The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years.
The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact
radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan
gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made
over its 12 year production period. The “E” also equipped more air forces than any other
variant of the Phantom II.

The IDF received RF-4E Phantom II ex-USAF 69-7594 c/n 4080 as part of Operation Peace
Echo I with aircraft delivery beginning in 1969. The aircraft was with the 119 "Bat" Squadron
and originally as 198 but in 1976 was when the new F-4E(S) arrived it was re-registered as
488. On January 7, 1971 the 199 Squadron received the first of their real RF-4Es with the first
operational flight taking place on March 9, 1971 over Jordan. In 1976 the 119th transferred its
RF-4Es to the 69 “The Hammers” Squadron.

Specifications McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II

Note – The RF-4E variant was an unarmed reconnaissance version for export only. Retrofitted
to carry weapons by most customers.

Engines – (2) General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets.
Thrust – 11,870 lb. st dry, 17,900 lb. st with afterburners.

Fuel
Maximum internal fuel - fuselage tanks 1,364 US gallons (up to block 40) and 1,225 US gallons
(from block 41 on).
Additional - 630 gallons of fuel in internal wing tanks.
External fuel load - 600 US gallons centerline tank.
Additional - 370 US gallons tanks under each wing attached to the outer pylon.
Total fuel load - 3334 US gallons (up to block 40) or 3195 US gallons (from block 41 on).

Performance
Maximum speed – 1,430 mph at 36,000 ft (Mach 2.21)
914 mph at sea level (Mach 1.19)
Cruising speed – 585 mph
Landing speed – 158 mph
Initial climb rate – 61,400 fpm
Service ceiling – 62,250 ft
Combat ceiling – 59,600 ft
Combat range - 595 miles
Maximum range - 1885 miles with maximum external fuel

Weights
Empty - 29,535 lbs
Gross - 40,562 lbs
Combat - 38,019 lbs
Take off - 61,651 lbs

Dimensions
Wingspan - 38 ft 5 in
Wing area - 530 sq ft
Length - 63 ft 0 in
Height - 16 ft 6 in

Armament
(1) 20-mm M61A1 cannon with 639 rounds in an under-nose gondola
(4) AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed slots in the
fuselage belly.
(2) to (4) AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings on the
inboard pylons.
Total offensive load of up to 16,000 pounds could be carried on the centerline and four under-
wing hard-points.

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