RF4-Phantom II

In the early 1960s, the USAF recognized the need for more tactical reconnaissance aircraft to reinforce the RF-101s then in service and chose a modification of the F-4C fighter. The RF-4C development program began in 1962, and the first production aircraft made its initial flight on May 18, 1964. A total of 505 RF-4Cs were built for the USAF. The RF-4C could carry a variety of cameras in three different stations in its nose section and could take photos at both high and low altitude, day or night. Its three basic reconnaissance systems were side-looking radar to record terrain on the flight path, an infra-red detector to locate enemy forces under cover or at night, and forward and side-looking cameras, including scanning lenses for panoramic models. The RF-4C carried no offensive armament, although during the last few years of its service some were fitted with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for defense. RF-4C S/N 67-0452 served with the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam during the Vietnam War, was later assigned to the 3246th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, and is painted in the scheme it wore during the Advanced Tactical Air Reconnaissance test program.

Florida · United States