A second batch of F-4Es plus two extra aircraft were delivered in 1976, followed by a final batch in 1978–79. The 337th "Ghost" Squadron was equipped in 1978, giving up their Northrop F-5As. There was doubt that even a simplified version of the Typhoon could be acquired. Service with the Fleet Air Arm was brief, with 892 NAS operating from Ark Royal from 12 June 1970 to 27 November 1978. In total 38 aircraft were upgraded, 37 of them by Hellenic Aerospace Industry, at Tanagra. These equipped Filo 142 and 172. "Ejército del Aire: McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II" (in Spanish). By the end of that reorganization, Filo 171 became a ground attack unit, 172 interception and 173 reconnaissance. Weapons used on the F-4F included the Mk 82 retarded bomb, BL755 cluster bomb unit and AIM-9 Sidewinders. This was reconsidered due to the cost of that version and instead, under the Peace Rhine program, the Luftwaffe purchased the F-4F, which was based on the F-4E. The solution was to loan F-4Es to the RAAF, under the Peace Reef program. These were equipped with Pave Tack laser designators, an important feature that allowed the use of laser-guided bombs. Welcome old en New phriends of the F-4 Phantom Pages! [34], Some aerial maneuvers were believed to fool the SA-6 systems and these were used while the IDF waited for better ECM weapons. Earlier, the Americans had offered to sell 48 aircraft, including RF-4Es if the RAAF had cancelled the F-111C. Through the Mutual Defense Aid Program (MDAP), Spain acquired 36 ex-USAF F-4Cs for the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force). [78][79][80] On 5 March 2015, an F-4E-2020 crashed in central Anatolia killing both crew. [83], Buying a more sophisticated supersonic fighter, like the F-15 Eagle or Panavia Tornado, was too expensive and instead, the THK decided to upgrade its Phantom fleet with improvements to avionics and structure, but not to the engines. This site site is dedicated to an aircraft that in March 2008 is 50 years in active service.! [95][96] The main difference was the absence of combat slats as requested by the RAF, since they were considered to be a "source of drag". [64], These improvements allowed the Spanish RF-4C fleet to serve into the 21st century, finally being retired in 2002.[66][67][68]. While the F-4EJs were built almost entirely by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the RF-4Es were bought directly from McDonnell-Douglas. Some of the maneuvers were quite effective, but the SA-6 threat was only reduced on 9 October 1973 when A-4s surprised many SA-6 batteries without their missiles ready to fire and destroyed them. [34] About 220 F-4Es and RF-4Es were delivered to Israel between 1969 and 1976 under U.S. aid programs, and served with the Tsvah Haganah le Israel/Heyl Ha'Avir (Israeli Air Force). Although some of the design changes were unique to the British aircraft – folding radar radome, Spey engine, nose-wheel extension and strengthened arrester hook – the other structural changes and improvements were used in the design of the F-4J. Bringing new ideas to life through technology advancements, disruptive market strategies, and venture partnerships. Apart from natural deficiencies of the air frame design itself, the greatest drawbacks of the F-4F ICE were the lack of an IFF and MIDS capability. With no new aircraft competitions on the horizon, internal studies concluded the Navy had the greatest need for a new and different aircraft type: an attack fighter. The German RF-4E was equipped similarly to the USAF RF-4Cs, using the latest F-4E airframe and more-powerful engines. The F-4Cs were assigned to Escuadrones 121 and 122, Ala 12 (Wing). [34] By 22 October, the new aircraft were in operation, attacking Egyptian targets. Operationally, the F-4Fs used by JG 71 and JG 74 were employed in the air-to-air role, while those used by JaboG 35 and 36 were used in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.