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Kadena Air Base, Japan, received the first F-15C in September 1979. The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the Air Force inventory beginning in 1979. The F-15C is armed with the AIM-7M Sparrow or AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), the AIM-9M Sidewinder, and a 20-millimeter cannon. Additions incorporated in the F-15C include upgrades to avionics as well as increased internal fuel capacity and a higher allowable gross takeoff weight. The F-15C is an improved version of the original F-15A single-seat air superiority fighter.In fact, the rear seat is not a mandatory crew position, and F-15Bs are often flown with empty rear cockpits. In keeping with the trainer concept, however, the rear seat is not equipped with controls for Even though space is sacrificed to accomodate the second crew member, the F-15B retains the same warfighting capability as the F-15A. The rear seat pilot has a full set of flight controls and can fly the aircraft throughout the envelope, including takeoff and landing.
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The primary purpose of the F-15B is aircrew training, with an instructor pilot occupying the rear seat while an upgrading pilot mans the front seat controls. The F-15B incorporates a tandem seating configuration, with a second crewmember position aft of the pilot's seat. The first F-15B Eagle was delivered in November 1974 to the 58th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where pilot training was accomplished in both F-15A and B aircraft.
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In January 1982, the 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Langley Air Force Base became the first Air Force air defense squadron to transition to the F-15. Three hundred and sixty-five F-15As were built before production of the F-15C began in 1978. In January 1976, the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va. After an accident-free test and evaluation period, the first aircraft was delivered in November 1974. The first F-15A flight was made on 27 July 1972, culminating one of the most successful aircraft development and procurement programs in Air Force history.
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