Seiran’s maximum speed was 295 mph, with a range of more than 730 miles.

The engine was rare for a Japanese aircraft, and the Atsuto was a license-built copy of the German Daimler Benz DB 601A. Including two prototypes, there were only 28 of the Aichi floatplanes built. If the war had continued, the Japanese planned to build more than 120 Seiran.

The last Seiran was built in July 1945. Others were in various stages of assembly when the end came. The Seiran was a complete secret to the Allies, consequently no code name was given to the aircraft, and it was only discovered in September 1945.

A historical photo of the Gatun Locks in the Panama Canal, the proposed target for Japan’s planned 1945 submarine-launched air raid. The image shows the lock chambers, control towers, and water channels connecting the Atlantic side of the canal. Japanese planners believed that destroying the Gatun Locks would delay the transfer of Allied ships, troops, and materials from the European Theater of Operations (ETO) to the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) after Germany’s surrender. The attack was to be carried out by Aichi M6A Seiran bombers launched from I-400 class submarine aircraft carriers. This photograph captures the scale and engineering precision of the locks and underscores their importance to Allied strategy.
The Gatun Locks were chosen for attack to help delay the flow of ships, men, and supplies from the ETO to the PTO after the defeat of Germany. Image: NARA

By the autumn of 1944, the Japanese had broadly adopted kamikaze tactics, and it was decided to apply these special attack methods to the floatplane squadron attached to 1st Submarine Division. By January of 1945, the fortunes of war had turned Japan’s big attack plans to lesser ones, and as work on the I-class subs and their Seiran aircraft had ended, a strategic target had been selected.

As the war in Europe was coming to a close, the Western Allies began to shift more assets to the Pacific. Consequently, the Japanese chose to attack the Gaton locks of the Panama Canal. Two I-class subs (the I-400 and I-401, with three Seiran each) would be supported by two smaller AM-class subs (I-13 and I-14, with two Seiran each). The larger I-class subs would refuel the AM-class boats on the journey to Central America.

Approximately six weeks were spent in intensive training for the mission. The aircraft crews studied detailed models of the Gatun locks and how to attack them. A total of ten Seiran aircraft would fly the mission — six armed with torpedoes and the remainder carrying an 1,800-pound bomb. Two aircraft were assigned to attack each lock position.

The aircraft-launching catapult forward of the aircraft hangar on the I-14. Beneath the track were four high-pressure air flasks that drove the piston that launched the floatplanes. Image: NARA
The aircraft-launching catapult forward of the aircraft hangar on the I-14. Beneath the track were four high-pressure air flasks that drove the piston that launched the floatplanes. Image: NARA

An important part of the training was the catapult launches. Initially, the Seiran aircraft were assembled and launched with their floats, and this took about 30 minutes — a significant amount of time with the subs being quite vulnerable on the surface. Testing showed that the operation could be handled in slightly less than 15 minutes if the Seirans were launched without their floats.

Time and tide slipped away, and war situation made the training for the Panama Canal mission a moot point. On June 25, 1945, the target was changed, and the 1st Division was ordered to expend its Seiran aircraft in suicide attacks against the U.S. aircraft carriers gathered at Ulithi Atoll.

The Ulithi Operation

Operation Hikari began as a transport mission. The I-13 and I-14 were loaded with four of the new, high-performance Nakajima C6N Saiun (“Myrt”) high-speed recon planes and sent to Truk Island. As the submarine-borne Seiran attack aircraft had but one chance to strike as suicide aircraft, the latest intel on the U.S. Navy at Ulithi was essential. The Myrt recon planes were quickly assembled at Truk and readied to scout the U.S. fleet for the Seiran’s suicide attack.

U.S. Navy personnel inspecting the watertight aircraft hangar of the Japanese I-400 submarine. The I-400 class were designed to carry two (later three) Aichi M6A Seiran recon-bombers. Image: NARA
U.S. Navy personnel inspecting the watertight aircraft hangar of the Japanese I-400 submarine. The I-400 class were designed to carry two (later three) Aichi M6A Seiran recon-bombers. Image: NARA

After the reconnaissance had confirmed the presence of the U.S. aircraft carriers at Ulithi, the I-400 and I-401 would approach from Singapore. Much to the surprise of the Seiran pilots, their aircraft were repainted in U.S. Navy colors for the mission.