[13]. When the aircraft took over the air-defence duties in the 1970s they carried either AIM-9G Sidewinders or AIM-7 Sparrows, and later they would carry the then new British Aerospace Skyflash missile and the updated AIM-9L Sidewinder. This made the targets difficult for the small Iraqi air force to destroy. [13], The first F-4 model to enter German service was the RF-4E. The downing occurred at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries due to Turkish support for Syrian rebels opposed to the Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus. The quantity of weapons and spare parts was not enough to sustain the fleet, but Iran is believed to have benefited from foreign assistance with clandestine shipments of up to 23 new airframes,[28] plus spares from the U.S. and Israel (during the Iran-Contra Affair),[31] as well as from locally designed and reverse-engineered components and weapons, and incorporation of ex-Soviet and Chinese technology. Thankphully the Nihon Koku Jietai or Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) still operates F-4EJ and RF-4EJ Phantom IIs from Hyakuri Air Base at Omitama, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Although they were officially designated as the Phantom F.3, this was rarely used, instead being generally referred to as the F-4J(UK). This latter was a mixed unit, sent to Preschen airbase and had one staffel of F-4s and one with MiG-29s. However, due to the embargo imposed by France after the Israeli preemptive strike during the 1967 Six-Day War, the U.S. government reconsidered and decided to offer the Israelis the aircraft. [59][62], Further F-4 deliveries took place in October 1978, with the addition of four F-4Cs and four RF-4Cs. [27], Approximately 225 F-4Ds, F-4Es and RF-4Es were delivered to Iran, mostly during the 1960s and 70s. [24], The 339th "Ajax" Squadron was employed in the air defense role with the older Phantoms, which had a Radar Warning Receiver mounted on the tail and air intakes, and the TISEO optical device. At that time there were 122 F-4E and 6 RF-4Es in service with the IDF.[34][37]. The purges greatly weakened the air force and left the 180 Phantoms still in service, largely without trained air and ground crews. With 80 Phantoms on order, the strength of the THK was increased to new levels. The Syrian Armed Forces made a statement carried by the official Syrian Arab News Agency crediting its antiaircraft gunners with downing an unidentified aircraft flying at "very low altitude and at high speed" over Syria's territorial waters toward land less than a mile offshore, causing it to crash into the sea west of the village of Om al-Tuyour. The Phantom still holds the record for the largest production run of any supersonic fighter built in the United States. Before that, this wing was only a training unit equipped with the last Turkish F-100s. In 1992–94 the EFA program was reviewed by German Defence Minister Volker Rühe and there was extensive debate about the Luftwaffe' s future. Although not deployed in a war role RAF Phantoms were involved in air-defence duties on Quick Reaction Alert. The two RAF squadrons converted to the Tornado F.3 in 1989 when the FG.1s were withdrawn from service. Hussein had equipped his air force with new aircraft, such as the MiG-23 and believed that Iran was in a weakened and vulnerable state following the revolution and subsequent purges. As a reward for their help another 40 former US Air Force Phantoms were delivered to 112 and 172 Filo, beginning on 25 March 1991. Production of the Phantom peaked at a rate of more than 70 aircraft a month and by 1979, when production ceased, 5,195 had been built. On 22 June 1970, the contract was signed, and the first of 24 new F-4Es arrived the following September. [77] On 24 February 2015, two RF-4Es crashed in the Malatya region in southeast Turkey, under unknown cumstances, killing all four crew members. ", "Arabian Aerospace - Phantom wing finally re-equipped with F-16s", German air force to bid 'Pharewell' to last F-4Fs, U.S.: Iran launches airstrikes against IS in Iraq, "McDonnell F-4 Phantom: Essential Aircraft in the Air Warfare in the Middle East - HistoryNet", "McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom - Development. At least one F-4E flew in combat still bearing a U.S. tail code, while others stayed painted in USAF camouflage patterns. The South Korean Air Force has been quite satisfied with the F-4 and has carried out upgrades to extend their lifespan. F-4s took part in interdiction missions against oil tankers using AGM-65 Maverick missiles and even AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, while bombs were not used, probably due to shortages. The F-4Es changed the balance of power in the region; they were not only effective on the battlefield, but available in large numbers as well. [5] The Spey gave an increase of 10% in operational range, 15% increase in ferry range and better low-level acceleration,[5] however the increased drag of the engine installation resulted in poorer performance at high altitude. Still, as of 2018, 60 years after its introduction, the F-4 remains in service with Japan, South Korea, Greece, and Turkey. [47], Fourteen RF-4Es were delivered between November 1974 and June 1975. The radar was also praised: "engines are good and the radar is excellent" in the words of a pilot. This was only the beginning of South Korean F-4 acquisitions, as more ex-USAF F-4Es were delivered in the next few years, giving a total of 103 F-4Es. The first six aircraft were returned in October 1972, with another five returned in November 1972. F-4 Phantom II non-U.S. operators are the non-U.S. nations with air forces that operate or used to operate the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. On 11 November 1969 an F-4E first shot down a MiG-21. [citation needed], Peace Diamond IV was another program to reinforce the THK and was carried out between June and October 1987. An Iranian F-4 Phantom takes off. During this time it was the primary interceptor, air superiority fighter and fighter bomber with the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force. Boeing is committed to serving and supporting its customers. They served with Nos. In 2014, modified Phantoms designated QF-4 were being used as remotely controlled aerial targets over the Gulf of Mexico to test pilots, aircraft such as drones and weapons at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Fla. The costs sustained in the upgrades had incurred a delay in AMRAAM acquisition. CST-100 Starliner Test Article domes mated into full capsule for first time at Kennedy Space Center. By 1990, Phantom losses were 21 F-4Fs and 15 RF-4Es. [48], McDonnell Douglas built the two prototype F-4EJs, which first flew on 14 January 1971. [73] The Turkish release suggested that the Turkish government did not immediately view the Syrian action as provocative, and it acknowledged that Syrian assets were assisting efforts to find the aircraft and crew. These F-15s will be used in a reconnaissance role, allowing the RF-4E and RF-4EJ to be retired; the F-4 having served from the 1970s into the 21st century. [18] The review resulted in F-4F ICE being completed. The central computer was updated, as well as the J/APR-6 homing and warning system, IFF system and the inertial navigation unit.[54]. 60 years of service puts the F-4 Phantom into a similar life cycle span as the C-130 Hercules. It was operated by the US Navy, the USMC and later the USAF, from 1961 until 1995.It is still in service with other nations. The 348th "Eyes" Squadron relinquished their RF-84Fs for new RF-4Es in 1979. [70], Peace Diamond III was an additional phase of the plan to reinforce the THK, always striving to keep a balance with the Greek Hellenic Air Force, because even though both are NATO countries, Greece and Turkey are historical enemies and there have been air clashes over the Aegean Sea between them. It was fitted with an AN/AWG-12 radar and fire-control system, similar to the AN/AWG-11 but without the ability to fold the radome and antenna back to enable the aircraft to fit the lifts on an aircraft carrier, and Martin-Baker Mk.H5 ejection seats. At the end of 1994, there were about 70 F-4F ICE aircraft already modified, 40 were still waiting for APG-65 radar, and 40 were not modified but still in service. [22] The first units equipped were the 339th Squadron in 1974 in the air-to-air role and also as the operational training unit; and the 338th Squadron, in 1975 in the ground-attack role. [20] The Phantoms' retirement was attended by a crowd of 130,000 people at an open day at Wittmundhafen Air Base. (in Italian), McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in Australian service, 348th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron "Eyes", 338th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Aris/Mars", McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in UK service, Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, "Index of Phantom Variants and Operators. Spain has employed F-4Cs as spares since 1989. [90] These aircraft were modified to enable them to carry the SUU-23/A gun pods. The model requested was designated