McDonnell Douglas F-15A Baz – 672, First MiG-25 Killer, 133 Sqn, Israeli Air Force, 1981

Hobbymaster 1/72 scale HA4525. McDonnell Douglas F-15A Baz serial 672, “First MiG-25 Killer”, 133 Squadron, Israeli Air Force, Feb 13, 1981. Production run of 600 models.

Length 10.25 inches Wingspan 7.25 inches

In 1967 the U.S. became aware of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. This made it necessary to develop a new aircraft to counter the MiG-25. The USAF rejected the USN F-14 Tomcat and issued its own requirements. The solution came in the form of the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle. The F-15A made its inaugural flight in July 1972 and in January 1976 the first Eagle entered service. The “E” entered service in 1989. The F-15 was the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the F-86 Sabre.

The first victories scored using F-15A Baz 672 from 133 Squadron “Twin Tail Knights” came in June 1979 by destroying a Syrian MiG-21. The second 133 Squadron kill came on February 13, 1981 when Benny Zinker scored the first IDF victory over a Syrian MiG-25 by using AIM-7F missiles. In July 1981 another MiG-25 was destroyed. In 1988 BAZ 672 flown by Ehud Falk was lost when it collided with BAZ 684 during a training session. The accident happened prior to an aircraft flight warning system being installed.