Fact Sheet 92-20
RF-4C

Mission

     The RF-4C is a multisensor, long-range aircraft capable of all-weather 
day and night reconnaissance in a high- or low-threat environment. 

Features

     The aircraft's specifications and design are similar to the F-4 Phantom 
II. Two crew members sit in tandem on ejection seats under individual 
rear-hinged canopies. The plane's cantilever wings are swept back 45 
degrees. Its tricycle landing gear hydraulically retracts into the wings and 
fuselage.

     Normal combat missions in the RF-4C are flown at altitudes ranging 
from 100 feet (30.5 meters) to 45,000 feet (13,720 meters) at speeds often 
exceeding 600 miles per hour (Mach 0.80). For extended missions, one 
external fuel tank under the fuselage and two under the wings can be 
added. The RF-4C also can be refueled in flight with equipment for boom 
refueling installed in the top side of the fuselage, behind the rear canopy.

     Multiple optical and infrared systems make the RF-4C one of the most 
versatile reconnaissance aircraft in the world. All of its reconnaissance 
systems are operated primarily from the rear seat.

     The optical cameras are used generally for day, low-altitude 
photography, but also produce high-quality imagery at higher altitudes. 
These cameras can generate forward-looking and side-looking oblique 
photography, vertical and mapping photography, and horizon-to-horizon 
panoramic photography. Special long-range optical photographic systems 
with focal lengths from 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) to 66 inches (167.6 
centimeters) provide detailed prints from extended stand-off ranges.

     The infrared sensor locates targets under cover or at night by detecting 
heat sources and heat differentials. The sensor is especially suited for 
night reconnaissance tasks in high-threat areas. Unlike optical cameras, 
which need a source of light, the infrared sensor system forms an image 
from heat energy radiated by objects within the sensor's field of view. The 
result is a continuous map of the area beneath the flight path of the 
aircraft.

     Associated reconnaissance capabilities include: film data annotation, 
HF and UHF communications sets, and vertical stabilized camera mounts. 
Special films such as camouflage detecting and color are used.

     All RF-4Cs were modified with a digital modular avionics system that 
provides very accurate navigation information. 

Background

     The first production model of the RF-4C flew in 1963 and became 
operational in 1964. Since 1972 Air National Guard reconnaissance 
squadrons have been flying the RF-4C in training missions and now 
provide all of the combat-ready tactical reconnaissance squadrons. 

     RF-4Cs were deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for Operation 
Desert Storm in 1991.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Reconnaissance.
Builder: McDonnell Douglas Corp.
Power Plant: Two General Electric J79-GE-15 turbojet engines with 
afterburners or J79-GE-15E low-smoke engines.
Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters).
Height: 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters).
Wingspan: 38 feet, 5 inches (11.7 meters).
Speed: 1,600 mph (Mach 2.13).
Range: 1,400 miles (1,217 nautical miles).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 58,000 pounds (26,100 kilograms).
Special Equipment: KA-56 low-altitude panoramic camera (horizon-to-
horizon scan); KA-91 high-altitude panoramic camera (60- to 90- degree 
scan); KS-87 optical camera (3-, 6-, 12- or 18-inch focal length); T-11 
high-altitude mapping camera; AAD-5 infrared line sensor; and AN/ALQ-
125 tactical electronic reconnaissance system.
Crew: Two, pilot and weapon systems officer, in tandem.
Status: Operational.
Date Delivered: 1964
Inventory: Active force, 0; ANG, 84; Reserve, 0;

POINT OF CONTACT:  
National Guard Bureau; Public Affairs Office; 2500 Army Pentagon; 
Washington DC 20310-2500; DSN 225-3454, (703) 695-3454.

(Current as of October 1992)