The
F-15 training era at Nellis AFB began on October 1, 1976, when the 57 TTW
received its first F-15A. At this time, the
433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron
(FWS) began developing the syllabus for the F-15 Fighter Weapons Instructor
Course (FWIC). During this period, the 433rd FWS was also responsible for
training pilots new to the F-15 Eagle as part of the F-15 Replacement
Training Unit (RTU).
On January 3, 1978,
the 433rd FWS received its first FWIC class. This was the validation class
for the F-15 FWIC syllabus which was designed to provide advanced instructor
training to experienced F-15 pilots throughout the Tactical Air Forces (TAF).
Through 1978 and
the beginning of 1979, the 433rd FWS conducted primary RTU training. On
March 1, 1979, the 433rd devoted itself solely to F-15 FWIC training. Since
that time, the F-15 FWIC has evolved into the most challenging and intense
air-to-air training in the Air Force.
On July 1, 1983, the
first F-15C model arrived at Nellis for the F-15 FWIC. The modernization
process continued as the division completed its conversion to F-15
Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) aircraft in April of 1992. As part of
major reorganization of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, the 433rd FWS was
deactivated on June 1, 1981. At that time, all FWIC courses were
consolidated under the USAF Fighter Weapons School. Responsibility for F-15
FWIC training was transferred to the F-15 Division, USAF Weapons School,
where it remains today.
On 3 February 2003, the USAF Weapons
School redesignated the F-15C division to the 433d Weapons Squadron "Satan's
Angles".
