Super Cool Video Features Cockpit GoPro View of USAF F-15E Strike Eagle WSO

Super Cool Video Features Cockpit GoPro View of USAF F-15E Strike Eagle WSO

By Dario Leone
Nov 17 2019
Share this article

The cool backseat cockpit GoPro video in this post features the WSO in a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle, belonging to 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters”, out of RAF Lakenheath, flying through the famed “Mach Loop.”

Filmed on Nov. 7, 2019 the cool backseat cockpit GoPro video in this post features the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in a U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle, belonging to 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters”, out of RAF Lakenheath, flying over Scottish borders.

Wild how much movement from the top deck of the intake!

Noteworthy the F-15’s intake ramps move up and down depending on speed, AOA and G’s.

The 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England, is the first and only United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) unit to receive the F-15E Strike Eagle. Both the 492nd Fighter Squadron and the 494th Fighter Squadron operate the F-15E.

On Feb. 21, 1992, the 492nd Fighter Squadron became USAFE’s first unit to transition to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The squadron was declared mission ready on Jul. 1, 1993.

Nicknamed the “Madhatters”, the squadron is known for its tradition of adopting the headgear unique to the country in which the squadron is based.

Accordingly, the aircrews wore berets in France (492nd Fighter Squadron was deployed to Chaumont AB, France from 1952 to 1960), and now in the United Kingdom, squadron aircrews wear both the Scottish Glengarry, for informal occasions, and the traditional British Bowler for formal events.

F-15E print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-15E Strike Eagle 366th Fighter Wing, 391st Fighter Squadron, MO/90-0249 – Mountain Home AFB, ID – 2008

The squadron emblem is also noteworthy as it depicts the versatility of this combat-proven unit. A fierce red Kestrel, a Falcon known for its tremendous flying ability, dominates the emblem.

Below the Kestrel is the torch of freedom highlighting the 492d’s premier role in the Statue of Liberty Wing.

Film Credits: Video by Airman 1st Class Anthony Clingerman, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.



    Share this article
    Back to top
    My Agile Privacy
    This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

    List of some possible advertising permissions:

    You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
    Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices