F-15 Eagle Finds New Home

Combat-proven fighter joins museum collection following storied service in operations Desert Storm and Allied Force.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

F-15 arrives at museum [Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino]

Key Takeaways:

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has acquired a McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle, marking the first time this iconic fighter aircraft has been added to its collection.
The F-15C is recognized as a highly significant American fighter, known for its air superiority, Mach 2.5 speed, and an undefeated record in over 100 air-to-air victories.
This specific F-15C has a distinguished combat history, having been flown by Captain Cesar "Rico" Rodriguez when he achieved two aerial victories during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has officially accepted a McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle into its collection, marking the first time this iconic fighter aircraft has been accessioned by the institution. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and is expected to be on display in the coming weeks.

Michael Hankins, modern military curator at the museum, described the F-15C as “one of the most iconic American fighter aircraft of the last 50 years,” highlighting its significance in post-World War II aviation history.