The Tailhook Association ted to foster, encour age, study, develop and sup- poor the aircraft carrier, carrier aircraft and aircrew of the Unit- fed States of America, in their Appropriate role in the nation’s d defense system. The Hook sth of! quar — wr ‘ety joumal of The Taihook Associa- ton and, a6 ech, ihe ony publ Caton Inthe wold hats dries toeling tha stor of US. Navy carr fr aviaon, bath past and present carer or squadron histories bal fancod with departments containing the latest nows and photographs of fcinont nits and aerorpace duty developments afecing cari aia tion, Emphasis i placed on high ‘quay reprodueton ofthe Bost pho Tographs avalale of U.S. Navy aie frat in eporatonal stations, many in or Atypical ous of Tha Hock wil contain mare than 200 phot ‘raphe within its 60:pius pages. Full-color covers and squadron insigua page ae fonized in each sve, ‘Tallhook Association Membership Information ogi Membenip ‘Sioa tent aan rae wont di a 8 Aoguar Members Arcee Menten aes te eindetebo ‘Gebers ard Susie as wee same VISA and NC. ‘Ovens nd Canad Mabon “ya ima $000 Remit dues to: The Tailhook Association 9696 Businesspark Ave. San Diego, CA 92131-1643 (858) 689-9223 http://www. Tailhook.org thookassn @aol.com. avai $25 Luchtvaaet Hobby Shop Molenieg 249, 1496 BV Aalsmeorderburg The Netheriands henitimmers@un-one.ni ‘Tho Aviation Bookshop 656 Hotoway Road London N19 2PD England +44 (0) 20 7272 2830, “+44 (0) 20 7272 9781 fax Info@aviaton-bookshep com Aviation World 196 Caringvew rice Toronto, Ontario MAW SEB Canada 800-668-1987 (416) 674-5015 fox Info@aviionwordret Alteran Roviow 1608 Ft. 38 Mick Plaza Mt Holly, New Jersey 08060 usa (609) 264-1177 Fédon@aolcom, CRM Hobbies £3226 Watson load St: Lous, 40 68139 usa (914) 645-1117 fm@inink.net Southern Musoum of Flight 4343 Tard Soot North Birmingham, AL 35206-3642 USA Tat cl el oe 1 BS an 6 Se ag a ae i Seems ine | atic cs acne pee Tt Pree ee po. wox os fo anon 044720078 Places to Find Smoke Trails ‘The Air Foree Museum Foundation, ne. P.O. Box 33428 AMC Branch Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-0624 (G37) 258-1218 Burbank’s House of Hob- bies 911 South Victory Bd, Burbank, CA 91502, usa (@18) 648-2674 phone and fax winuhouseofhabbies.com ‘Autobooks / Aerobooks, Ine. 3824 West Magnolia Bld Burbank, CA 91505 usa wawautobooks: ‘erobooks.com (618) 645-0707 (era) a4s-a963 Aviation Collectibles 445629 Siva Highway. Lancaster, CA 93534 USA 61720-0042 661-729-1976 ameyeranel.com Uncle Bill's Hob (002,117.17 Ave Calgary Alberta DET Canaga uncebils@shaw.ca Important Note to ALL Members! Greeotiela Nows and Hobby 6815. Layton ‘Avene Greenfela, Wi 53220 USA (414) 281-1800 fax 414-282. 440 ‘roanfelchobby® ‘hoiceonemallcom ‘ww greenlahobby com Hayos Hobby House 809 Elm Soot Fayettevile, NC 26903, USA (10) 485.2387 aitooc Wineimst. 20 ‘1054 Erlangen Gomany H9-8131-a01993 *H40.0191-590719 fax ndreasklin@ ak: aioe deyan Sues. (iis En Lae ey Publisher Andieae en 000 ja most enangen «=O O Germany, ‘andreasklein@ ak-airdoc.de oO OO oo OO OO Editor Patrick Martin 104655@tolus.net Contributing Editor Wiliam Burns Contributing Writers Florian Morasch Lee De Haven ‘Adrian Balch Mark Munzel Modeling Editor ‘Scoft van Aken Te F.4 Peni i Soy ea ronrtelenife ee eee ee Study and reservation of ine Mebonnel Douglas Fa Pra Sate eo pe AEP Phan Sosy, ne ands pines ou toda Sate ate sntny ices sout re Fatty Gl arcane he peop wo tow kana Pape vino manianod Soca mente fo ‘ote ato oss nny he Soy ory Oe Your aco las cine mage pied tat ‘Site tls appearing i Sone ata are Scot nonin an sr mode oui a wan conus mate fof patestenn Smoke Tal, ee ee Witheimst. 2, SreSt angen, > CSS5Es: ‘The F-4 Phantom It'Soe lemet e-mail address: ‘aphantomsociaty dbolsouth neh Seen ee ‘Annual membership fe Is $40.00 including one fume (four numbers) of Smoke Tals ma Allcopie are sent tthe members viref mf Fopor any change of adoress prompt. Print in Singapor Dre eye pes ieee acl SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 Peace Jack Phantoms Andreas Klein The President's Lore ad . Bob Kay A Very Special Phantom ... Patrick Martin International Air Tattoo 1983 . Patrick Martin Rhinos at Clean Hunter Florian Morasch Next Issues Main Topics Pattick Martin gives us ‘some background infor- mation on the 347th TTEW stationed at Yokota ‘AB, Japan, trom January 15, 1968, to October 31, 1972" “Search for the Greek ‘Spook” describes Florian. Morasch’s visit to a, Nea Anchlalos and gra alr bases during the “Archangel Michael” Air Show in September 2005 in Greece. a A Front Cover: j Taken on May 12, 2004, RF-4E(S)WBB8L 201 “AHAT” Squadron trom Tel 'Nof is seen in final approach tp base after the phase-out cere- ‘mony and the disbandment of the Fel Phantom Il from\tho Ieraoll Air Force. (Ofer Zidon) Back Cover top: Pte S20 “Toeminator” 7.0266 of ES Hoon (Pirates) of the Turk- ish Air Force stationed at Malatya-Erliae if Seen returning from a Clean ‘Hunter mission to Neuburg AB, Bavatiy oftdane 20,2005. (AirDOC - Andreas Kien) ‘ Back Cover bottom: is, ie [RF-AC 68-0567 of the 26th TAC from "AB, Germany, is only ‘aconde away fn tocting dour alll foh after having gom- pleted a navigational training fight in spring 1927. (AlrD0C Collection) ‘www.F4Phantom.com 1n Klein looks at the service life of the once top secret reconnaisannce variant. he “Peace Jack” program had its origins in the ClA-funded reconnaissance modifications implemented in the General Dynam- ics RB-57F, with the HIAC-1 (high-alt- tude, high-resolution reconnaissance camera) being the main element. The HIAC-1 was a heavy, ultr-longfocal- length camera optimized for Long Range Oblique Photography (LO- ROP). Designed and manufactured by General Dynamics’ Fort Worth Division, it featured a focal length of ‘66in and was to be carried by the RB- '87F during information gathering flights around hostile airspace. ‘Throughout service career of the RB-57F, the camera was steadily improved and lightened, its weight being reducedtrom a 3,500Ib proto- type to 1,228!b for the late production model. Under laboratory conditions, tests using high contrast Estar 3414 film resulted in the actual resolution of 240 lines/mm compared to the pre- dicted resolution of 190lines/mm. Dur- ing the first test flights at20NM (naut- cal miles) range, the wanted resolu- tion had been12.5in, but an actual resolution of 10in could be achieved, while at 40NM range, the anticipated resolution had been 27in and the actual resolution proved to be 22in. The greater the increase of the range- out, the better the resolution was in ‘comparison to the laboratory test. The Israel Air Force (Hey! Ha’Avir) showed strong interest in Peace Jack PHANTOMs ‘obtaining several RB-57Fs for recon: naissance duties. These requests were always denied by the US State Department due to the sensitivity of the new systems of the HIAC-1 Development continued and by early 1971, the weight of the camera had been decreased to less than 1,500Ib. (Today newer versions, such as the Japanese KS-146B LOROP POD hhave weights of 750Ib or less - mak- ing them available for smaller aircraft such as the F-16). General Dynamics always briefed the Israelis about the latest ews in HIAC-1 developments. In mid-1971, the State Department approved the sale of a pod-mounted HIAG derivative designated G- ‘This photograph of “Shablul” 492 nits HAS shows to good effect the redesigned nose contour of the RF-8X program, which finaly lead tothe conversion of three F-4E Phantom Il Into RF-4E(S) for the fra 2 www.F4Phantom.com ‘Alt Force. (AirDOC Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 5/No. 1Israeli Ai 199.The unit was some 22ft long and had the ability tocarry a payload of sensor systems weighing up to 4,0001b and equipped with its own environmental control system. After a short and intense flight test program using an USAF RF-4C (66-419), the first delivery of the G- 139 took place in October 1971. Although extra-ordinarily effective in its role, it soon became apparent that the podded HIAC was not permitting the RF-4C/F-4E carrier aircraft to operate at maximum performance, due to the induced drag the pod creat- ed. The limitations were so high that the F-4Es maximum speed with attached pod was just bolow Mach 1.5 with a maximum altitude of only 50,000 ft being reached. F-4E 69-7576 photographed shortly aftr it arrival at the General Dynamic Fort Worth facilities in Texas in Decem- ber 1974, Note the three tanker contiguration and the attached travel pods to accommodate the personal belongings of the General SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs These performance losses were- considered absolutely unacceptable, as they increased exposure time of the reconnaissance aircraft to enemy SAM and AAA systems and limited maneuverability when evasive actions were needed. The altitude restriction drastically affected the extraordinary performance established by the unique HIAC's lens. In January 1972, General Dynamics analyzed the prob- lem of the podded G-139 and came to the conclusion that they needed to increase the performance of the F- 4E's General Electric J79-GE-17A tur- bojet engines. A design effort was inti ated that resulted in several F-4X con- figuration propositions with a planned allitude to be reached of 78,0001 at a cruising speed of Mach 2.4 Soke Frais ‘in 69-7576 a seen in early 1973, prior to conversion to RF-4E(S) standard. ‘Note the 119 “Bat” Squadron insignia on its {all and the absence of maneuvering slats The aircraft Is fully armed for an alr-to- {ground mission with only the bomb fuses lett tobe installed. (AirDOC Collection) Because or the F-4E's worldwide availability and current operational status with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) it was decided that the F-4X moditica- tion would be implemented into the F- 4 airframe. The modifications includ- ed: = The incorporation of pre-compressor section cooling (PCC). PCC refers to de-mineralized water sprayed into an aircrattengine inlet to cool the air by ‘evaporation before it enters theengine compressor, which hasessentially the same effect on the engine as flying on anextremely cold day, i.e. engine ‘mass flow and thrust areincreased. At high altitudes, the PCG shows its effectiveness around Mach 1.4, with the aircraft performance figures, such as acceleration, maneuverabilily, high- fer speeds and altitudes, all increasing steadily with the higher Mach num- bers; - The addition of enlarged intakes and their elated control systems with new spiiter plates, revised actuating com- ponents, cowis and ducting; ~ The incorporation of two large water tanks with a 2,500Ib water capacity, pumps,regulators and an aperture of spraying the waterin the intakes, with most of the technical equipment being stowed inside each of the tanks. The tanks were to be bolted to the inter- == kap www.F4Phantom.com 3‘An early mock-up of the revised and {enlarged air intake of the RF-AX proposition, ‘The changes wore added to 69-7576 using cardboard (Jay Miller Collection) sectionjoints of the fuselage spine and. engine nacelles, and could bere- moved when the Phantom was on the ground, The General Dynamics special projects team concluded that PCC ‘was a suitable solution to the encoun- tered performance problems. The idea behind the F-4X was still based around the requirement to hang the G-139 pod, but with all necessary items designed around the aircraft. Israeli involvement In early 1972, the Israel govern- ment via the Israel Air Force had start- ed to partallyfund the initiative. A five- month study was conducted in which full-scale water injection nozzles ofvatious types were tunnel tested. Design work on the F-4X continued through the first half ofthe same year, with miscellaneous wind tunnel tests being conducted. Additional General Dynamics funding kept theF-4X pro- gram alive through 1972. This allowed for the airframe engineering to devel- 68.7576 100k to the alr forthe first time after the initial conversion was completed on ‘December 20, 1975. The complete nose sec tion was painted black in preparation of future testing. Some days after the frst flights, wool tufts were installed to the nose Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs op an improved and lighter version of the HIAC-1 camera. On 12 April 1973, General Dynamics submitted the F-4X propos- al officially to the USAF. Immediate funding of follow-on studies lead to additional support from the Israell Air Force. By early 1974, the IAF announced its concerns on a future use of the G-139 pod. The experi- ‘ences gained from the severe losses in the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, demonstrated Phantom defi- ciencies. The Israel Government, a strong supporter of the F-4X, soon ran into a political wall. The US StateDe- partment found the F-4X proposal to be politically untenable. In their opin- jon, the F-4X was a strategic platform, rather than a tactical platform, with significantly highercapabilities, then only available to the Soviet Union andthe USA. After a long debate, the IAF agreed to the removal of the radar and associated systems. This eased- Up the State Department's concerns and a permission to export the RF-4X modifications to the IAF was given, In December 1974, a McDonnell Dou- glas crew delivered F-4E (69-7576) to General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas, where the Phantom was used for mock-up studies and as pre-con- version test aircraft In mid-1975 the political reality caught up with the RF-4X program. ‘As new aircraft designs such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 were reach- ing the hardware stage, it was feared that the performance of the RF-4X might endanger F-15 funding. The United States Air Force was caught SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No.Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs up in a struggle conceming the safety of the PPC-concept. The anticipated delay of several years, finally killed the BF-4X. ‘As the demand of the Heyl Ha’Avir for such a reconnaissance platform was higher then ever, the IAF decided to purchase a down-scaled variant of the RF-4X, designated RF- 4E(S). Three of this Phantom were eventually built and delivered. It was simply an early, un-slated F-4E with modifications beginning at nose sta- tion 77-00, The HIAC camera, a verti- cal KS-87 camera and related equi ment were installed in a specially designed nose, The latter provided a total of 70ft of internal space and increased the F-4E's normal length by twelve-inch. The new nose was equipped with its own air conditioning and environmental control system, a liquid nitrogen system, two side oblique windows plus two smaller win- dows on the bottom. Additionally, a round window for the KS-87B, plus numerous access doors and hinged sections. were incorporated. Three F- 4E(S) aircraft were converted for the Israel Air Force (69-7567, 69-7570, 69-7576) and delivered in late 1975 and early 1976. RF-4E{S) 498 returning to Its shelter after ‘another successful training mission. Note the opened brake chute housing. (AitDOC Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 RF-4&(S) 492 Configuration above the Dead In fall 1998, ground crew personnel are taking care about ‘Sea in the spring of 2003.Note _“Shablul” 499. The cover of the oblique window of the the botted-on refueling boom. LOROP camera is to protect the glass from any dirt and (AirD0C Collection) major scratches. These might cause refractions and false targets rendering the imagery of the target un-usable for {actcal evaluation. (AItDOC Collection) www.F4Phantom.com 5Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs ‘Due to strict security regulations through-out the past decades, photographs ike these depicting FF-4E(S) 492 in its typical drive-through shelter in Tel [Nof AB, were nearly impossible for a nomeracl clizen. With the nearing dis- bbandment of the IAF F- fleet in early 2004 these restrictions were finally It 4, (AlrD0C Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs ‘The lower part of the redesigned nose contour of 499 with left side and lower oblique camera windows. (ArD0¢ Collection) Technical changes Besides the highly visible changes to the aircraft's fuselage, the ‘cockpits and some of the aircraft inte- rior were converted to accommodate the HIAC’s systems. The HUD was retained, however, the gun camera was removed and returned to the IAF. Alocally manufactured cover was installed to close over the gun port. ‘The cover was simply sheet aluminum shaped to fit, painted non-glare black. Both radar scopes were retumed to IAF, as were all gun and radar compo- nents. The only system related interface {or the pilot station was a small indica- tor light mounted on the side of the angle of attack indicator. The light- blinked each time the LOROP-camera framed a picture, giving the pilot indi- cation that the camera was operating and he should hold a constant, steady heading, Modifications to the rear cockpit were more extensive with the removal of the missile and radar controls. The sensor/eamera controls were installed on the right side console, as the navi- gator was to operate the camera sys- tems from the rear station. Two bore- sighted optical sights were installed to the left and right sides of the aft Detailed photograph showing the two lower ‘oblique windows of the RF-8E(S) nose con- version. (AirD0¢ Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 RY aay canopy for pointing the LOROP at tar- gets of opportunity or pre-determined fields of view. Hardpoints for mounting the sights were permanently attached to the canopy sill, while the aiming device was mounted to the hard points by quick-removal latch. The LOROP was slaved to the pointing angle of the sights through wiring interface at each hard point. Whenev- er the navigator points the sight at a pointiarget, the LOROP would rotate to that point as the aiming aperture and camera had coincident lines of sight. The interface wiring was routed Smoke Trails” Window for the vertical KS-678 camera located justin front of the nding gear (AirDOC Collection) along either side of the canopy sill and terminated through an electrical connector, which was a lanyard release (quick disconnect) type to ensure safe canopy jettison. Early in service within the IAF, the sights of the RF-4E(S) were removed and stowed during take-off and landing, avoiding interference with ejection or change trajectory of the canopy dur- ing ejection. This procedure however, became obsolete by the late 1970s. ‘The HIAC-1 camera was mount- ed horizontally along the aircraft cen- terline on rotary bearings with a drive www.F4Phantom.com iz‘A pllot trom 119 Squadron, talking withthe crew chief of the aircraft. Note the air condition system attached to the air- ‘rats nose freeing the camera compartment of any moisture. ‘This could later affect the quality ofthe photographs obtained ‘during the mission. (AirDOC Collection) “Bat Squadron pilots are seen entering thelr aircraft. They ‘are wearing the David Clark pressure sult used by NASA Space Shuttle crews, The sults weight about 12kg each and ‘consist of four layers of flame resistant synthetic fiber matei- a Prior to take-off, thy are checked thoroughly for any pros- ‘Sure or alr leaks. The latter could prove fatal should the crew have to eject from a crippled aircraft at heights above '50,000Mt (AlrDOC Collection) 8 ‘wwwF4Phantom.com motor on the front. It rotated the camera in a way to allow left, vertical and right photographic imagery. The design incorporated innovations such as: = The first steppable framing camera to be moved as a unit; = The first camera with programmable computer logic for automatic step- ping, focusing, image motion compensation and self-test; ~The first camera to use a graphite composite barrel (offering three times the tensile strength, twice the stiff ness and 0.1% the ther- mal conductivity of earli- ‘er material,plus negligi- ble thermal expansion and imperviousness tocorrosion). The camera's focal length was 66-inches, its lens speed was #/4.0, the shutter speeds available from 1/60th to1/3,000th seconds, its film capacity Peace Jack PHANTOMs was 1,000 ft on a five-inch standard reel, and the exposure rate was four framesper second. The LOROP was capable of single frame mode, three- step mode and five-step mode with stereoscopic imagery selectable in all modes. When the system was in step- ping modes, either three steps or five Steps, each successive frame of imagery maintained proper overlap with the previousframe across track as well as along track such that each frame could be trimmed and aligned with adjacentirames to form a suedo mosaic of the total imagery along the flight path. In all modes, the overlap could be selected in-flight for 12% ‘overlap along track for maximum film ‘endurance or 56% overlap to produce stereo imagery, however, in mode five the film consumption was rather fast. Rotation was selectable in-flight, giving the camera a field of view from five degrees below the left horizon to five degrees below the right horizon. The necessary equipment for both camera systems (LOROP and KS- 878) was also located in the nose. A liquid nitrogen escapement heat exchanger system was used for cooling, along with a heat element to stabilize temperature within the cam- era compartment. This was critical to SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs 499 in “Bat” Squadron markings had been ‘captured on fim in 2001, will taxing out to the runway In Tol Nof'AB. The standard tlight gear of the pilots and the missing ‘equipment and ordnance for sel-defense indicate a routine training Might below an tude of 0,000. (AitDOC Collection) long focal length refractive cam erasystems, ‘The compartment was un-pres: surized to maintain identical refractive indexes betweencompartment and outside ambient air. This arrange- ment, however, made an environmen- tal control on the ground prior to mis- sion start necessary. ‘The computer that controlled the LOROP, was the first digital comput- ericontroller ever used in an aircraft. Camera systems were connected 10 the aircraft via four interfaces: - Three phase, 400Hz AC power & 28V DC power. The interface was through the number four circult break- er panel at the left hand, second sta- tion sidewall; ~ A source of ground speed came from the rear cockpit speed indicator. An unused potentiometer in the indicator was powered with 5V DC. The output was routed to the camera system- swhere it was scaled for use as the V (vertical) element for the V/H-compu- tation, essential for camera frame Aircraft No. 498 exhibited in Tel Not AB dur- Ing the phase-out ceremony on May 12, 2004. (AirD0C Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 rates and Forward Motion Compensa- tion (FMC). FMC is necessary to pre- vent smearing of the imagery during exposure as the aircraft moves for ward: - The H (horizontal) element of the \Vikt-equation was derived from the Air Data Computer (ADC). In a similar fashion to the Ground Speed element (V), an unused potentiometer was Used for it - The output ofthe lateral accelerome- ter, a part of the flight control system, was routed through anelectronic fre- quency filter (notch filter). This reduced the lateral angular excursions of the aircraft (nose slice or “Dutch Roll’) for a more stable photographic platform for the long focal length LOROP. The filter was mounted inside the lett side console of the rear cock- pit with selectable ON-OFF as desired. Just aft and below the LOROP for ground position tracking and con- firmation a vertical KS-878 was inte- grated, which could be maintained and serviced either via the left or right access hatch. The focal length of the vertical KS-87B was six-inches, however, a twelve-inch lens cone could be used if needed. Experience gained from mis- sions utilizing the twelve-inch lenses ‘www.F4Phantom.com 9During the phase-out ceremony on March 12, 2004, all three RF-4E(S) can be seen lined up on a taxiway in Tel Not AB. Behind FF-4E 489, “Shablul” 498 can be soon with its tan nose, followed by 492 and then 498. ‘The aircraft closest to the photographer is FF-aE 489 with afeld modified recce nose. (AirD0¢ Collection) proved that it had inferior optics with major roltoff at the edge of format. All three aircraft were fitted with data link, Elta-IFF and UHF-radio and standard late F-4E formation-keeping strip lights. Additionally, nearly every reconnaissance aircraft in IAF inven- tory had a second electronic warfare role. For this the RF-4E(S) received additional equipment and antennas, ‘The engines of the RF-4(S) were standard J79-GE-17A. The RF-4X ‘modification was never implemented because of the lack of funds. Because the IAF could not afford both RF-4X modification and the LOROP develop- ment/modification, the LOROP was ‘chosen due to a greater need As all three aircratt featured the un-slatted (hard wing) of the early F- 4€ and AF-4E design, the IAF thought about upgrading these aircraft with the slatted wing (soft wing) ofthe late model F-4E. This requirement was 10 www.F4Phantom.com Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs cancelled at an early stage, as the mission profile no longer included ‘active air-to-air combat. Also, the air- frames featured a closer commonality with the RF-4E fleet than with the fighter-bomber (F-4E) All three RF-4E(S) aircraft were painted in three-tone standard IAF desert camouflage on upper surfaces consisting of; FS.30219 Tan, FS 83531 Middle Stone and FS.34227 Medium Groen, with FS.95622 Light Blue undersurtaces. However, only 69-7570/492 and 69-7567/498 re- Ceived a black radome to disguise the Nose recesses as per the fighter- bomber. The nose section/radome of 69-7576/499 was painted in a light tan ‘color to commemorate its predeces- ‘Sof, special purpose Mirage coded “96°, witha light tan camera nose The RF-4E(S) “Tsalam Shablul” In IAF service Service entry of the "Tsalam ‘Shabiul" (snail) - IAF nickname for the RF-4E(S) - resulted in a rare instance Of re-numbering the tactical code of certain aircratt. During the final decades, 119 ‘Squadron had been the IDF/AF’s pre- mier reconnaissance unit ever since the first two dedicated Dassault Mirage reconnaissance aircraft were delivered in 1964. Following the tradi- tion set by these legendary reconnais- sance Mirages (tactical codes 98 and 99), the RF-4Es were assigned IDF/AF serial numbers higher than 90 with 1 as the initial digit (196, 198 etc.). After the Yom Kippur War in October 1978, and the arrival of the final six of twelve RF-4E aircratt in 1974, the reconnaissance role Phan: toms in IAF service 485 - 499 were recoded to free additional codes of the 1x code system for more F-4E fighter-bombers. As the Mirage III reconnaissance airframes featured the tactical codes “98” and "99", the unit commander of 119 Squadron was able to persuade the IDF/AF chief of staff to allocate the prestigious serial numbers (4)98 and (4)99 to two of the newly delivered RF-4E(S) reconna sance aircraft. The third RF-4E was coded 492 and the original RF-4Es "198" and "199" were re-coded 488, and 489. Soon after their arrival in Israel in 1976, all three special reconnais- sance aircraft saw extensive service over the Middle East. Missions were SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs routinely flown at altitudes of 60,000ft ‘and above to ensure the best photo- ‘graphic quality. The pilots had to wear pressure suits (astronaut suits) to sur- vive the cold and low pressure. This was not just in case of possible ejec- tion (the altitude record of an IAF RF- 4E(S) was set at 73,000tt), but also from keeping the blood of the crew from bolling as the cockpit of the F-4 was only semi-pressurized. The IAF used the David Clark suits, which are similar to those worn by the Space Shuttle crews, consisting of four lay- ers of fabric, synthetic fiber and NOMEX flame-resistant material. The complete weight of the sult including gloves and helmet could exceed 412kg, It took about 20-minutes for the pilots to suit-up and movement inside the cockpit was very much restricted. (On missions below 50,000ft standard flight-suits were used. During the late 1970s, the ‘Shabluls” were re-fitted with an i flight refueling boom system bolted on to the aft portion of the left side of the rear cockpit and to the upper fuselage of the aircraft. Standard load of an RF-4E(S) on a long range mission consisted of two 370gal “Sergeant Fletcher" auxiliary wing tanks, a 600gal centerline tank, a single Python 3 or AIM-9 Sidewinder IR-missile for self defense attached to ‘a make-shift pylon in the forward left ‘Sparrow missile bay, two additional SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 Chaff and flare dispensers in the two rear Sparrow bays and an ALQ-119 ECM-pod below the inboard wing pylon. ‘As the reconnaissance missions and tactical profiles of these aircraft were kept under strict secrecy, not much information was exposed to the public. However, on one occasion, two RF-4E(S) scored the one and only kill for any AF-4 in IAF service. On January 3, 1982, “Shablul” 492 with Ran Granot and navigator Daniel Grossman and 498 with the squadron GO of 119 Squadron Gideon Sheffer and navigator Yuval Naveh were on a high-level reconnaissance mission cover Iraq. While on the low-level por- tion on their way back from the target they were intercepted by a single MiG-21. Col. Sheffer quickly analyzed the situation and came to the conciu- sion that the MiG, fying in clean con- figuration and in full afterburner, must have consumed much of its precious fuel since scrambling from home ait- base. The pair of Phantoms “played” with the “Fished” for some time with- ‘out providing the Iraqi fighter with any kind of fring opportunity. After disen- gaging from the doomed MiG-21, the RF-4E(S) raced home at maximum speed. Alter re-fuelling from an A-4 buddy tanker, they safely reached their home base Tel Nof AB. Later an inteligence report confirmed that the MiG had crashed due to fuel starva- Smoke Frais” tion, As a ‘no weapon” kil, the victory was added to the squadron's tally! Shortly after the Lebanon War in 1982, rumors spread that one of the precious RF-4E(S) had been lost to a shoulder mounted SAM ~ not so. In 38 years of RF-4 Phantom Il service within the Hey! Ha’Avi, only a single reconnaissance Phantom was lost On November 9, 1973, RF-4E 194 1was shot down over Egypt by an SA-2 ambush. Pilot Gideon Sheffer sur- vived — though severely wounded, while his navigator Ofer Tsidon did not Alter the disbandment of 119 “Bat” Squadron in April 2003, the three special reconnaissance aireratt were handed over to 201 “Ahat” Squadron, where they continued their ‘extensive service. On May 12, 2004, all three “Shabluls" were phased-out of active service, bringing an end to 30-years of service of the RF-4E(S) with the Hey! Ha’Avir. Aircraft 498 was handed over to the IAF Museum in Hatzerim, where it is on permanent exhibition Aircraft 492 and 499 were stored at Ovda AB, in the southern part 4 of the Negev desert RF-4E(S) 492 js seen in final approach to Tel Not AB. "Bat" Squadron markings indicate ‘that this photo must have ben taken prior to ‘April 2003, (AirDOC Collection) www.F4Phantom.com mWSmoke Trails” Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs The aircraft “en détail” “The front cockpit ofthe aircraft 482, During the conversion, the gun camera tional chaff and flare dispenser units, which could be and radar sereen had been removed and the cavity was covered with a loeai- carried in both rear “Sparrow” bays. These units soon becs- ly manufactured cover. ime standard equipment for the RF-4E(S) airrat. (kirD0C Cover) (AirD0C Cover) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1yo Israeli Air Force - Peace Jack PHANTOMs Soke Trails” ‘This rather rare photograph shows the rear cockpit of special reconnelssence Phantom 492. Although the radar and adjacent screer removed when the aireralt was converied to RF-4E(S) standard, additional RHAW and ELINT gathering equipment was installed by (Al Alrorat Industries). Detected electronic emissions were displayed on the small CRT placed in the center to close the cavity ofthe radar screen. (AirDOC Collection) ‘The picture on the left features a close-up shot of the optical sight attached to the right canopy framing of the rear cockplt of "Shablul” 4492, while the picture right gives an impression how itis looking through it. (AirDOC Collection) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 www.F4Phantom.com 13Smoke Frils” The F-4 Phantom II Society - Merchandise Available from the Phantom II Society Publications a. Aerofax Minigraphs #4 (F-4D) and #13 (RF-4C) 8 7.00 ppd b, Marine Air by John Trotti 8 5.00 ppd G a Aerofax Minigraph Marine Air caer Patches F-4 Phantom Society 85.00 ppd PhanCon ‘94 Holloman AFB 86.00 ppd PhanCon ‘96 NAWS Point Mugu 86.00 ppd eee eos PhanCon ‘97 Holloman AFB 86.00 ppd Phanon ‘98 ‘Tyndall AFB 86.00 ppd PhanCon ‘99 NAS Point Mugu $6.00 ppd PhanGon ‘00 Davis-Monthan AFB $6.00 ppd i, PhanCon ‘01 Holloman AFB 86.00 ppd Ne (Bvent canceled, but we have the patch) PhanCon ‘01 PhanCon ‘98° PhanCon ‘02 Holloman AFB 86.00 ppd PhanCon ‘03 ‘Tyndall AFB 86.00 ppd (Event canceled, but we have the patch) PhanCon ‘04 Holloman AFB 86.00 ppd PhanCon ‘05 F-4 Phantom II Soci 86.00 ppd 87.00 ppd PhanCon 09 Society Patch PhanGon 05, Phancon"04 Please note that the minimum merchandise purchase is US § 10.00! 14 www.F4Phantom.com SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1ae The F-4 Phantom II Society - Merchandise Smoke Traits” Fi . Pins and Pewter Pewter letter opener 120.00 Pewter key chain 10.00 lester opener Brass Coin 88.00 F-4 Phantom Society pin (NEW!) 8 5.00 (all prices plus postage!) Key chain Tass coin fromuback Spook pin Specialty Items and Videos 4 Phantom If Society watch: 819.58 + postage 85.27 Commuter coffee mugs: 810.00 + postage 85.00 ‘Skyfire: PHANTOM (Iligh Rollers of the Reno Air Guard) 829.95 ppd QF-4 Video (QF-4B and N) 24 minutes 815.00 ppd : (picture not availble) FA mteriom Seid Specify NTSC (North America) oF PAL format (mtg 10 nse TSA 200 eats is) G oy Coffee Mug backront Society wate Skyfire Video Decals - Stickers — Zaps Rubber Stamps Fl Society 1.00 ppd (limited supplies) $7.50 each plus posta ‘Spook (Red only) 81.00 ppd F-4D, F-4B, F-4G, RR-AC Society Decal F-4 Decal Ifyou have any questions, please contact us in advance of your order. Some supplies are limited. pps postage paid for USA only Overseas orders, add $5.00 for surface mail - $10.00 for air mail Make checks and money orders payable to: F-4 Phantom II Society. VISA and MasterCard accepted: $10.00 minimum F-4 Phantom II Society, Inc. P.O. Box 342287, Memphis, TN 38184 Olfice: (901) 388-5325 - E-mail: f4phantomsociety@bellsouth.net For more merchandising items visit our webpage: www.F4Phantom.com! SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 ‘www.F4Phantom.com 15Smoke Frais” The F-4 Phantom II Society - News Flash The President’s Message elcome Phantom Phanat- W ics! Yes it's true, after a long, long hiatus, Smoke Trails Issue 15-1 is in your fist. It has been a long road but | wanted to thank Bill Spidie and Andreas Klein for making this happen. We have made a significant move that | feel compelled to share with you. {As | said on the special message to the membership that was posted on the web site, we have relied on vol unteers to produce Smoke Trails (with the exception of printing/ mail- ing) for as long as the Society has been in existence. Unfortunately, this is no longer a viable option for many reasons. To that end, we found it necessary to Pay for the editing and development of the magazine. This provided a firm schedule that was required to be met since the producer would be paid to publish it on time. The prob- Jem was finding a reliable, aviation savvy editor to make it happen. Fortunately, we didn't have to look any further than our own Andreas by Bob Kay Klein and his AirDOC publishing ‘company. AifDOC has been produc- ing quality aviation magazines in Europe for several years...and always on time, Andreas has agreed to publish four editions of Smoke Trails each ‘quarter of the year. We will publish a call for material on the web site and provide the final date for submis- sions. Andreas will also provide material from his extensive ar- chives. The magazine will stay true to the F-4 unless there are no sub- missions and space still exists (we agreed on a 32 page minimum). So the bottom line is if you want to read about F-4s, provide material please. We had originally hoped to have 15/1 available for PhanCon 05 (18-20 October) but unfortunately, that wasn't realistic given the time- line for the transition and initiation of the process. We truly gave it our best shot. The good news is that you will see 15/2 in a couple of months and quarterly publications thereafter. It is my eamest hope that you will enjoy the new magazine and format but we won't know that for sure unless we hear from you. So please, let us know what you think and send in materiall That will be the only way we can improve. ‘The Society continues to evolve and survive. The F-4 will be around for several more years in the Drone program so the future is bright. Our journey is a marathon and not a sprint...s0 to that end we will keep on pressing on sure and steady. | appreciate the immense patience you, the membership, has shown for the past 18 months. | can't make any promises as to what the future holds but | can promise you that we will keep trying to do the fight thing by you and represent the interests of the membership. Check Six... Phantoms Phorever! Bob Kay President + From the Editor and Publisher W ell firstly ~ welcome back! It has been a long time. ‘Smoke Trails has resumed production with the same team as your last issue. This journal was handed over to another team that for a number of unfortunate reasons could not complete the task. We ‘can assure you the lack of issues in the mail had nothing to do with this Wants and YOR SALE: USAF F-4 Phan- F tom II ejection seat - the type used from 1968 to the pre- sent. Mostly complete and in very {goad condition. Contact me at (216) 524-4940 or aviationitems @hotmail.com www.FaPhantom.com 16 editor and publisher. As for content, the general direction will be much as it was before and the format - in colour, will continue. So, as usual, ‘we look forward to hearing from the readers, either comments or contri- butions at 104655 @telus.net. Patrick Martin and Andreas Klein - AitD0C. Disposals or write to: ‘Adam Prusick 4912 Hillside Road Independence, Ohio 44131, USA + “ARCHIVE REDUCTION! ADOC Publishing Company has some 4000 slides on modern US and interna: tional combat, transport, support aircaft and helicopters for sale duo to space problems. The slides are 95% Kodak- Chrome 25/64, 10% of the material are airto-air and airshow shots while the remainder was shot on airbases (mainly taxie and flgh-line shots). The batch is ‘subdivided into seven groups: 1. F-4 Phantom I (some 650 sides) 2. Fronch Air Force (some 250 sides) 8, Soviet and Warsaw Pact Air Forces (some 70 sides) 4, Luttwatfe (Some 650 sides! NO! F-4s) 5. Royal Air Force (about 400 sles) 6. North Ameria (some 800 sides) 7-Rest ofthe world (about 750 slides) The slides can either be purchased in {groups or as complete batch. Group price 4,00 Euro per slide, complete price 3,500.00 Euros. For further info contact: [Andreas Klein \Witreimstr 26 -@1054 Erlangen Germany Phone: +49-9131-401993, | Fax +49-0131-531901 andreaskain @ak-airdoc.de e SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Royal Air Force - A Very Special PHANTOM Phantom Fe Tattoo Organizing Committee, in close co-operation with the Royal Air Force, came up with the idea for aan unusual event for the annual huge air show held at RAF Greenham Common. It was the 60th anniversary of the epic Alcock and Brown's June 1919, flight across the Atlantic in a specially modified Vickers Vimy. The I nearly 1979, the International Air (Patrick Martin) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 original flight was from Newfoundland to Ireland, ending up in a rather undig- nified nose down position, but still the first successful non-stop aerial cross- ing of the Atlantic. The plan was to fly a Phantom across the Atlantic to com- memorate the event. Captain John Alcock and Lieu- tenant Arthur Whitten Brown were to make history with the first non-stop piece of British A very speci fospace history told Patrick Martin, NTOM aerial crossing of the Atlantic. The Vimy lifted off at 1:45 p.m. from Lester's Field, near St. Johns, New- foundland on June 14, 1919. After six- teen-hours and twenty-seven minutes, they landed at Cifden in Ireland, The two men were received as heroes in London. They were presented with Lord Northelife's Daily Mail prize of £10,000, by Winston Churchill, Secre- \www.F4Phantom.com 7ed Smoke Frais Royal Air Force - A Very Special PHANTOM re ROUSE SPY Aer the erew vacatod the aircraft, it was towed into display position at the interna- ‘ional Air Tatoo at RAF Greenham Common, (Adrian Balen) tary of State at the time. Several days later, King George V at Buckingham Palace knighted both men, in recogni- tion of their achievement, The landing proved to be some- what unorthodox. The field picked was deceptively green, covering a danger ‘ous swamp, the Derrygimla Moor. ‘Alcock brought the Vimy down into the swamp. The aircratt ploughed into the ‘swamp, burying its nose deep into the mud, The journey had ended after 1,890 miles and 15 hours, 57 minutes ~ held fast by their safety belts. This ‘was nearly eight years before Charles A. Lindberg’s purpose built Ryan NYP ‘Spirit of St. Louis” completed the first 's0l0” and longer flight of 3,610 miles, between Roosevelt Field on Long Island, New York, and Paris, France, in 33 hours, 30 minutes, on May 21, 1927. the original event, there isa statue outside the London Heathrow ATC tower that ir John Alcock and Sr Arthur Whitten Brown who made the first alect fight across the Atlantic St. Johns Newloundland-Citden eland 14th-t5th June 1919". (Aerian Balch) 18 www. F4Phantom.com SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1yal Air Force - A Very Special PHANTOM Smoke Traits” The IAT commissioned aviation ast, Wilf Hardy to design a special scheme for the Phantom. As Rolls Royce Eagle engines had powered the original Vimy, and Rolls Royce Spey engines powered the Phantom FGR.2, the engine manufacturer, agreed to sponsor the special paint scheme. Two aircraft were painted in the scheme with XV424, from No.23 Squadron, making the crossing from Goose Bay to RAF Greenham Com mon. The crew consisted of Squadron Leader AH. Alcock MBE, a nephew of Captain Alcock (who flew the Vimy in 1919) and Flight Lieutenant WN Browne. The second, XV486, was prepared in case any last minute problems arose. Both aircraft were “The port and starboard side ofthe o Vickers Vimy that made the first non-stop ‘eral erossing of the Atlantic rains on Aisplay atthe Kensington, London, Science ‘Museum to this da. (Acran Balch) ‘And what happened to the air- craft in this story? The original Vickers Vimy was retrieved from the bog and presented to the Science Museum in London, England, where it remains on display. Phantom FGR.2 XV424 is displayed in the more conventional air defence scheme at the RAF Hendon Museum, also in London. The back- up Phantom XV486 was scrapped at RAF St Athan in 1993. The nose sec- tion of a Phantom FG.1, XV591 was painted in the Alcock and Browne 1979 scheme and Is displayed at the RAF Museum at Cosford. ic & the IAT, both aircraft were to appear in both the large serial positions under at several events during the summer the wings and the last-three of serial throughout the UK. The only differ- on the nose gear door. No23 Squedron ‘The rear starboard sido viow of XV424, at RAF Greenhar ‘Common, on June 23, 1979, (Patrick Martin) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 www.F4Phantom.com 19ay fmoke Frails” Royal Air Force - A Very Special PHANTOM ‘The doppler-ganger, Phantom FGR.2 XxV486, Belonging to No.23 Squadron |s seen at the RAF Coningsby open house on July 21,1978. (Adrian Baleh) ight = Patrick Martin) ‘Spey powered Phantom. (Top - Adrian 6 20 www. F4Phantom.com SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Royal Air Force - A Very Special PHANTOM First non-stop transatlantic —__ fight, June 1919 2 pecie: a pe 60th anniversary — . NN commemoration flight = by RAF Phantom, June 1979 International Air Tattoo 79 == RAF Greenham Common Phantom FGR2 XV424 depart (Paree arin) tscnan Ban) 21 SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 wr FAPhantom.comirr ase Le IAT 1983 at RAF Greenham Common 25th anniversary of the F-4 Phantom II y | Tear CS PRS u ee URC aey series that started in 1971, at DR ae eR Ua reed ee Renee y CON omec a Ca y Ree ee eat In 1972, the same group of organizers held two similar sized shows at North Weald and Goodwood. For the 1973 Oe eeu Greenham Common, near Newbury in Berkshire, England. The airfield was tec mn) See ee RRR ued ee Cece aay Reem Puen ance} Cee ame a Pee eam nO et eee een Ea Pz Se Ree eG) Dec eee ieee eeu Red Sa ecg De Ae oR eee eu RRs See ee ean ry GON cee aaa) See a ne craft increased with each year. Even PR eR te og Pee ee acy Tae arate} dozens of other event in the UK, but CTC oon eau Oe ee gee PREM Un ca ces theme (27 Hunter attending). The Sea aes Semeur almost annual NATO Tiger Meet and OR ue ee ere CR eR CEPee International Air Tattoo 1983 Re foes AER OC Seo PrdPee A ce eed Eerste eye) Corer ings. ey Pya Uy SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1ar UM ed eee a ekiriat ern (Patrick Martin) CRU ORr oeeE RR} Fee ec ene Ome emer imcel fore On stg eee en my eee neem er ir ee oe tured the 60th anniversary of the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic, by reece Waa aris Peete een ete ee Rue eee No Ce ae ag PRC ere eu rens Ce ee RCo aes ea RCL e Sema cea) Pe Ream n Teaco Cee ue wee ee Ce We uo ee ena MG solicited an impressive line-up of 25 Pea ue ot Cuenta Spain could not be convinced to par- Pee me Cee eau unas ns em Saeed Cr eC One Ries Sea ea Rua aa Soe CWI Rete ccue the 1983 event. Coed mmc eS ee cnn ian) cae ae en re PO) ier fetta) ac PALO) Nee) rei ieee re PAL K Tar ee eas ee) oa oanN ieee Plus display flying FG.1 XV573 D and Dore eRe oer) Cay 27CT eran ed ee) Temata Ge Caine) ere a em na oreo fac] Pz Dd cra aD Pay Pay rao 86th TFW reas Paha) Pea Paha a ams ie ie es rd Far Rar i Far a ig recy coer) 35458 co col Ca Bad Ed Eee cra cra cond AKG52 ricco) icc rica) Alec) Recs) Ja71 Areva JBG36 JBG35 sG72 LE ed RRLTU ee ed f een eerea eae Ea er Oe) Ee) oy cea) aay TCR eaur eee Led coy BRR MEZA DELLCr eae sed Renae eee CCR ROEInternational PHANTOMS - Rhinos At Clean Hunter Smoke Frits” Rhinos at Clean Hunter Florian Morasch of Aviation Extreme visited the NATO-Exercise ‘These two F-4Es are photographed shortly afer taxing on the runway, waiting now for thelr comrades to line-up behind. (Florian Morasch) etween 27 June and 8 July J wee tate cee cean Hunter (successor of Central Enterprise) took place in parts of Cen: tral Europe. Besides Battle Grifin 2005 and ELITE 2005, Clean Hunter is one of the biggest exercises in Europe, not only for the German Luftwaffe. Clean Hunter involved air forces from 12 nations, and the exercise area extend- ‘ed from southern Germany to Denmark and from Great Britain to Poland. The aim of Clean Hunter was to provide training opportunities forall participants, flying and ground based anti-aircraft units as well. The Allied Air Component ‘Command Headquarter Ramstein and its subordinate Combined Air Operation Centres trained the planning and coor- dinating of live air operations with many different aircraft types for a wide range (of operations. Enthusiasts highlights of this year's Clean Hunter was surely the deployment of five Turkish Air Force F= 4E 2020 Terminators of 171 Filo “Kor- san’ (Pirates) from its home base *Non-Smokers” — four Terminators seconds before their landing break over Neuburg AB Ina perfect fourship formation. (lorian Morasch) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 Malatya-Erhac to Neuburg AB in Bavaria, joining the F-4F Phantoms Il of the Jagdgeschwader 74. With up to twenty daily missions flown by Turkish and German Phantoms, the classic fighters were highly involved in the dlf- ferent scenarios of the exercise, During the weekend, there was no flying, allow= ing guests from Turkey to enjoy various a ~ sightseeing programs organized by their hosts. Luckily, the Jagdgeschader 74 organized a photo day for enthusiasts during Clean Hunter. To get in close to the Phantoms was a thing not to be missed, not only by the locals. The “Yamily’ was completed by Dutch, Ital- Jan, Austrian and French spotters. www.F4Phantom.com 337 Smoke Trails International PHANTOMS - Rhinos At Clean Hunter “The open exhaust and lit after- ‘burners Indleste that FE 77- (0208 has received Its take off clearance and has just started to thunder down the runway (Florian Morasch) ‘The upgrades of this “Turkish F-4E 2020 Terminator Is Identified by the Black ‘antenna on the upper fuse: fage, and the full-size black Ground crew personnel is preparing the tivo Terminators for their ‘light back to Turkey, while extra auxiliary fuel tanks are stowed in the cargobay of a C-130 transport of the “Turkish Stars” aerobatic team. Note the arkward looking uniforms of the airmen. wera) 34 ‘www. F4Phantom.com SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1International PHANTOMS - Rhinos At Clean Hunter sige sees ee ‘This Phantom is carrying the unit pirate head rest on the tall and on the Intal ‘This is very rare for the Turkish Air Force. 9 the unit's crest Phantom 73-1049 an touch down. Note the crisp and clean looking camoutlage and the wisp of tire smoke. (airdoo) SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1 a ; SS ae Photo opportunities proved to be very {go0d, making taxi, line-up and landing shots possible. All five F-4Es were banned on film as well as the based F- 4Fs, But nevertheless, during the land Jing sequences of the Turkish Phantoms you could hear some disappointed Phantom Phanatics, “It looks like a Phantom, sounds like a Phantom, but i isn't real one — it doesn't smoke!” supa ii Te Ator two-weeks of flying, training, ‘exchanging knowledge, improving skills, and finding new friends, the Turkish detachment left Neuburg AB. Airlift sup- port was provided by a C-130E Her- cules, painted in the colours of the Turk- ish Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Turk- ish Stars, leading the five Terminators back home to their base in eastern Turkey. +Smoke Trails” During the exorcise, GRA (Quick Reaction Alert) ‘operations also took place. Here F-4F Phan- {om Il 38468 of JG-74 Is seen lining up on the runway pelor to a mis- sion in typical Luftwaffe air policing contigura- tion: three drop-tanks and two tive AIM-OL, ‘Sidewinders. Note the fully set slats and lap (arboc) we . International PHANTOMS - Rhinos At Clean Hunter Last chance - F-4F Phan- toms 11 37481 of Jaga hw Is seen 1g the last chance a prior to another ‘Clean Hunter mission, (Florian Morasch) Four “Rhinos” of Jagd- geschwador 74 are soon Performing thelr broak manoeuver above Neu- burg air base attor hav- Ing returned from a Hunter morning (aird0c) 36 www. F4Phantom.com SMOKE TRAILS Vol. 15/No. 1Printed in Singapore