Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA4542
McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle Diecast Model
USAF, #76-0084 Celestial Eagle, Edwards AFB, CA, Anti-Satellite Test, September 1985, w/ASM-135 ASAT Missile

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle		10.75"		7.25"

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The ASM-135 Anti-Satellite Missile was designed to be launched from an F-15A in a supersonic zoom climb. After completing a successful captive carry test in 1982, President Reagan authorized a test against a satellite. The target was the Solwind P78-1, an orbiting solar observatory that was launched on 24 February 1979.

On 13 September 1985, Maj. Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson, flying the "Celestial Eagle" F-15A 76-0084 launched an ASM-135 ASAT about 200 miles west of Vandenberg Air Force Base and destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite flying at an altitude of 555 kilometres (345 mi). Prior to the launch, the F-15 - flying at Mach 1.22 - executed a 3.8g zoom climb at an angle of 65 degrees. The ASM-135 was automatically launched at 11,600 metres (38,100 ft) while the F-15 was flying at Mach 0.934. After staging, the missile deployed a Miniature Homing Vehicle (MHV) Interceptor. The 14 kilogram (30 lb) MHV collided with the 910 kilogram (2,000 lb) Solwind P78-1 satellite at closing velocity of 24,000 kilometres per hour (15,000 mph; 6.7 km/s).

The United States Air Force planned to deploy an operational force of 112 ASM-135 missiles. It intended to modify 20 F-15A fighters from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron based at McChord Air Force Base in Washington and the 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for the anti-satellite mission. Both squadrons had airframes modified to support the ASM-135 by the time the project was cancelled in 1988.

McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-15 is produced with a high metal content using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The model features near seamless construction as seen on all Hobby Master products, and this is particularly evident with the tight-fitting conformal fuel tanks present on the F-15E variant. Separate open and closed canopy and speed brakes are included, yielding uncompromising detail that functional hinges would lack at this scale. Other fine features include a detailed cockpit interior, a variety of ordnance and drop tanks appropriate to the paint-scheme and landing gear that constructed as completed subassemblies for easy installation.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series

The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.