RF-4B Phantom II "Specter"

Reconnaissance model for the USMC, quite similar to the much more numerous RF-4C of the USAF. Like the RF-4C, the RF-4B was unarmed. The fighter's radar-equipped nose was replaced with a special nose specifically designed for reconnaissance applications. This nose was 4 feet 8 7/8 inches longer than the nose of the armed F-4B. The AN/APQ-72 radar of the F-4B was replaced by the much smaller Texas instruments AN/APQ-99 forward-looking J-band monopulse radar which was optimized for terrain avoidance and terrain-following modes, and could also be used for ground mapping. There were three separate camera bays in the nose, designated Stations 1, 2, and 3. Station 1 could carry a single forward oblique or vertical KS-87 camera, Station 2 could carry a single KA-87 low-altitude camera, and Station 3 normally carried a single KA-55A or KA-91 high-altitude panoramic camera. The much larger KS-91 or KS-127A camera could also be carried. Unlike the cameras of the USAF's RF-4Cs, the RF-4B's cameras were fitted on rotating mounts so that the pilot could aim them at targets off the flight path. The rear cockpit was configured for a reconnaissance systems operator, with no flight controls being provided. Two Tracor AN/ALE-29 chaff/flare dispensers were installed, one on each side of the aircraft above the rear fuselage. For nighttime photography, a set of photoflash cartridges could be ejected upward from each side of the aircraft. An Loral (Goodyear) AN/APQ-102 reconnaissance SLAR was fitted, with antenna faired into the lower fuselage sides, just ahead of the intakes. This SLAR was capable of tracking both fixed and moving targets. An AN/AAD-14 infrared reconnaissance system was fitted in the fuselage belly just behind the SLAR. A Itek AN/APR-25 radar homing and warning system was used, an AN/ASW-25B data-link was installed. An Sanders AN/ALQ-126 deceptive electronic countermeasures package was installed, which obviated the need to carry external jammer pods.

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RF-4B VMFP-3 (Bu.No.153107).
RF-4B VMFP-3 (Bu.No.153107).
RF-4B VMFP-3 (Bu.No.153107).

Afmeting RF-4B Phantom II '' Spectre '':

Lengte 268mm
Spanwijdte 102mm

RF-4E Phantom II "Immelmann"

West Germany was unique among Phantom operators in having operated a reconnaissance version before tactical models. The RF-4E was bought to replace Luftwaffe RF-104Gs, and used an RF-4C type nose with the airframe of the F-4E. The first Luftwaffe RF-4E flew in September 1970, and the service eventually took delivery of 88 examples. The RF-4Es as delivered were unarmed, but between 1978-88 a secondary strike capability was added. With the end of the Cold War, surviving RF-4Es were passed on Turkey.

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