McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom JG-71 Richthoven, Wittmundhaven Germany XAV 6299
The West German Luftwaffe was the RF-4E's largest customer. The first RF-4Es were ordered by the West German Luftwaffe in January of 1969. German industry participated in the production of some major subcomponents as well as certain US-built items which were deemed too sensitive for export. The RF-4Es carried a Fairchild KS-87B or KS-72 camera in bay number 1. Bay number 2 could carry three KS-87s or, alternatively, pairs of KS-72 or KS-87 cameras. The third bay carries one KA-91 or a KS-55A or two KS-87 cameras. Alternatively, KC-1 or T-11 mapping cameras could be installed. For night missions, the RF-4E carries photoflash cartridges which are ejected upwards from locations in the rear fuselage. Sensors include the AAS-18A infrared reconnaissance system an improved UPD-4 side looking radar, and (for Luftwaffe aircraft) an advanced Goodyear UPD-4 side-looking radar system mounted in a centerline pod. Luftwaffe RF-4Es were equipped with an air-to-ground datalink system and have the ability to develop film in flight and eject it for real-time evaluation by battlefield commanders. The first RF-4E for Germany (USAF serial number 69-7448) flew on September 15, 1970. Luftwaffe service began on January 20, 1971, with the initial unit being Aufklarungeschwader 51 "Immelmann" (AKG 51) based at Bremgarten. Other RF-4E aircraft equipped AKG 52 at Leck from September 17, 1971. A total of 88 RF-4Es were delivered to the Luftwaffe. They carried the USAF serials 69-7448/7535. The Luftwaffe serials were 3501/3588 XAV 6299
Size: 5477px × 3638px
Location: RAF Lossiemouth Moray Grampian Region Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -4, 000, 1, 40, 62, 100, 250, ceiling:, douglas, ft., :, mcdonnell, miles, phantom, weasel, wild, wise