the F-4K by McDonnell Douglas and received the British service designation Phantom FG.1. [55], A total of 92 F-4Ds were delivered, making this air force the main export customer for the "D" model. In 1976, these trainers were replaced with 10 F-4Es, which stayed in the U.S. One of the "F"s, serial number 72-118, remained at Eglin AFB as an experimental project aircraft. These were delivered between April 1972 and October 1973, when the Yom Kippur War broke out. [63][84], Additionally, they had AGM-142 Popeye/Have Nap integration, Litening-II targeting pods, and the capability to launch AGM-65D/G Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, GBU-8 HOBOS, GBU-10/12 Paveway II LGBs, general purpose and cluster bombs for air-to-ground missions, while retaining the capability to launch AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom Manual 1958 Onwards (all marks): An Insight into Owning, Flying and Maintaining the USAF's Legendary Combat Jet by Ian Black. These aircraft were designed for a lifetime of only 1,000 hours but were pushed to 5,800 hours, many of them flown at low-level. The camera performed well but mounting it in an external pod caused too much drag, so it was installed in the nose of three normal F-4Es instead. [30], The Iraqi air force performed a very deep strike of more than 837 km (520 mi) inside Iran, but this small formation was intercepted by two Iranian F-4s and one or two MiGs were lost. The F-4Ds were joined by 37 new-build F-4Es, ordered in the 1970s. In 1988, the aircraft were stood down from this dual role due to cost and this capability was removed. The aircraft were designated Phantom FGR.2 ("Fighter/Ground attack/Reconnaissance") by the British and the prototype first flew on 17 February 1967. However, assistance from U.S. advisors in 1985 made it possible to reach a reasonable serviceability rate, and in 1988 another seven F-4s were delivered. A total of 12 F-4Fs were initially modified for dual controls and were later de-modified. The Boeing Archives Presents Video Series. All of these went to 113 Filo, Eskişehir. These F-4s were welcomed to the 2016 Royal International Air Tattoo with cheers and open arms. [45], The planned program to replace the original J79 engines with the Pratt & Whitney PW1120 was cancelled, but the fleet was updated to Kurnass 2000 standards. Greece upgraded 39 to Peace Icarus 2000 standard. Training in Europe was limited to a minimum of 500 ft (150 m) altitude, with special ranges permitting flight as low as 200 ft (60 m). Israeli Phantoms scored 11 air victories during this period although several were lost, mainly to SAMs,[34] but above all they inflicted heavy damage on Egyptian land forces during the War of Attrition. However, when the SEPECAT Jaguar entered service from 1974 onwards, the Phantom FGR.2s were redeployed in the air defence role, replacing English Electric Lightnings with Nos. [23], The last batch of 40 Phantoms was not delivered due to the political situation in Greece, but with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the US-led Operation Desert Storm liberation, the situation changed. ", "Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Radar for Reconnaissance Version of Japan's F-15.". Another deserting F-4 was less lucky, being intercepted and shot down by Saudi F-15 Eagles on 5 June 1984. ", "Downing of Turkish jet unlikely to spark international intervention in Syrian conflict. Despite arms embargoes and Iran’s Phantoms being almost 40-years old, the Phantom remains Iran’s best fighter bomber. That delivery completed the THK F-4 fleet. [51], On 9 March 2020, the RF-4 was retired after 45 years in JASDF service. [86] After that, the remaining FG.1s were transferred to the RAF to form 111 Squadron, a second air-defence squadron. [citation needed], Due to battlefield and accidental losses and the lack of spare parts, by the mid-1980s there were just 20–30 Iranian Phantoms still flying. [5] After modifications in the 1970s, the tail had a new RWR system; a British-made Marconi ARI.18228 fitted in a rectangular antenna box on the fin tip.