In their desperation, the Japanese planners intentionally broke the international codes of war, estimating that if the Seirans were seen on their approach to the target, the fake U.S. markings might give them a few moments of disguise to reach their targets. They would be launched without floats, and with their 1,800-pound bomb permanently attached to the belly of their aircraft.

The I-subs were planned to rendezvous within range of Ulithi on the night of August 14th. The attack was planned to occur at daybreak of August 17th. Fate intervened, and on August 16th, the commander of I-401 received the transmission that Japan had surrendered.

The unthinkable had happened, and the I-class subs were ordered to return to Japan. On the journey home, all the Seiran were catapulted into the sea with their wings folded (I-401) or were pushed overboard (I-400) to destroy the evidence of their false markings.

A view of the I-14 (with the I-400 alongside at left) in Sagami Bay, September 25, 1945. Image: NARA
A view of the I-14 (with the I-400 alongside at left) in Sagami Bay, September 25, 1945. Image: NARA

U.S. Naval personnel carried out detailed inspections on a large group of captured submarines in Japanese home waters. When Soviet officials were scheduled to make similar inspections, the U.S. Navy scuttled most of them, including the mostly complete I-402. The I-400 and I-401 sailed to Pearl Harbor for more detailed inspection. In early June 1946, the Soviets were demanding to inspect the Japanese super-subs and the U.S. Navy responded by scuttling them off Oahu.

Post-War Assesments

I was able to find a small group of U.S. intelligence reports about Japanese aircraft-carrying submarines, and reports on the I-Class subs after the end of the war:

Two triple 25mm Type 96 autocannon on the rear of the I-401’s hangar. A single 25mm can be seen to the right. Image: NARA
Two triple 25mm Type 96 autocannon on the rear of the I-401’s hangar. A single 25mm can be seen to the right. Image: NARA

Japanese aircraft carrying submarines (via Tactical and Technical Trends 1945)

It is reported that about 30 I-type Japanese submarines are designed to carry small float planes in watertight compartments on their decks. Four submarines of similar type carrying midget submarines instead of planes. The latest information regarding the top speed of the I-type submarine is 20 knots surfaced, and 9 knots submerged.

Either of the two types of aircraft noted in (a) and (b) can be carried:

The wings and fuselage are stored in separate tubular compartments which are watertight and located side-by-side, with their axes parallel to the submarine and in prolongation of the conning tower. No catapult or crane is reported, although a portable crane is possible. Time of launching of the plane is estimated by unofficial sources as one hour after surfacing.

  1. Type 96 observation seaplane, “Slim”, small reconnaissance biplane floatplane. Maximum speed is 170 mph at 11,000 feet. Endurance is 500 miles without load.
  2. Type Zero observation seaplane, “Glen”, small biplane floatplane. Maximum speed is 190 mph. Endurance is 475 miles. 

Sub-based Airplanes via Intelligence Bulletin January 19, 1945

About half of the large cruiser-type submarines carry airplanes. They are used for searching out the enemy and for reconnoitering important places. Because these airplanes are of the small type, and their range is limited. Twenty to thirty minutes are required to assemble them. 

Recently a Japanese submarine was pursued by a U.S. destroyer in the Aleutian area. The submarine was forced to dive while the airplane was still assembled, causing great damage to the airplane. It is easy to catapult an airplane, but time is required to swing it up with a derrick after it has landed on the water. A calm sea is necessary. 

The Japanese Submarine No. I-401 reports that she met an American X 196 submarine at latitude 40 10 North and longitude 143 32 East at 0400 hours 29 August and was ordered by the Captain of the American Submarine to move directly into the Tokyo Bay.

Taking into consideration the circumstances that the position of the Japanese submarine is at the moment near Ominato and also that it is not unlikely the entry of the submarine might cause unfortunate incidents in the Tokyo Bay, where the American Forces are to land on 30 August, we consider it advisable that she be ordered to move direct to Ominato. Urgent reply is desired. Please inform the Commander of the 3rd Fleet of the above if request is accepted.

