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NASA and the Naval Air Warfare Center are repurposing surplus Navy AIM-54 Phoenix missiles for hypersonic flight research, collaborating to gather critical data on speeds exceeding Mach 5. The plan involves launching these missiles from a NASA F-15 aircraft, stripped of explosive warheads and equipped with experimental payloads. The missiles will undergo modifications for lighter guidance systems and extensive instrumentation. Preliminary "captive-carry" flights assess the F-15's performance. The Phoenix missiles, once Navy's primary long-range air-to-air weapon, offer a cost-effective solution for hypersonic testbeds.

Designed to meet US Air Force requirements for an air superiority fighter to replace the F-4 Phantom, the F-15 Eagle first flew on July 27, 1972. Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas's design in 1969 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. Since entering service in 1976, it is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills by the Israeli Air Force.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-15 is produced with a high metal content using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The model features near seamless construction as seen on all Hobby Master products, and this is particularly evident with the tight-fitting conformal fuel tanks present on the F-15E variant. Separate open and closed canopy and speed brakes are included, yielding uncompromising detail that functional hinges would lack at this scale. Other fine features include a detailed cockpit interior, a variety of ordnance and drop tanks appropriate to the paint-scheme and landing gear that constructed as completed subassemblies for easy installation.

Info: F-15B Eagle -  NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, #836, Edwards AFB, CA, Edwards AFB Airshow 2022, w/Aim-54 Phoenix missile