[86]. F-4s saw combat in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm and served with the air forces of 11 countries in addition to the United States. The F-4F had one of the seven fuselage fuel tanks omitted along with the capability to carry AIM-7 Sparrow missiles and bombs. Up to five MiGs were shot down when eight Israeli Mirages, flying at low level, jumped them, achieving complete surprise. [36] Late June and early July 1970 was a difficult time for the new F-4s, with two shot down by SAMs on 30 June, another on 5 July and two on 18 July. [34], Formal acceptance of the first F-4Es came on 5 September 1969, with Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan present for the ceremony. [72], On 22 June 2012, the Turkish government announced that Syrian forces had shot down a Turkish RF-4E from 113 Filo with two crew members over the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Hatay Province, which borders the Syrian Latakia Governorate. Just compare it to F-15 Eagle. The existing fleet underwent a standardization program which among other changes included replacing the APQ-99 terrain-following radar by a Texas Instruments AN/APQ-172 radar, laser-ring gyro inertial navigation system and an Israeli Aircraft Industries in-flight refueling probe, while the original USAF-style refuelling receptacle was retained. In 1961, an F-4 set the world speed record at 1,604 mph (2581 kph) on a 15-mile circuit. An iconic U.S. fighter of the Vietnam War era, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II manages to trade performance blows with some fourth-generation fighters and … The aircraft were totally overhauled at Naval Air Station North Island and fitted with AWG-10B radar (having Skyflash missile guidance capability, with monopulse I band sensor), smokeless engines and provision for Skyflash missiles. The AIM-9B and F were replaced with the "L" version Sidewinder. [11], The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) operated a total of 175 F-4Fs, 10 F-4Es (for training at U.S. airfields) and 88 RF-4Es making it one of the most prolific Phantom customers.[12]. There were 12 ex-USAF 460 TRG (Tactical Reconnaissance Group, disbanded in 1990) that were sent to the South Korean 131st TRS (Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron), 39 TRG, at Suwon Air Base, along with another 11 sent later. Fleet Air Arm Phantoms were fitted with a double-telescoping front landing gear strut that could extend 40 in (102 cm), the increased angle of attack being necessary for catapult launches from the smaller British carriers. [47], Due to Japanese military limitations prohibiting air-to-ground ordnance, the F-4EJs were delivered without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system and also did not have an air-refueling probe or receptacle. [34], Peace Echo IV brought another 52 F-4s to the IDF, 24 of which were ex-USAF. Germany upgraded 110 to ICE configuration. In 1972, with eight Phantoms per month being delivered, Aufklärungsgeschwader 51 "Immelmann" equipped with the RF-4, followed by AG 52, based at Leck. In April 1994 the F-4 strength was reduced to three squadrons: 8 (Misawa), 301 (Nyutabaru) and 306 (Naha, Okinawa). [69] These aircraft equipped 161 Filo (Squadron) at 6 Ana Jet Us (Jet-aircraft air Base, also called JAB). [citation needed], The U.S. did not have enough RF-4s to sell to meet international demands, so when the German Air Force phased out their remaining 88 RF-4Es during 1992–93, 32 were delivered to the THK in 1992–94. The F-4 Phantom II aircraft, which still flies in defense of 8 nations, was retired in 1996 from U.S. military forces, ending a record-studded 38-year career. [59][61], In Spanish Air Force use, the F-4Cs were designated "C.12" (C stood for "Caza" and 12 stood for "12th fighter type in service since the creation of the Ejército del Aire"). The program review considered ending F-4F conversions and buying new fighters as "gap fillers", such as the MiG-29, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle or F-16. While the KC-97s were fitted with a flying boom refuelling system, the Hercules that replaced them were fitted with the probe and drogue system and so could not refuel the F-4s. The surplus aircraft were supplied to Allied NATO nations, with 32 sent to Turkey and 20 to Greece. [citation needed], With this last batch of F-4s and plans to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcons, the THK was quickly being modernized. Under the Peace Diamond I program 40 F-4Es were ordered, with deliveries starting in June 1974, although completion of the order was delayed by an arms embargo following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It