The Aichi M6A1 Seiran floatplane, designed for launch from Japan’s I-400 class submarines, could jettison its floats in flight or launch without them on one-way missions. Image: NARA
The Aichi M6A1 Seiran floatplane, designed for launch from Japan’s I-400 class submarines, could jettison its floats in flight or launch without them on one-way missions. Image: NARA

USS Weaver, 29 August 1945: Commander Hiram Cassidy USN assumed command of Japanese Submarine number 400 (I 15 Class) a t 10301 28 August PA 134 with prize crew from subdiv ENU 6 on board. Position Lat 37-30 North, Long 142-30 East. Fuel on board 450 tons. Flying American Ensign above Jap colors in addition to large black pennant. Maximum speed 15 knots. 1 main motor inoperative. 20 Jap officers and 170 men on board. Seem cooperative.

Intend leaving crew on board until reaching Sagami Wan unless otherwise- directed. No ammunition small arms or torpedoes aboard. Short on drinking water, request permission to tie up alongside USS Proteus (AS 19) upon arrival, ETA Point X 03301 29 August.

Biological Attack on USA: Operation PX

As the B-29 Superfortress raids began to devastate Japanese cities in early 1945, many Japanese leaders sought revenge. Several options were considered, but the only reliable “delivery system” was the combination of the I-Class subs and their Seiran bombers. Plans for “Operation Cherry Blossoms at Night” were finalized on March 26, 1945.

A full view of the massive watertight door for the I-14’s aircraft hangar. Note the triple 25mm Type 96 AA autocannons mounted on the conning tower deck above. Image: NARA
A full view of the massive watertight door for the I-14’s aircraft hangar. Note the triple 25mm Type 96 AA autocannons mounted on the conning tower deck above. Image: NARA

In this case, the Japanese Navy worked with Lieutenant-General Shirō Ishii of Unit 731, Japan’s biological warfare unit. The operation was given the codename of “PX” — standing for Pestis bacillus-infested fleas. The Seiran bombers would not carry high explosives on their mission to San Diego, California. Instead, they would carry fleas infested with bubonic plague.

Five of the I-Class and PM-Class subs were scheduled to carry their bio-warfare bombers to San Diego on September 22, 1945. Two atomic bomb raids ended the war before Operation PX could take place. The casualties at Hiroshima and Nagasaki were heavy. The deaths from a biological attack like “PX” were incalculable, and the Allied response would likely have been significant.

Categories
Hard Nosed Folks Both Good & Bad Real men Soldiering

The Gurkhas doing the Kings Guard at Windsor

Categories
All About Guns

Derya MK-12

Categories
Allies

The Royal navy has never lacked for guts & solid brass balls

Categories
All About Guns War

Undefeated: McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle By Peter Suciu

In August, a McDonnell Douglas F-15C (serial number 85-0114) arrived at the National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Although every F-15 Eagle could be considered a special aircraft, the particular fighter jet was credited with two MiG kills during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Flown by Captain Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez, United States Air Force, it was the first F-15 Eagle to be added to the collection of the National Air and Space Museum.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle conducts a routine patrol over Northern Iraq on Dec. 30, 1998, in support of Operation Northern Watch. Image: DIVIDS
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle conducts a routine patrol over Northern Iraq on Dec. 30, 1998, in support of Operation Northern Watch. Image: DIVIDS

“We are thrilled to accept the F-15C into the museum’s collection,” said Michael Hankins, modern military curator at the museum. “The Eagle is one of the most iconic American fighter aircraft of the last 50 years, and this particular F-15 has powerful stories to tell.”

In fact, many F-15s have stories to tell.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Bruch, an aerial photographer, takes a self portrait during a flight in an F-15D from the 65th Aggressor Squadron. Image: DIVIDS
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Bruch, an aerial photographer, takes a self portrait during a flight in an F-15D from the 65th Aggressor Squadron. Image: DIVIDS

The twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter has achieved more than 104 victories, an already impressive number that is even more notable, as no Eagle has been lost in aerial combat. Nearly 1,200 were produced, and while originally designed to serve primarily as an air superiority fighter, it proved to be a versatile multi-role aircraft that excelled in both air-to-air and ground-attack roles. While the original F-15 Eagle is showing its age and the old warbird is heading toward retirement, it has led to the development of the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F-15EX Eagle II.

