Luftwaffe F-4F Phantom II walk around

West Germany was unique among Phantom operators in having operated a reconnaissance version before tactical models. The RF-4E was bought to replace Luftwaffe RF-104Gs, and used an RF-4C type nose with the airframe of the F-4E.  The first Luftwaffe RF-4E flew in September 1970, and the service eventually took delivery of 88 examples. The RF-4Es as delivered were unarmed, but between 1978-88 a secondary strike capability was added. With the end of the Cold War, surviving RF-4Es were passed on Turkey.

Desiring a replacement for its fighter-model F-104s until the Panavia Tornado could become availible, the West Germans considered a simplified F-4E export version, with a single-seat and no Sparrow capability. This "lightweight" Phantom was passed over in favor of the F-4F, based on the F-4E and retaining the two seats but lacking a fuel cell, refueling receptacle, and AIM-7 compatibility. A total of 175 aircraft were bought, with deliveries taking place between 1973-1978.

The original F-4F configuration with no BVR missiles or inflight refueling capability considerably lessened the potential of these otherwise formidable aircraft, and in due course reufeling receptacles and provision for AIM-7 carriage were added.

The F-4F ICE (Improved Combat Efficiency) program was instituted in 1983 to give the F-4F force a new lease on life pending the arrival of a new all-European fighter - this would be a long wait, as the resulting Eurofighter Typhoon would not enter Luftwaffe service for another two decades. ICE replaced the F-4F's radar with an APG-65GY set, derived from that of the F/A-18 Hornet. This permitted a look-down/shoot-down capability, as well as compatibility with the AIM-120 AMRAAM. A total of 110 aircraft were put through the full ICE process, while 37 other aircraft tasked with the strike role did not receive the new radar.

F-4F Phantom II 72-131
F-4F 72-131 "HO" preparing for takeoff. This aircraft from the 20th FS Silver Lobos, was one of those permanently deployed to Holloman AFB, NM to permit training under good weather conditions. All of the US-based aircraft have been retired to the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB.

F-4F Phantom frontal detail

F-4F Phantom II 72-129 tail walk-around
F-4F 72-129 tail detail


Luftwaffe F-4F Phantom II underside of tail walk around

F-4 Phantom II walk around intake detail
F-4F intake detail - note the "Spook" F-4 mascot. Like the USAF's F-4Es, the German F-4Fs could carry a 600-gallon F-15 type centerline drop tank.

F-4F Phantom II pylon detail
F-4F travel pod


F-4F wing leading edge detail



Other McDonnell aircraft:

F3H Demon in action review        F3H Demon ad       F-4D Phantom II walk-around        F-4EJ Phantom II



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