This aircraft was flown as a "McDonnell Douglas 188" STOL demonstrator in the northeast corridor in the US during 1968. It was not registered in the USA, but was operated by the French Air Force on behalf of McDonnell Douglas in full Eastern Air Lines livery, under its military serial 2 (callsign F-ZJRL, formerly coded "L"). The following year it was painted in American Airlines livery and flown on other routes. The aircraft returned to France in June 1969 and was then operated by the French AF coded 62-NB until withdrawn from use in 1974. McDonnell Douglas had obtained a license to build this aircraft in the US as the MD-188, but since the airlines showed little interest the project was dropped and no MD-188s were built.

Delivered to United Airlines on 3 June 1972 and withdrawn from use in September 1994. After a period in storage it was re-registered N366FE and converted to a freighter in 1999. It was retired in 2015 and placed in storage in California.

This TF-15A a/c was later redesignated a F-15B. In 1976 this TF-15A was used by McDonnell Douglas for a world wide sales tour, including this visit to Japan. For the tour it was painted in U.S. Bicentennial markings. Later in its career it became the prototype for the F-15E Strike Eagle program. It eventually ended up in Saudi Arabia as an instructional airframe. It currently is located at the RSAF Museum in Riyadh.

Ex KLM PH-DTD. Later to Continental as N14090

Late evening arrival on 23AUG80. Hughes/McDD private venture F-15E Strike Eagle prototype. Originally designated as F-15DRF (Dual Role Fighter)

Ex-PH-MCO, HB-IHK. Later OO-LRM, N526MD. Broken up 5/2012 at Opa Locka

Exhibited at the 1976 Farnborough Air Show wearing bicentennial markings. Loaned to McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator in Feb 1976. Still a TF-15A at this time, was redesignated to F-15B on 1 Dec 1977.

Despite being in full miitary markings this aircraft was operated by McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator since Feb 1976.

Wears Paris Show code '65'.

prototype of the Eagle in striking green colours.Photographer unknown

Second Eagle prototype / demonstrator. It was loaned to McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator in Feb 1976 and was still a TF-15A at this time. It was redesignated to F-15B on 1 Dec 1977.

Second Eagle prototype / demonstrator. It was loaned to McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator in February 1976 and was still a TF-15A at this time (it was redesignated to F-15B on 1 December 1977). Seen here demonstrating at the 1976 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition, in bicentennial colours with the "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976" logo on the fins.

By 1976 Farnborough had become fully international. This F-15 was carrying the Commemorative Bicentennial markings for the 200th Anniversary of U.S. Independence. Loaned to McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator in Feb 1976. Still a TF-15A at this time, was redesignated to F-15B on 1 Dec 1977.

The only time I've seen an aircraft like this.

At Farnborough International 1988

A remarkable finish to this first example of the NOTAR (no tail rotor) development.

The only time I've seen an aircraft like this.

Oh how I wish I had taken this in colour. This aircraft carried a special red white and blue Bicentennial livery for the Spirit of 1976. It is seen being towed off the runway to be prepared for its display. Loaned to McDonnell Douglas as a company demonstrator in Feb 1976. Still a TF-15A at this time, was redesignated to F-15B on 1 Dec 1977.

This aircraft was displayed at the 1988 Farnborough Airshow. The port engine was replaced with an experimental General Electric ultra high bypass turbo prop engine with contra-rotating propellors. It was very fuel efficient but never entered production and the aircraft was scrapped in 1994.