Anybody got good info on the F-4D in its later years of service with the USAF (from late 70’s to early 90’s)? How capable a jet did it get to be? I know from what I’ve been told as well as read that the F-4E got to be fairly well-equipped before it finally retired in 1991. So what about the D model? Also, what is the status of the Iranian and South Korean F-4D fleets. I know the South Koreans still use about 30 of them or so for strike duties and probably back-up air-to-air after the F-16’s and F-4E’s. I would imagine the South Korean models are fairly well-equipped, though I don’t really know much about them and I know next to nothing about the Iranian D models. Some good info would be appreciated. Here are some pics. The first is a rather nice one of an F-4D in the ANG, probably in the latter years. Note the AIM-9L under the wing. The second picture is something I didn’t know was possible. This F-4D has FIVE SUU-23 cannon pods, two under each wing and one under the centerline. I thought the F-4 (any model except the RF models of course) could carry the SUU-16 and later SUU-23 on the centerline and outboard wing hardpoints only. I didn’t think they could mount them on the inboard pylons. Anyone care to explain? Judging by the paint scheme this photo was take during the 60’s or 70’s, although it could be an anniversary special. Not sure, my main concern about the photo is all those gun pods.
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By: Dazza - 11th February 2003 at 18:15
RE: F-4D
Like I suggested in my first reply, the camera pod is almost definitely a converted Bullpup missile body, I’ve got a picture of an F-4 carrying one somewhere but I’m bu99ered if I can find it now I need it!:-)
Regards, Dazza.
By: PhantomII - 11th February 2003 at 14:45
RE: F-4D
Well, I was initially thinkng more along the lines of a BDA camera pod as you have suggested. The link you posted to the F-105 article really leaves me with no doubt, as the two pods look very similar.
I don’t think it would be a laser-spot tracker, because that “seeker” looks awfully big to be that from an AIM-9. Anyway, hopefully someone will come along and put this question to rest. I applaud your efforts GZYL. They are the best any of us have managed so far. Thanks for the info.
By: GZYL - 11th February 2003 at 13:59
RE: F-4D
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-02-03 AT 02:12 PM (GMT)]I found a website about some F-105 BDA photo tactics, there’s a pic on there of a Thud carrying the same camera pod.
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/vietnam/469th/p46.htm
I’ve also found something to suggest it could be a Pave Spot precision attack sensor. This is designated a AN/AVQ-11 and is basically an AIM-9 sensor fitted into an SUU-11 gun pod.
Take a look at :
By: EN830 - 10th February 2003 at 23:30
RE: F-4D
I like F4’s but I must admit that I quite like the Slow Heavy but powerful RAF version with the Spey Engines.
There are other parafin burners that I like as attached, but at the end of the day you can’t beat a Merlin in any form.
Ian
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By: PhantomII - 10th February 2003 at 22:38
RE: F-4D
Actually I don’t think we have. Arthur, do you have any idea?
By: GZYL - 10th February 2003 at 22:06
RE: F-4D
Have we decided what that pod was then?? Some sort of camera pod??
By: PhantomII - 10th February 2003 at 02:05
RE: F-4D
I don’t know if any of you guys have seen them or not but there are some outstanding pictures of ROKAF Phantoms, Falcons, and Tigers/Freedom Fighters intercepting various Russian and Chinese aircraft.
Several pictures are F-4’s and some are F-4D’s. All are fully loaded with four AIM-9’s and four AIM-7’s so it appears the ROKAF was serious.
By: Arthur - 9th February 2003 at 09:33
RE: F-4D
PII,
I think that Happy Hooligan’s bird pic is taken at Ramstein AB in Germany, in the mid-1980s. At that time, the resident 86TFW was withdrawing it’s F-4E’s with F-16’s. In order to maintain a QRA ability at Ramstein, a bunch of ANG F-4D’s (including Happy Hooligans and those yellow Michigan birds) took over the alert role at RS. Considering the background and loadout of that Spook, i think that picture was taken there.
Nice pics though, i have to agree that bluntnose Phantoms are way cooler than F-4E’s. Unfortunately the only time i saw operational F-4D’s was when the ANG unit from Springfield, Illinois (‘SI’ tailcode, how ’bout that one?) deployed to RAFG Wildenrath in what i think was the last deployment of F-4D’s abroad ever. Apart from that, i don’t think any other F-4D’s were ever in bicycling range for me…
By: Dazza - 9th February 2003 at 00:15
RE: F-4D
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-02-03 AT 00:18 AM (GMT)]Kev 35, F-4s that had the ‘Happy Hooligans’ name on the fin were from the 178 FIS of the North Dakota ANG, also the 177 TFTS F-4D with the signatures was one of the last machines from the ‘Jayhawks’ to retire, as PII has already mentioned, this particular machine, tail number 66553, suffered a complete hydraulic failure shortly after take-off and returned to Mc Connell AFB to make barrier landing.
Regards, Dazza.
By: PhantomII - 8th February 2003 at 23:07
RE: F-4D
Well, here we go. I knew I could find it.
That F-4 is from the 127th Tactical Fighter Squadron from the 184th Tactical Fighter Group in the Kansas Air National Guard. The squadron, based at McConnell AFB, in Kansas converted from F-105D/F aircraft to F-4D’s during the winter of 1979 and until the activating of the 177th TFTS, functioned as not only an operational squadron but as the ANG F-4D Replacement Training Squadron. They finally converted to F-16A/B aircraft in 1990 (odds are the date of that picture was around that year).
By: kev35 - 8th February 2003 at 23:05
RE: F-4D
PII.
Can you tell me which unit carries the ‘Happy Hooligans’ riband on its fin please?
Regards,
kev35
By: PhantomII - 8th February 2003 at 23:01
RE: F-4D
I happen to think the F-4D in that grey scheme (or any F-4 for that matter) looks damn good.
To answer your question it is probably on the occassion of the retiring of the F-4D from that particular squadron. I can probably find the name of the squadron and date of that occurence. (I just got the new AirTime Phantom book and it’s really quite good.)
The first picture is my favorite. SUU-23/A, AIM-7, AIM-9….three reasons why Bears and Badgers should keep their distance from the USA. 🙂
By: kev35 - 8th February 2003 at 22:58
RE: F-4D
PII.
Like the gloss grey scheme. I have a question for you. In the fourth photo the aircraft carries a lot of signatures. Any particular reason?
Or is it a petition signed by the Squadron aircrew to replace their equipment with a better looking aircraft?:-)
Regards,
kev35
By: PhantomII - 8th February 2003 at 18:20
RE: F-4D
GYZL, a minigun pod is actually a decent guess because the SUU-11/A does looke a bit like that mystery pod, but if you look closely you’ll notice what appears to be an optical window, so a camera pod of some sort has to be what’s inside.
I couldn’t find mention to this particular pod in the new Phantom: Spirit in the Skies, book but perhaps I was looking in the wrong areas.
By: Dazza - 8th February 2003 at 14:39
RE: F-4D
PII your right, there is something about the F-4D that makes it look good, regarding the mystery pod, it looks to me like its the type of camera pod which was made from the converted bodies of AGM-12 Bullpup ASMs.
Regards, Dazza.:-)
By: GZYL - 8th February 2003 at 11:33
RE: F-4D
It’s not a minigun pod is it??
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March 4, 2002 at 11:03 pm