The aircraft 76-012 began its service with the 36th Fighter Wing at Bitburg Air Base, Germany in the late 1970s. As Bitburg transitioned from F-15As to the more advanced F-15Cs in the early 1980s, 76-012 was reassigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
In 1985, the aircraft found a new home with the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. A few years later, in 1988, 76-012 was transferred yet again, this time joining the ranks of the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
The distinguished career of 76-012 concluded at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where it served as a maintenance trainer. This aircraft’s journey reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of our nation’s defense forces.
The historical details were graciously provided by Stan ‘Sundance’ Kasprzyk who proudly had his name displayed under the cockpit from 1985 until 1987.
Through the State Surplus Air Heritage acquired the F-15A that stands guard outside of our hangar here at Beaver County Airport, Beaver Falls, Pa. The F-15A Eagle came from Robbins AFB , Ga. The A model of the F-15 was obsoleted, and the air force was using it at their sheet metal school at Robins AFB for training. Punching holes in the skin, and having the students go out to “patch for combat” was the drill. Once in our hangar we removed all of those patches, restored the skin to a more esthetic looking surface. Two crews went to Georgia to bring it back to Beaver County Airport. The first crew removed most of the flight surfaces and brought them back on trailers. Also prepared the aircraft for the second crew to remove the tails and place them on the two low-boy trailers with the wings and fuselage for the transport back to Beaver County Airport. The aircraft arrived at the Beaver County Airport the afternoon of August 15, 2009.
Crew: 1
Length: 63 ft. 9 in.
Wingspan: 42 ft. 10 in.
Height: 18 ft. 6 in.
Empty Weight: 28,000 lbs.
Loaded Weight: 44,500 lbs.
Max Takeoff Weight: 68,000 lbs.
Powerplant: 2-Pratt & Whitney
F100-100w/afterburners
Max Speed: 1,650mph Mach2.5
Combat Range: 1,060 miles
Service Ceiling: 65,000 ft.
Rate of Climb: 50,000 ft./min.
Wing Loading: 73.1 lbs./sq. ft.
