This thing looks, and feels, like it came from an actual F-15. Holding it I feel like I could bomb [country that offends you] tonight!
Anyhow it's a Radio Shack 26-8104 "F-15 Combat Fighter" joystick. It's heavy. There seems to be a metal plate with actual hex head screws holding it together. There's a mish-mash of PS2, PC, and DB-15 connectors on there, can't wait to see if it sends out mouse or keyboard signals. Maybe because it has so many buttons it uses both the 15 pin and keyboard interface?
Googling it gives the rarely seen
"No results found for Radio Shack 26-8104 "F-15 Combat Fighter"."
Like, you'd think maybe one or two hits, something, some retirement home Myspace page about flight sims, nothing.
I just buy these things because they amaze me more than having a use for them.
Dynamix made several air combat games. I've only played Red Baron which is WW1 but it sounds like it could be similar to what you're talking. Maybe Aces of the Pacific?
There was also combat flight simulator that had WW2 european theater and pacific theater editions. And some version with both included