The F-15 Eagle Is Hatched

The origins of the F-15 date back to the 1960s, with the emergence of the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO reporting name “Flogger”) and MiG-25 (NATO reporting name “Foxbat”), which heightened the United States Air Force’s concern that it was falling behind in fighter aircraft development. The Air Force had already begun funding the development of a replacement fighter, and in 1969, McDonnell Douglas was selected to build a new aircraft to compete with the best the Soviets had to offer.

An F-15C Eagle from the U.S. Air Force’s 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron is seen in flight above the Spanish countryside. Image: NARA
An F-15C Eagle from the U.S. Air Force’s 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron is seen in flight above the Spanish countryside. Image: NARA

Unlike the Mikoyan aircraft, the F-15 was designed for unrivaled capability in close combat, and until 1976, there was no attempt to explore other missions beyond air-to-air combat and air supremacy.

The basic design of the fighter was built around two new augmented turbofan engines in a wide-body rear fuselage, and a wingspan with an area of no less than 530 square feet. The wing further featured a sharp taper on the leading edge and conical camber outboard, plain flaps and ailerons, structural beams projecting aft of the engine nozzles to carry the fixed fins, and low tailplanes with large inboard dogteeth.

An F-15C Eagle from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing banks left after takeoff. The aircraft carries AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Image: NARA
An F-15C Eagle from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing banks left after takeoff. The aircraft carries AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Image: NARA

Along with an entirely cutting-edge airframe, the program saw the development of a new engine, designed and built by Pratt & Whitney, and a Hughes APG-63 X-band pulse-Doppler radar, as well as a new 25mm main gun that was originally intended to fire caseless ammunition. However, the latter feature was dropped during its troubled and prolonged development cycle.

As the Eagle emerged, it was quickly respected for being among the best air superiority fighters of its day. Its chief attributes were its combat maneuverability, while it could out-fly nearly all of its contemporary U.S.-made aircraft without using its afterburner. It was further equipped with a head-up display, weapons selectors, and quick-fire capability that gave F-15 pilots an edge in aerial combat.

Two F-15C Eagle aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron fly in formation past Hohenzollern Castle, south of Stuttgart, West Germany. The air-to-air photo was taken during a Coronet Phaser deployment, part of NATO’s Cold War-era readiness exercises. The fighters are seen mid-flight, their gray camouflage contrasting against the green hills and historic architecture below. The Hohenzollern Castle, perched on a mountain ridge, provides a dramatic backdrop that emphasizes the blend of modern military technology and European history. Each F-15C features twin vertical stabilizers, swept wings, and missile pylons visible under the wings. The image captures both the strength of the U.S. Air Force and its cooperation with NATO allies in Western Europe.
Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighters fly in formation near Hohenzollern Castle in West Germany. The Coronet Phaser deployment demonstrated NATO air readiness. Image: NARA

In addition, it was noted for its long-range capability.

The already reasonable 11,200 lbs. of internal fuel capability could be tripled by the use of a FAST (fuel and sensor, tactic) pack on each wing. The Eagle was a true warbird by design, armed with one 20 mm M61A-1 gun with 940 rounds, while its fuselage was outfitted with flank ejectors for four AIM-7 Sparrows or AIM-120 AMRAAM, and a centerline pylon for a 4,500-lb. or 500-gallon payload. That was later upgraded to our AIM-9 Sidewinder and either four or eight AIM-120 AMRAAMs, carried externally.

As noted by the U.S. Air Force, “The first F-15A flight was made in July 1972, and the first flight of the two-seat F-15B (formerly TF-15A) trainer was made in July 1973. The first Eagle (F-15B) was delivered in November 1974. In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered.”

Three Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles fly over the Pacific Ocean in 2022. Image: Senior Airman Yosselin Campos/U.S. Air Force
Three Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles fly over the Pacific Ocean in 2022. Image: Senior Airman Yosselin Campos/U.S. Air Force

The initial contract called for the construction of 18 production series aircraft to be single-seaters and two two-seat trainers. Moreover, the United States Air Force wasn’t the only country to quickly recognize and appreciate the capabilities of the Eagle; it was also adopted by the Israeli Air Force, as well as by Saudi Arabia and Japan.

F-15C/D Models

McDonnell Douglas improved on its already impressive design. In 1979, the U.S. Air Force began receiving the upgraded F-15C (single-seat) and F-15D (two-seat) models, which featured the Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) enhancements. It allowed the Eagle to carry 2,000 lbs. (900 kilograms) of additional internal fuel, as well as provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 lbs. (30,600 kilograms).

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling over Japan. Image: DIVIDS
A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling over Japan. Image: DIVIDS

According to the Air Force, other updates to the F-15C included “an upgraded central computer; a Programmable Armament Control Set allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120A missiles, and an expanded Tactical Electronic Warfare System that provides improvements to the ALR-56C radar warning receiver and ALQ-135 countermeasure set. The final 43 included a Hughes APG-70 radar.”

F-15 Eagle in the Gulf War

As it was developed to combat Soviet aircraft, it is not surprising that the United States Air Forces Europe was an early operator of the F-15 Eagle in the 1980s. At its peak, there was a three-squadron wing at Biburg, West Germany, augmented by the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron based at Soesterberg (Camp New Amsterdam) in the Netherlands.

A 36th Tactical Fighter Wing ground crew carries an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile to an F-15C Eagle aircraft at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany. Image: NARA
A 36th Tactical Fighter Wing ground crew carries an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile to an F-15C Eagle aircraft at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany. Image: NARA

The F-15 never engaged Soviet fighters directly, but it did confront Soviet-made MiGs during Desert Storm. The F-15C and F-15D models were among the U.S. military aircraft that took part in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq, with the D variants typically used for photo and video support, transmitting live video from the air to aid in the coordination of attacks.

The American-led coalition already had superior numbers to the Iraqi Air Force, but the allies also had better control, quality, and training. Thanks to the sophisticated, long-range radar and advanced command and control capabilities of the Boeing E-3 AWACS, coalition pilots knew exactly what was going on in the skies over the war zone. That was far more than what Baghdad could have hoped for, and it is one reason why few Iraqi aircraft took to the air. When they did, they were knocked out of the sky, primarily by the F-15 Eagles of the U.S. Air Force.

Louisiana Air National Guard F-15D Eagle flies over the Mississippi River after conducting offensive counter-air training near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Image: DVIDS
Louisiana Air National Guard F-15D Eagle flies over the Mississippi River after conducting offensive counter-air training near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Image: DVIDS

Captain Jon Kelk, United States Air Force, is credited with shooting down an Iraqi Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) on January 17, 1991, scoring the first confirmed kill with an American-operated F-15.

At least 120 in service with the U.S. Air Force participated in the Gulf War, joined by four Saudi Squadrons. In total, Eagles were credited with 35 out of the 41 coalition aerial victories during Operation Desert Storm, including the only two non-American kills, with one being by the Royal Saudi Air Force’s No. 13 Squadron.

The pilot and ground crew of a 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle rush to launch their aircraft during the tactical fighter weaponry Exercise Oksboel ’87 at Aalborg Air Station, Denmark. Image: NARA
The pilot and ground crew of a 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle rush to launch their aircraft during the tactical fighter weaponry Exercise Oksboel ’87 at Aalborg Air Station, Denmark. Image: NARA

The most successful unit of the brief conflict in the Middle East was the U.S. Air Force’s 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, part of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, which operated out of Tabuk Air Base during the conflict.

During the Gulf War, Eagles carried a variety of weaponry, including up to four AIM-9 Sidewinders. However, the majority of enemy kills were attributed to the older yet still capable AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles.

An 18th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft taxis past a row of 28th Bombardment Wing B-1B aircraft during exercise Giant Warrior ’89 at Andersen Air Base, Guam. Image: NARA
An 18th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft taxis past a row of 28th Bombardment Wing B-1B aircraft during exercise Giant Warrior ’89 at Andersen Air Base, Guam. Image: NARA

The U.S. Air Force’s F-15 Eagles would see further deployments during operations such as Southern Watch, which maintained the no-fly zone in southern Iraq; Provide Comfort in Turkey; Allied Force in Bosnia; Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. However, by the 2020s, the Eagle was showing its age.

