RF-4C
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The RF-4C Phantom II was a multi-sensor, day/night, all weather, supersonic tactical reconnaissance aircraft used by the United States Air Force and the air forces of other nations, including Greece, Turkey, Germany, Iran, Japan, Israel, and Spain in various models. The aircraft had a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a Reconaissance Systems Officer [RSO]]. The reconnaissance sensors included multiple cameras, an infrared sensor, side-looking radar, and the TEREC electronic reconnaissance sensor. Few aircraft were equipped with all available sensors. Later aircraft included other sensor configurations. Navigation systems included forward-looking radar for day and night all-weather navigation, an inertial navigation system, and TACAN for enroute navigation. Mission profiles included low-level and high-level target acquisition, border and sea surveillance, and aerial refueling.
United States RF-4C air force bases (AFB) included Bergstrom AFB, Shaw AFB, and Mountain Home AFB. Overseas air bases (AB) included Kadena AB (Okinawa), Misawa AB (Japan), Tan Son Nhut AB (Vietnam), Udorn AB (Thailand), Taegu AB (South Korea), Toul-Rosieres AB (France), Ramstein AB, and Zweibrücken AB (Germany), and RAF Alconbury (UK). Air National Guard RF-4C bases included Birmingham, Reno, Boise, Meridian, Lincoln, and Montgomery.
Some of the oldest squadron names in the US Air Force were assigned to RF-4C units, including the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS), 12 TRS, 14 TRS, 15 TRS, 16 TRS, 22 TRS, 38 TRS, and 91 TRS, whose squadron histories began in World War I and World War II.
The RF-4C saw combat in Southeast Asia, the Balkans, the Middle East, and other areas.
Although the US Air Force retired its RF-4Cs in the 1990s, other nations continue to fly this highly capable reconnaissance aircraft.
The memory of reconnaissance aircraft, including the RF-4C, and their aircrews is preserved by the Recce Reunion Association, which maintains a roster of reconnaissance aircrew members, conducts annual reunions, and publishes a magazine for its members.
