RF-4C/E vs. Mirage F-1CR

This topic is a post regarding the capabilities of these two reconnaissance aircraft. I have heard many good things about both of them. The Mirage has a top speed of Mach 2.2 and a ceiling of 65,000 feet. The F-4 has a top speed of Mach 2.4 and a ceiling of 62,300 feet. Obviously, they are both very similar in peformance. The Mirage F-1CR was used over Kosovo last year and proved to be very effective in this role. It is supposedly one of NATO’s most valuable aircraft. I am not sure about its exact sensor fit, but I do know that it is well-equipped. The Phantom is also said to be an excellent reconnaisance jet. The RF-4C is in use with the Spanish Air Force although it looks as if its days are numbered…..what a shame. The RF-4E is in use with both Greece and Turkey. The RF-4 was the longest produced of all F-4 variants and is truly one of the best reconnaissance aircraft that has ever entered service. The Spanish RF-4C’s have been updated to the latest standards equivalent to the USAF RF-4C fleet at the time of their being retired. This fit includes a new AN/APQ-172 radar and the capability to carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAM’s on the inboard weapon pylons. The RF-4C can also carry various ECM pods as well as the typical external tanks to increase range and it can also carry a centerline recce pod to increase it capabilities. In Israel, its F-4E(S) aircraft carry the HIAC long-range camera pod, but I am not sure what pod is fitted to the RF-4C and possibly even the Greek and Turkish RF-4E’s. The RF-4E’s are also capable of using the AIM-9 missile. The RF-4’s second crew member is also a big plus as is its fighter performance which includes a long range. This is hard choice of which aircraft is better. They are both probably equally capable, but as you all know I am a big F-4 phan, so I will go with the Rhino on this one. Don’t get me wrong, I have tons of respect for Dassault’s beautiful F-1.