McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (1972-1992): The F-15 Eagle followed the F-4 Phantom, and is considered the world’s most capable air-superiority fighter. The Eagle was designed for the U.S. Air Force to outfight any enemy fighter for the last quarter of the 20th century and well into the 21st. The single-seat F-15A first flew on July 27, 1972, and entered service in 1974. What distinguished the Eagle from other aircraft of the time was the power of its two engines; their thrust was greater than the weight of the fully loaded plane. The Eagle could stand on its tail and climb straight up, accelerating to supersonic speed as it went. It could reach 98,000 feet in less than three and one half minutes.