F-15DJ Eagle, JASDF, 2013 (1:72)

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA4528 McDonell Douglas F-15DJ Eagle "JASDF Aggressor" 92-8068, JASDF, 2013.


In 1967 the U.S. became aware of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. This made it necessary to develop a new aircraft to counter the MiG-25. The USAF rejected the USN F-14 Tomcat and issued its own requirements. The solution came in the form of the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle. The F-15A made its inaugural flight in July 1972 and in January 1976 the first Eagle entered service. The "E" entered service in 1989. The F-15 was the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the F-86 Sabre.

JASDF F-15DJ 92-8068 was built by Mitsubishi and is assigned to Japan's dedicated Aggressor Squadron (Hiko Kyodotai) located at Nyutabaru. The squadron provides air combat training and will on occasion travel to other bases to assist with training. Most aircraft assigned to the Aggressor Squadron are painted in bright schemes and in 2012 92-8068 wore a two-tone brown and grey scheme but on June 13, 2012 the aircraft was sent for a newer modernized scheme. In April, 2013 92-8068 was rolled out wearing new two-tone blue and grey colors.