McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F-15C Eagle “Gulf Spirit”

Aircraft

McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F-15C Eagle “Gulf Spirit”

Pilot & Markings

David Rose & Anthony Murphy — 58th TFS / 33rd TFW, Desert Storm, 1991

Scale & Kit

1/32 Tamiya Model Airplane

History

For the past 30 years, the F-15 Eagle has been the most successful jet fighter to see action. This all-weather, extremely manoeuvrable tactical fighter is designed to maintain air superiority in combat situations. Originally intended to out-class the mighty Russian MiG-25, the Eagle has dominated the skies since its maiden flight in 1972. A February 2008 report states that the F-15, flown in combat by the US Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Israeli Air Force, have a combined victory tally of 104 to 0. The Eagle has never been defeated.

During operation Desert Storm, the Eagle was responsible for 36 of the 39 Air Force air-to-air victories, 34 of which were recorded by the single seat F-15 ‘C’ edition. Referenced in this scale model aircraft, the “Gulf Spirit” (85-0102) was one of the more distinguished Eagles of the campaign. It was responsible for three victories against IQAF aircraft. The first of these was recorded on January 29, 1991, when Captain David Rose destroyed a MiG-23 with an AIM-7 missile. A few days later, on February 7, Captain Anthony Murphy recorded victories against two Sukhoi Su-22 aircraft. Note that although this F-15C was assigned to Col. Rick Parsons, it was Rose and Murphy that recorded the victories, which are represented by three Iraqi flags on the port side. The single green star, next to Col. Parson’s name, represents his victory of a Su-22, which was recorded while flying a different F-15C.

Tamiya’s 1/32 scale model aircraft kit was used to produce this spectacular F-15C Eagle. In addition, the following aftermarket parts were also used to replicate the “Gulf Spirit”: super detailed resin cockpit (Black Box), seamless intakes (Cutting Edge), accurate exhaust nozzles (Cutting Edge), detailed AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles (Cutting Edge) and weighted wheels (Contact-Resine). The paint scheme for this aircraft is the standard Air Force Dark Ghost Grey over Light Ghost Grey. An outline of the method used for painting the panel lines and rivets can be found in the construction article for the 1/32 Academy F/A-18C Hornet scale model aircraft. Enjoy the photos.

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