F-15C donated to New England Air Museum
The 104th Fighter Wing recently donated an F-15 Eagle to the New England Air Museum, as the wing prepares for the conversion to the F-35A.
Col. Michael Glass, 104th Operations Group commander, flew the F-15C aircraft 85-101 on its final flight, landing at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut. The aircraft will be on static display at the New England Air Museum.
“As we sunset the F-15 here at the 104th, we must also remember that the mighty Eagle is retiring from the U.S. Air Force,” said Col. David Halasi-Kun, 104 FW commander, in the article 104th Fighter Wing Donates F-15C to New England Air Museum, by Jerry Hewitt, 104th Fighter Wing. “Donating this remarkable aircraft to the New England Air Museum ensures that its history of air superiority will be remembered for generations to come.
“In the future, our Barnestormers can visit the museum, remember their proud service to this country, and reminisce upon the days they spent fixing, flying and supporting the F-15C,” he said.
F-15C aircraft 85-101: New England Air Museum’s Eagle
Glass said it was a “bittersweet feeling” to fly aircraft 85-101 one final time.
“But I am honored that 101 is going to a museum, especially one that is in the local area,” said Glass. “When I took command of the 131st Fighter Squadron in October of 2020, I was lucky to have my name placed on 101.”
Donating the aircraft to the museum ensures that the history and air dominance the aircraft has displayed since 1979 will be preserved.
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.
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory beginning in 1979. These models had Production Eagle Package (PEP 2000) improvements, including 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of additional internal fuel, provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68,000 pounds (30,600 kilograms).
“The New England Air Museum does not currently possess an F-15C, so enshrining 101 at the New England Air Museum provides them with an amazing addition to their collection,” said Glass. “Additionally, being able to tell 101’s aerial victory story in a local museum is very compelling.”
MiG-25 Killer
The green star decal on the side of the F-15C signifies its victory in air-to-air combat and is a reminder of the F-15 Eagle’s dominance throughout its military history.
“Aircraft 85-101 received this star on January 19, 1991, when pilot Capt. Rick Tollini shot down an Iraqi Air Force MiG-25,” said Glass.
F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories.
Mike Thornton, curator for the New England Air Museum, expressed excitement about receiving the F-15C.
“Collections Manager Josh Taylor and I could not be happier about good old 101 F-15C from the 104th coming into our collection,” said Thronton. “As an aircraft, it has such a rich legacy from the lessons of the Vietnam War onto the air combat of Desert Storm. With the MiG kill, the story is incredible, and we look forward to sharing contemporary veteran stories with our audience here at the New England Air Museum.”
Photo by Jerry Hewitt / U.S. Air National Guard