Until the development of the F-15 and F-16, the F-4 Phantom IIwas the backbone of the USAF fighter force. This popular aircraft was also used by the U.S. Navy and a variety of Western nations. The F-4 saw extensive combat service in Vietnam as a fighter and ground support aircraft. The Phantom was also used during Operation Desert Storm.

The F-4 airframe was used at Chanute Technical Training Center in the Fuel Specialist course.

The RF-4C was the unarmed photographic reconnaissance version of the F-4C. The armament and fire control radar of the fighter version was removed and replaced with specialized photographic reconnaissance equipment. The most noticeable difference between the F-4C and the RF-4C was the presence of a longer and more pointed nose in the latter, made to house the reconnaissance cameras, mapping radar, and infrared imaging equipment.

This RF-4C-14-MC, S/N 62-12201, was one of the two prototypes manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft as the YRF-110A Spectre. Both were later redesignated RF-4C Phantom II prior to delivery. This aircraft made its first flight on 30 September 1963. It is on loan to Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum from the National Museum of the United States Airforce.