As of August 2025, all F-15A/B/D models were retired (with some D models converted to the F-15E Strike Eagle), and the F-15C Eagle continues to be phased out, with few remaining with Air National Guard (ANG) units.

Israeli F-15

The story of the F-15 wouldn’t be complete without telling of its role in the Israeli Air Force (IAF). In fact, it was in service with the IAF, where it truly became a warbird like practically no other.

In protective MOPP gear, an Air Force ground crew member helps an F-15C Eagle pilot disembark during a Coronet Phaser exercise. Flight operations with chemical warfare training tested unit preparedness. Image: NARA
In protective MOPP gear, an Air Force ground crew member helps an F-15C Eagle pilot disembark during a Coronet Phaser exercise. Flight operations with chemical warfare training tested unit preparedness. Image: NARA

The State of Israel was the first foreign operator of the F-15 Eagle, which it adopted in late 1976. Just over three years later, the Eagle drew its very first blood, scoring an aerial victory. On June 27, 1979, IAF pilot Moshe Melnik shot down a Syrian Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name Fishbed). During the same engagement over southern Lebanon, IAF pilot Eitan Ben-Eliyahu scored the first F-15 gun kill.

The Eagle was designed to take on the Soviet-designed MiG fighters, and it proved more than up to the task.

U.S. Air Force F-15A Eagle lands at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in 2008. Image: DVIDS
U.S. Air Force F-15A Eagle lands at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in 2008. Image: DVIDS

The capabilities of the F-15 were further put to the test with the IAF in early 1981, when Israeli intelligence determined that Iraq’s Osiark nuclear power plant would be operational by September of that year. Although the facility was being built with French and Italian assistance outside of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, there were suspicions that it was part of a secret nuclear weapons program. Fearing that once the plant went online, Iraq could create enriched uranium and weapons-grade plutonium, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) determined it would be necessary to do something, fearing that it would be the prime target for a nuclear attack.

Baghdad was more than 685 miles (1,100 km) from Israel. Still, the IDF determined a strike was possible, employing its F-15 Eagles and the newly acquired F-16 Fighting Falcons, which had previously been destined for Iran before the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

An F-15B ACTIVE (right), operated by NASA, flies over California. The aircraft’s canards and vectoring nozzles made it one of the most advanced experimental fighters of its time. Image: DVIDS
An F-15B ACTIVE (right), operated by NASA, flies over California. The aircraft’s canards and vectoring nozzles made it one of the most advanced experimental fighters of its time. Image: DVIDS

The IAF undertook meticulous preparation, where its very best pilots flew rehearsal flights against full-scale mock-ups of the target. It was likely comparable to the mission in Top Gun: Maverick, but with added challenges. General Rafale briefed the pilots and stressed the importance of what was dubbed Operation Opera, reportedly telling the aviators that success was vital, as “the alternative is our destruction.”

On June 6, 1981, six F-15 Eagles provided aerial fighter cover for eight F-16 Fighting Falcons, each of which carried two 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) bombs. The aircraft took off from Etzion Air Base and flew low-level across the deserted sections of Jordan and Saudi Arabia, maintaining speeds that were best suited for conserving fuel.

U.S. Air Force F-15D Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing fly in formation before refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Atlantic Ocean. Image: DVIDS
U.S. Air Force F-15D Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing fly in formation before refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Atlantic Ocean. Image: DVIDS

It has been reported that King Hussein of Jordan, who happened to be vacationing in the Gulf of Aquaba, had witnessed the planes as they flew over his yacht. He deduced that the Osirak nuclear facility was the target and contacted his government to warn the Iraqis. The message was never received, and just 80 minutes later, the IAF aircraft reached the facility. It is believed that all the Iraqi bombs struck the target, with just one failing to detonate.

Iraqi air defenses responded far too late to stop the IAF aircraft, which began their flight home. The attack aroused great public anger throughout the Arab world over Israel’s brazen attack, but there is speculation that, secretly, there was much relief as well. More importantly, the attack demonstrated the capabilities of the IAF and its American-made fighters.

