Steve Davies is 'Air Forces Monthly' magazine's UK correspondent, a contributor to several other worldwide aviation publications ('International Air Power Review,' 'Combat Aircraft,' 'Aircraft Illustrated,' 'Air International' etc.), and is widely recognised as a leading authority on the F-15. He is well placed to extract stories and anecdotes that might otherwise remain untold and this is his first book for Osprey.

An airbrush artist with years of experience, Chris Davey has become Osprey's principal illustrator of RAF aircraft, having produced the profiles for over a dozen books since 1994. His most recent work includes Aircraft of the Aces 38: 'Tomahawk and Kittyhawk Aces of the RAF and Commonwealth' and Combat Aircraft 31: 'Lancaster Squadrons 1942-43.' He is particularly adept at 'big' aircraft like the Halifax and Sunderland.

The F-15C/E has formed the backbone of US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade, patrolling the skies over northern and southern Iraq as part of Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch. F-15Cs policed the skies for Iraqi aircraft operating in contravention of no-fly zone agreements, whilst the F-15E was constantly dropping weapons onto the Iraqi SAM and AAA emplacements that engaged Coalition aircraft undertaking this mission. The USAF's use of the F-15 in the region culminated with Operation Iraqi Freedom, which was launched in mid March 2003 in order to liberate the people of Iraq and ensure the destruction of Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction. In doing so, the F-15C was used to protect friendly troops and aircraft from any last-ditch attempt to use the Iraqi Air Force. In the event, the F-15Es of the 4th Fighter Wing saw most prolific use, engaging Iraqi armour before Coalition ground troops moved forward, and providing close air support to soldiers and Special Forces as they came into contact with the enemy.