URGENT UPDATE: Today, January 5, 1975, the United States Air Force is launching a record-breaking attempt at the Grand Forks Air Force Base with the highly anticipated F-15 “Streak Eagle.” Pilots are set to challenge and potentially shatter eight world time-to-climb records, previously held by U.S. Phantoms and Soviet Foxbats.
This morning, Maj. David W. Peterson took the $7.5 million aircraft on a familiarization flight, demonstrating its unmatched capabilities. Later in the day, Maj. W. R. (Mac) Macfarlane flew the aircraft, showcasing its extraordinary performance. Although no official records were set during these initial flights, Air Force officials confirmed that they exceeded altitudes in less time than needed for record verification in three altitude categories (6, 9, and 12 thousand meters).
The F-15 is a game-changer in aviation history, being the first U.S. fighter jet with a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one-to-one, allowing it to “launch” like a rocket. The extreme cold of Grand Forks, with current temperatures at 18 degrees Fahrenheit, enhances engine performance, enabling the F-15 to reach altitudes approaching 100,000 feet in record time.
As part of the Streak Eagle test series, today’s flights were the 47th and 48th missions, including four ferry flights. The aircraft was delivered last month by Maj. Roger J. Smith, one of three test pilots from Edwards Air Force Base, California. “It’s easy to run out of superlatives when you speak of the F-15,” Macfarlane stated. “The airplane is highly maneuverable.”
To enhance acceleration, today marked the first use of a hold-back device allowing the F-15 to achieve full engine power without brakes. During the morning flight, the F-15 traveled 800 feet down the runway, reaching speeds of 130 mph before taking off. The aircraft leveled off at about 75 feet before climbing at a steep 60-degree angle, leaving spectators in awe as it vanished into the sky, leaving a white vapor trail behind.
Looking ahead, the record attempts will see the F-15 take off from a mere 600 feet, leveling off at around 100 feet before climbing vertically. The Air Force aims to push the boundaries of aviation, testing the aircraft’s handling at high altitudes and low airspeeds.
The Streak Eagle program is a critical phase in a test-flight initiative that began in July 1972. The United States currently holds records for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 thousand meters, while the Soviet Union retains records for 20, 25, and 30 thousand meters.
As the Air Force prepares for the official record attempts in the coming days, anticipation is building. “We’ve seen everything we expected to see so far,” affirmed Maj. Joe Higgs, one of the chase pilots. The world watches closely as the F-15 “Streak Eagle” aims to make aviation history at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Share this momentous occasion as it unfolds!