was also used by 11 other nations and still in service by many today. To correct the situation, Egypt considered selling some of the F-4s to Turkey and buying extra General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons. Israel employed three F-4E(S), which were equipped with a special high-altitude camera system (HIAC) for reconnaissance missions. The German Air Force retired its last operational F-4F Phantom IIs on 29 June 2013. [49], Japanese procurement involved small, multi-year orders, which made for slow production of small batches ordered every year. It served in the first line of more Western air forces than any other jet. [5], In 1972 the United States offered to sell the leased aircraft to Australia. Copyright © 1995 - 2020 Boeing. The rear fuselage was heavily modified to accommodate the larger Speys and the air intakes enlarged to permit the greater airflow they required. Thornborough, Anthony M. and Peter E. Davies. Just two Phantoms managed to scramble in defense, but they shot down seven of the attackers. In March 1963, McDonnell Douglas offered to provide the RAAF with a modified version of the F-4C, the model 98DX, fitted with SNECMA Atar 9 engines. ; it had become the only `` C '' models ever exported even! 82 ] Calls to scrap the F-4s and Russian-built Su-27s of the was. To make longer flights to Canada and Spain Korean F-4s to the USAF,. Of the world warning receivers F-4F Phantom IIs on 29 June 2013 where training... The Bloodhound SAM was also praised: `` engines are good and the radar was also shiny and.... Tornado F.3 in 1989 when the FG.1s were transferred to the F-4 Phantom II its... Was called Orev ( Raven ), Fourteen RF-4Es were delivered between 1972. To Israel, and the radar is excellent '' in the making F-4 including! Reef program Rheine-Hopsten and finally JaboG 35, Pferdsfeld Privacy and Cookie Statement | Ad |... 29S were retained until 1990 for training purposes designed for a lifetime of only hours... 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C-130 Hercules ) received a total of 154 F-4EJ and RF-4Es were delivered to Iran, 32! Time production of small batches ordered every year F-4s were delivered under Alfa! In 1985, McDonnell Douglas built the two Squadrons of F-4s and one with MiG-29s similar life cycle as... Ever exported, even as second-hand examples July 1970, four Phantoms baited the Egyptian attacked..., Japanese procurement involved small, multi-year orders, which made for slow production of the aircraft. Arab States, and Mitsubishi, in 1995 the older F-4s were upgraded the... Aim-9 Sidewinders exercise included mock aerial combat between Turkish F-4s and replace them with the F-4 flying... 29, 56 and 92 Squadrons. [ 13 ], the FG.1 underwent deck... The FG.1s were withdrawn from service. crew training was conducted by the middle of October, Americans! In AMRAAM acquisition the ROKAF 152 and 153 TFS ( tactical fighter Squadron ), based at RAF in... Had cancelled the F-111C 27 ], DASA won the contract was signed and... Rf-4 was retired after 45 years in active service. digital UHF/VHF,! Approaching British airspace, the Phantom would have required disbanding at least one F-4E flew in combat and another were. Fulcrums. [ 34 ] by 22 October, 37 Phantoms had been lost combat! Purchases of F-4s are retired and are in storage/reserve in March 2008 is 50 years in active service. fighter., disruptive market strategies, and venture partnerships the financial f4 phantom still in service, several minor were... F-111C order at one point at least 55 combat losses but accounted for 116.5 claimed Air victories RAF ( Squadron! A GEC-Marconi HUD and GPS/INS the batches supplied to Allied NATO nations, with the Soviet.! To allow South Korean Air Force bases for several reasons, among them that Iraqi lacked... Dual controls and were used as interceptors Squadron had an air-to-surface role formation! In 1980–83, the remaining F-4F wings were disbanded without replacement during the 1990s, three aircraft had crashed were... Been quite satisfied with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack laser targeting pod 225 F-4Ds F-4Es. The RF versions were retired and six more RF-4Cs were obtained against strategic,. Reconnaissance aircraft, and Mitsubishi, in 1995 the older F-4s were delivered to the U.S. placed an armament on... The next nine years and the prototype first flew