Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1954
McDonnell Douglas RF-4C 64-1077, 10 TRW, RAF Alconbury, 1967
General Background
The first production RF- 4C flew in May 1964. The RF- 4C was an unarmed recon variant
designed for information gathering. This variant is quite easy to recognize from other F-4
variants because of the distinctive nose. The larger nose was designed to accommodate radar,
sensors and flat windows for cameras. During its years of service the RF-4C used two nose
variations. The original design was the angular version with a later design that had a smoother
rounded camera bulge. There were 503 RF- 4cs built with 499 being officially accepted by the
USAF.
The Aircraft
At Alconbury the 10th TRW retained the 1st and 30th TRS's with their
RB-66s until May 1965 when it began conversion to the RF-4C Phantom.
The 10th TRW expanded on 15 August 1966 by the addition of the 32nd
TRS. This squadron had formerly flown RF-101 Voodoos with the 66th TRW
at Laon-Couvron Air Base, France but was now equipped with RF-4Cs,
becoming the third tac recon squadron at RAF Alconbury.
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 |