Public betaInstant checking is on: correct entries stay black; mistakes appear red while we refine puzzle fill and mobile play.
← The ECAMS
Print
The ECAMS

The Daily Briefing

Crossword · Sudoku · Trivia

August 3, 2026THEECAMS.COM

Crossword

Tap the selected square again or press Space to switch direction · completion is automatic
Tap a square or clue to begin.

0/66 words cleared · 66 remaining · 0 corrections

Across

Down

Sudoku

40 squares waiting

This Day in Aviation

1972

F-15A Prototype Breaks Sound Barrier

On 3 August 1972, the McDonnell Douglas YF-15A-1-MC Eagle prototype, serial number 71-0280, achieved a major milestone during a 45-minute test flight at Edwards Air Force Base. For the first time, the air-superiority fighter went supersonic, reaching a speed of Mach 1.5. This successful test marked a critical step in the development of the aircraft that would eventually enter service with the United States Air Force in 1975. The F-15 program, originating from the 1965 F-X program and influenced by John Boyd’s energy management theory, resulted in a highly durable aircraft.

McDonnell Douglas and Mitsubishi built more than 1,500 fighters, trainers, and Strike Eagle variants. While the last operational F-15C Eagles were sent to The Boneyard in October 2025, the Air Force announced in November 2025 that 42 Platinum Eagles would remain active until at least 2028.

Trivia

1. Which specific milestone did the YF-15A-1-MC Eagle prototype, 71-0280, achieve on 3 August 1972?

  1. A. It completed its first supersonic flight, reaching Mach 1.5.
  2. B. It was delivered to the United States Air Force for squadron service.
  3. C. It successfully launched Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles without incident.
  4. D. It was transferred to the Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Kansas.
Show answer

A. The evidence states that on 3 August 1972, the YF-15A-1-MC Eagle prototype, 71-0280, went supersonic for the first time, reaching Mach 1.5 during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base. The other events occurred at different times or involved different aircraft.

2. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Multi-function display?

  1. A. TSA
  2. B. BOEING
  3. C. MFD
  4. D. RELEASE
Show answer

C. MFD is the matching crossword entry.

3. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Narrow, as a high-aspect-ratio wing?

  1. A. STAR
  2. B. SLIM
  3. C. TSA
  4. D. MFD
Show answer

B. SLIM is the matching crossword entry.