Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1952
McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II 123 Escuadron, Ala 12, Spanish Air Force CR12-55/12-64
General Background
The F-4 Phantom II first entered US Military service in 1960. It was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy but by 1963 it was adopted as the US Air Force primary fighter-bomber.
Despite the size and weight of this Cold War icon the F-4 broke 15 world records and continued to hold five of them until 1975.
Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.
Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.
The Aircraft
Ala 12 received it's first RF-4C's in 1978 in the form of 4 ex USAF (363rd TRW) Phantoms. These were operated by a Flight, until a second batch of 8 'Rhinos' arrived courtesy of the 123rd TRW, Kentucky ANG in 1989, When the conveniently named 123 Escuadron formed. 6 more RF-4C's
have since been received.
The era of Spanish F-4 operations ended in 2002, when the last RF-4C was withdrawn from use. The RF-4Cs were replaced by recce-pod equipped E/F(R)-18A+.
The era of Spanish F-4 operations ended in 2002, when the last RF-4C was withdrawn from use. The RF-4Cs were replaced by recce-pod equipped E/F(R)-18A+.
Specifications :
| Dimensions | |
| Length: | 17.7m |
| Height: | 4.7m |
| Wingspan: | 11.6m |
| Wingarea: | 49.2 sq m |
| No. of Engines: | 2 |
| Powerplant : | General Electric J79-GE-10 (A/B 17,900Lb/8,119Kg) |
| Performance |
|
| Range: | 2,222 km |
| Cruise Speed: | 908 km/h |
| Max Speed: | 2,299 km/h |
| Climb: | 12,572 m/min |
| Ceiling: | 16,672 m |