A U.S. Air force F-15D Eagle Flies above the Mariana Islands in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 18. Image: DVIDS
A U.S. Air force F-15D Eagle Flies above the Mariana Islands in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 18. Image: DVIDS

The F-16, not the F-15, was arguably the star of that show, but the F-15 ensured the F-16s completed the mission. More importantly, it would soon have its moment in the spotlight on more than one occasion.

The F-15 Destroyed the Syrian Air Force

One year after Operation Opera, Israel launched its invasion of Lebanon following a series of attacks and counterattacks between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the IDF. Operation Mole Cricket 19 was part of the opening stages of the conflict, which began on June 9, 1982. It involved a suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) campaign launched at Syrian targets. It was as one-sided as any of the engagements in the Israel-Arab Wars, where Israel achieved a stunning victory in the air.

An F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off for Weapons School Integration from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Image: DVIDS
An F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off for Weapons School Integration from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Image: DVIDS

It not only marked the first time in history that a Western-equipped air force had successfully destroyed a Soviet-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) network, but it also witnessed one of the largest air battles since the Korean War.

In the course of just two hours, nearly 90 Syrian Air Force fighters, including MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters, were destroyed. It contributed to the Eagle’s untarnished legacy and again proved the F-15 was the unmatched air superiority fighter of its day!

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle flies in formation during CRUZEX 2024 over Natal, Brazil, Nov. 4, 2024. Image: DVIDS
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle flies in formation during CRUZEX 2024 over Natal, Brazil, Nov. 4, 2024. Image: DVIDS

Yet, the IAF would further show the capabilities of the F-15 as a ground attack aircraft just a few years later.

Operation Wooden Leg

On October 1, 1985, Israel carried out another daring mission, this time in response to the murder of three of its citizens on a yacht off the coast of Cyprus. The perpetrators were quickly identified as operatives from Force 17, a terrorist unit of the PLO. In response, the IDF opted to target the PLO’s headquarters in Tunis.

An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Feb. 28, 2020. Image: DVIDS
An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Feb. 28, 2020. Image: DVIDS

At nearly 1,250 miles (2,000 km) from Israel, it was roughly double the distance from the strike on Iraq. It was determined that the two-seat F-15B/D Eagle, or Baz as the Israelis designated it, would be best suited for the mission, given its extended range compared to the F-16. A total of ten, including six from the 106 “Edge of the Spear” Squadron and four more from the 133 “Knights of Twin Tail” Squadron, carried out the attack, with two serving as backup.

Dubbed Operation Wooden Leg, it was the longest strike mission in Israeli history to that point. The aircraft, which were refueled en route by a Boeing 707 tanker, flew across the Mediterranean and struck a building believed to house the offices of Yasser Arafat as well as Force 17.

Airmen load ordnance onto an F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron during Shogun Showdown, a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 3, 2023. Image: DVIDS
Airmen load ordnance onto an F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron during Shogun Showdown, a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 3, 2023. Image: DVIDS

The biggest concern was the weather, as the Gulf of Tunis was covered in clouds when the aircraft arrived. However, it cleared as the fighters approached the coast, allowing the F-15 pilots to identify and target the PLO’s complex, attacking with complete surprise and deadly effect. All the targets were destroyed, including Arafat’s HQ and the barracks belonging to Force 17.

Not a single F-15 was lost in the mission.

A California Air National Guard F-15 during a 2023 air show. The F-15 has a special paint job commemorating 10,000 flight hours with the 144th Fighter Wing. Image: DVIDS
A California Air National Guard F-15 during a 2023 air show. The F-15 has a special paint job commemorating 10,000 flight hours with the 144th Fighter Wing. Image: DVIDS

Although the UN Security Council voted to condemn the attack as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, Israel had once again shown that it would retaliate for any action against it or its people, regardless of world opinion. The mission also highlighted that while the twin-engine F-15 was developed as a tactical fighter, its ground-attack capability was equally effective.

That helped lead to the development of the F-15E Strike Eagle, but that’s another story!

Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!