Length: 10.5 inches
Width: 6.25 inches
The first production RF- 4C flew in May 1964. The RF- 4C was an unarmed recon variant
designed for information gathering. This variant is quite easy to recognize from other F-4
variants because of the distinctive nose. The larger nose was designed to accommodate radar,
sensors and flat windows for cameras. During its years of service the RF-4C used two nose
variations. The original design was the angular version with a later design that had a smoother
rounded camera bulge. There were 503 RF- 4cs built with 499 being officially accepted by the
USAF.
Because of the war in Vietnam the 14th TRS was activated In October 1966. The unit was
issued new RF-4C Phantom IIs and after training arrived at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base
in October 1967 assigned to the 432nd TRW. Mid way into 1971 the 14th TRS were the only
tactical reconnaissance unit in Vietnam. During their time in Vietnam the RF-4s didn’t carry any
weapons and relied on speed and speed and altitude to evade Migs and SAMs. In December
1975 the 432nd TRW was inactivated this included the 14th TRS and their RF-4s were sent to
Shaw AFB, South Carolina.