Despite entering service nearly a half-century ago, the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle remains one of the most potent and capable air superiority fighters on the planet.
The Eagle may not be as technologically advanced as its fifth-generation stablemates, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but what it lacks in stealth the F-15 makes up for in classic Cold War-style: with incredible engineering and good old fashioned brute force. In fact, this aircraft is so capable–and powerful–that a pilot once flew an F-15 ten miles and then landed it, all after losing the aircraft’s entire right wing.
Source: YouTube
I built F-15s for a decade and I’ve never seen one with a tail hook.
This story brings new meaning to the phrase – “Flying on a wing and a prayer!”