Duxford's colourful Eagle

8-Jun-2009

76-0020 fresh from the paintshop. Roger Cook

After some much-needed ‘tender loving care’ the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) F-15A Eagle was rolled out of the restoration workshops on June 4 resplendent in the markings of the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS), USAF. The restoration and repainting was carried out by the IWM Duxford Conservation Team led by Harmon King and volunteers from the 48th Maintenance Group from RAF Lakenheath.

Between 1977 and 1988 F-15A 76-0020 served with the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing and the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing in Europe as well as the 5th FIS in the USA before being operated by a number of Air National Guard units across the States. The aircraft now carries the markings of the 5th FIS when it was based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, from 1985 to 1988. It was donated to the IWM in 2001 and been stored outside at the American Air Museum (AAM) before refurbishment began over the last winter. It will retake its position in pride of place outside the AAM in time for the influx of visitors during the summer holiday season.

Courtesy Roger Cook/Pynelea Photo Bureau

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