12/31/2007. The first two-seat F-15B was selected for modification as
the STOL/MTD (Short Take-Off and Landing/Maneuvering Technology
Demonstrator) experimental aircraft. The STOL/MTD program was known as
Agile Eagle.
The aircraft was fitted with movable canards, a strengthened
undercarriage for rough field landings, and received upgraded and
enhanced equipment. Designated NF-15B the modified aircraft was flown
for the first time by Larry Walker on September 7, 1988. Early 1989
the engine nozzles were replaced by rectangular thrust-vectoring,
thrust-reversing nozzles, and it was flown in this configuration on
May 16, 1989, the nozzles were tested in flight for the first time on
March 23, 1990.
The aircraft has been transferred to the NASA, coded 837, being
registered as N837NA on July 23, 2001.
