In the darkness of the early hours of Jan. 17, 1991, after all diplomatic efforts had been exhausted and while the electronic eyes , ears and communication systems of the Iraqi forces were being systematically dismantled by AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships, F-117 Nighthawks, Boeing B-52 bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-15Es and other weapons platforms of the Coalition, the F-15C went to work dismantling the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) and working towards air superiority. Kelk destroyed the MiG as he closed his eyes to protect them from the flash of the launch of the AIM-7 Sparrow in the darkness and then witnessed the MiG explode as a violet flaming torch in the distant sky. Although the IQAF appeared well-equipped and was staffed with battle-hardened veterans of the lengthy war with Iran, the F-15C drivers claimed six victories the first night of the campaign, and accounted for 35 of the 39 (some sources state 34 of 37) total Coalition air-to-air victories during Operation Desert Strom.
Author: Darrick Leiker
Published at: 2025-11-23 20:48:31
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