| 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.
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