Last F-4D Phantom II

[RickH]

It looks like the Collings foundation F-4D 65-0749 is now the last of of the Ds still operational, worldwide.

Korean Air Force decommissions F-4D jets

By Jung Sung-ki
Staff reporter

A squadron of F-4D Phantom fighter jets conducted its last flight Wednesday, ending its 41 years of service with the ROK Air Force.A ceremony for the decommissioning of the aircraft was held at the 11th Fighter Wing in Daegu, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul.
Boeing-built F-15K Slam Eagle fighters will replace the older aircraft.
“Though the F-4D aircraft is fading into the mist of history, their spirit will be succeeded by the F-15K, which will further bolster our air defense,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Kye-hoon said at the ceremony. Hundreds of guests, including former F-4 pilots, attended the event.

The 151st Fighter Squadron of the ROK Air Force has operated about 60 F-4Ds since 1969. The twin-engine aircraft, nicknamed “MIG Killer,” can cruise at a top speed of Mach 2.3 and has an operational range of 1,260 kilometers.

Under a 2007 deal, the Air Force is receiving up-to-date F-15K aircraft from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing.
In 2002, the F-15 aircraft was selected for the 40-plane, $4.2-billion first-phase plan of the F-X fighter modernization program aimed at buying 120 high-end fighter jets by 2020. The Boeing Company won the second-phase deal in 2008 to provide 20 more aircraft. The deal was valued at $2.3 billion.

The F-15K can fly air-to-ground, air-to-air and air-to-sea missions day or night in any weather. It has a 23,000-pound payload and can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 2.3 with a combat radius of 1,800 kilometers.
gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr

[mustangdriver]

That is very cool Rick! It is a sweet machine.

[Fouga23]

Any chance of buying some from them? Or parts?

[RickH]

Nope, someone may get them in country, but the trade restrictions on the aircraft and parts are ridiculous. The powers that be are afraid they'll wind up in Iran.

[Old SAR pilot]

Mmmm, according to several sources, the IRIAF still operates the F-4D, with the 32, 33, 62 TFS (mixed -D and -E) as well as the 101 TFS at Chahbahar (5 x -D, overhauled in 2008).


(Oct 2008 photo by Shary[Shahram] - Iranian Spotters @ Airliners.net)

Last edited by Old SAR pilot on Sat Jun 19, 2010 6:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

[RickH]

I forgot about the Iranians, I thought they were only operating Es.