F-15c Eagle, Albatross or Bird of Prey

In an era of declining budgets, reduced force structure, and lessened air threat, our smaller force must be more flexible and bring more to the fight. A careful look of all our single-mission platforms must be made if we are to expect to retain the capability to decisively win our nation's wars. Specifically, the Air Force can benefit by examining the F-15C and its single role. It should determine if the F-15C can do more than just shoot down aircraft and if so, should it? Recent combat successes highlight two essential ingredients to winning an air campaign, air superiority and precision engagement. Gaining air superiority provides a sanctuary from which, precision engagement can be accomplished. These experiences have also shown our emphasis to gain ownership of the sky early in a conflict. The F-15C has played a major role in gaining control of the sky over the years. Questions now remain regarding the usefulness of the F-15C once air superiority is achieved. Could this aircraft have contributed more in other roles during the recent conflicts? What should F-15C provide in future conflicts once air superiority is achieved or in lesser intense conflicts where ownership of the sky is not an issue. The F-15C was originally designed with an air-to-ground capability but a conscious decision was made to train exclusively in the air-to-air role due to the Soviet threat.