McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II Aircraft Data
The McDonnell Douglas RF-4E is the only variant of the Phantom, that was never operated by the USAF. In a modified nose, the RF-4E carried a variety of forward, down and side-looking cameras. These cameras had the capability to develop film in-flight and eject it for use by field commanders. Podded RADAR units could be attached to the center-line pylon and under-wing pylons.
Germany was the largest export customer for the RF-4E, with Iran being the next. A secondary ground-attack capability was added by Germany to their RF-4E fleet. Israel added locally-built avionics and sensors to their RF-4E's. Iranian RF-4E's were cannibalized to keep other F-4E's serviceable after the arms embargo was imposed. Greece obtained many of their RF-4E's by way of Germany, in addition to eight examples which were purchased new. Japan retrofitted eight license-built Mitsubishi F-4EJ to RF-4E(J) standard.
Germany was the largest export customer for the RF-4E, with Iran being the next. A secondary ground-attack capability was added by Germany to their RF-4E fleet. Israel added locally-built avionics and sensors to their RF-4E's. Iranian RF-4E's were cannibalized to keep other F-4E's serviceable after the arms embargo was imposed. Greece obtained many of their RF-4E's by way of Germany, in addition to eight examples which were purchased new. Japan retrofitted eight license-built Mitsubishi F-4EJ to RF-4E(J) standard.
- Country of Origin: United States
- First Flight: 1969
- Initial Service Date: 1971
- No. Built: 175
- No. In Service: 59 (approx.)
- No. of Hardpoints: 9
- Crew: 2
Power:
2× General Electric J79-GE-17 axial compressor turbojets at 17,845 lbf
Weapons:
4 × AIM-9 Sidewinder, Python, or Shafrir AAM's (Israel)
6 X BLU-755 CBU's (Germany/Greece)
Camera fit
Bay 1: 1 x Fairchild KS-87B or KS-72 camera.
Bay 2: 3 x KS-87s or, alternatively, pairs of KS-72 or KS-87 cameras.
Bay 3: 1 x KA-91 or a KS-55A or 2 x KS-87 cameras.
6 X BLU-755 CBU's (Germany/Greece)
Camera fit
Bay 1: 1 x Fairchild KS-87B or KS-72 camera.
Bay 2: 3 x KS-87s or, alternatively, pairs of KS-72 or KS-87 cameras.
Bay 3: 1 x KA-91 or a KS-55A or 2 x KS-87 cameras.
Dimensions:
| Length: | 63 ft. |
| Wing Span: | 38 ft. 3 in. |
| Wing Area: | 530 sq.ft |
| Height: | 16 ft. 5 in. |
| Empty Weight: | 30,358 lbs |
| Max. Weight: | 61,652 lbs |
| Max. Ordnance Load: | 5,000 lbs |
Performance:
| Max. Speed: | 1,290 mph |
| Cruise Speed: | 585 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 60,000 ft. |
| Normal Range: | 702 nm |
| Max. Range: | 1,403 nm |
Random great photos of the McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II:
