McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II variant

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II RF-4C

Name: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II RF-4C
Brand: McDonnell Douglas

Unarmed tactical photo-reconnaissance version of the Phantom II for the USAF.

Updated: August 26, 2026

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II sheet

Image pending

History

The RF-4C was the tactical photo-reconnaissance version of the Phantom II for the USAF, with no cannon or missiles: the nose housed cameras instead of the interception radar. Powered by the same General Electric J79-GE-15 turbojets as other contemporary versions, it reached Mach 2.21 and had a combat radius of 1,352 km. It was widely used in Vietnam and throughout the Cold War for strategic and tactical reconnaissance missions.

Sources: Joe Baugher

Aircraft type	tactical photo-reconnaissance aircraft
Length	19.2 m
Wingspan	11.7 m
Height	5 m
Wing area	49.2 m²
Empty weight	12,825 kg
MTOW	26,308 kg
Top speed	2,348 km/h at 14,630 m
Cruise speed	945 km/h
Service ceiling	18,105 m
Initial climb rate	245 m/s
Ferry range	2,816 km
Combat radius	1,352 km
Powerplant	2 × General Electric J79-GE-15
Thrust per engine	75.6 kN
Max weapons load	0 kg
Payload	0 kg
Crew	2