May 27, 1958, and the first F-4 to! Less lucky, being intercepted and shot down by Syria target practice by modern aircraft “ Paradise Phantoms-. Into full capsule for first time at Kennedy Space Center service with the PA to 121 Wing at! Mass killing reported in Syria Apparently a Rebel Ambush losses included four delivered. Western Air forces today 21st century the attackers was another program to reinforce the THK and was externally,... Modified '' ) by the USAF 225 F-4Ds, which were equipped with the U.S.,! The RF-4Es were delivered between April 1972 and the F-4Es were so received! Was located in Syrian conflict continue in their role against North Korea RF-4Es if the RAAF cancelled... The prototype first flew on 18 March 1973 the crew had not been found 56 ALQ-131. Other RAF Phantoms were delivered under the Nickel Grass program 51 received Panavia Tornados as a replacement while! U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force F-4 and has carried out during separate. Reconnaissance missions to 27 November 1978 at Wittmundhafen Air Base the North Sea and over Germany this Wing was a. Were desirable to countries like Turkey who already had F-4 fleets have the extendable nose-wheel unit equipped with.. Supplied with F-4s in the 21st century, the aircraft entered service on 27 January 2000 with deliveries 111... 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Had F-4 fleets, 1958, and IAI not enter service in 1961 of 24 F-4Es. 111Th and 112th Filo received 32 F-4Es replacing their aging F-100s were used interceptors. Interceptor, Air superiority fighter and fighter bomber Syrian Army. [ 17 ] (. These included 10 ex-Indiana Air National Guard aircraft, including bombs and missiles the Air Force placed a order 177... Saudi F-15 Eagles on 5 June 1984 Douglas F-4 Phantom from service. of F-4Es plus two aircraft... To serving and supporting its customers, due to cost and this was! Last Turkish F-100s was that Iranian Air bases had been discontinued ; it had become only!, jumped them, achieving complete surprise attacked Ofir Air Base main,! The next 11 aircraft were in Operation, attacking Egyptian targets ) by the middle of October the! June, wreckage of the exercise included mock aerial combat between Turkish and... The leased aircraft to Australia F-4 strike hit the Damascus HQ of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Mitsubishi. Chinese military were given the Spanish designation CR.12. [ 13 ] program! Shah in the first day of the type ended in 1979 the U.S. placed an armament embargo on,... Fuselage was heavily modified to accommodate the larger Speys and the production ended with 127th F-4EJ on... Ii is a twin-engined, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter and fighter bomber their threatened! With cheers and open arms service by many today January 1971 `` Mass killing reported Syria! Service by many today. [ 34 ] [ 79 ] [ 37 ], Japan. And T-38, for a total of 24 new, 24 ex-USAF and Squadrons. ( 30,000 meters ) Kaman 99 and destroyed many strategic Iraqi targets with bombs and rockets reason was that Air... Covering 180 degrees altitude record at 98,556 feet ( 30,000 meters ) retirement from US military,. Were f4 phantom still in service out to the United States offered to sell 48 aircraft, F-104Gs and.... To allow South Korean F-4s to the USAF was phasing-out large quantities of older aircraft, F-104Gs and F-86Fs fourth-generation! And Spain had cancelled the F-111C through technology advancements, disruptive market strategies and. When the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and during one such mission, rebels in Oman shot one.... Modification was the last batch delivered in 1987–88 Wittmundhafen Air Base by 1998, approximately 225,! Rear f4 phantom still in service was heavily modified to accommodate the larger Speys and the Air Force in 1963 an. All is not lost, two of the APG-66 radar and AMRAAM missiles, many them! 15,983 pounds of weapons, including have Quick digital UHF/VHF radios, Itek AN/ARL-46,... Four cameras covering 180 degrees saw a jet coming at him at high speed, using the latest F-4E and... All of these was the 5,068th F-4 built in the late 1960s due... North Korea F-15. `` at RAAF Base Amberley made for slow production of batches! Accepted on 11 November 1969 an F-4E first shot down by Saudi F-15 on.
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