Roll-out of the first F-4E(S), which took place on 12 December 1975. In this photo, tufts have yet to be applied to the nose, although markings for tuft placement are visible.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The first flight of the number one F-4E(S), with Air Force test pilot Jerry Singleton at the controls, took place on 20 December 1975 from General Dynamics' Fort Worth, Texas, facility (at Carswell AFB).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Several days after the first flight, wool tufts were installed on the nose to verify airflow characteristics. In this photo, a CAI KA-90 camera is mounted in the nose.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Several optical systems can be accommodated in the F-4E(S) nose, including the CAl KA-90A/KA-90B, shown here, which is optimised for day reconnaissance and carries 2,000ft (610 m) of film.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The HIAC-1 as configured for use in the F-4E(S), with the barrel wrapped in an insulation blanket. The entire camera, barrel and all, is rotated by the motorised unit on the right.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The first F-4E(S) undergoing weight and balance checks inside GD's Building 30. The nose has been painted black overall in preparation for tuft testing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The number one F-4E(S) as it was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in March 1976. What appears to be a black radome was only paint, as there was no radome as such. The attempt to make the F-4E(S) look like a stock F-4E was not accidental. This photograph was taken at General Dynamics facility, just prior to the delivery flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Two of the three F-4E(S) aircraft in the course of modification inside Building 30, considered as the "Skunk Works" operation for GD. The number two F-4E(S), in the background, is bearing a US civil registration (N97570), the five digits being from the military serial number.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The completed RF-4X mock-up with dorsal water tanks. Mach = 3-2 intake and HIAC camera nose in place. In this configuration, the aircraft was basically a miniature, low-cost strategic reconnaissance aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The RF-4X intake was capable of functioning effectively out to Mach = 3-2, although the RF-4X was designed to cruise at Mach = 2-4. The large light brown rectangle just above the wing leading-edge/fuselage junction represents the by-pass door.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The male mould of the forward fuselage section, completed in March 1975, used to build a one-eighth scale RF-4X wind tunnel model. The slab sided and extended nose for camera windows is quite distinctive.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

A front view of the RF-4X mock-up on F-4E 69-7576 illustrates how only the port half was utilised for studies.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

This wind tunnel force model, in 1/20th scale, gives a good overall impression of the finished RF-4X appearance. Noticeable in this view is a small ventral chine on the water tank to improve directional stability - which, in this configuration, was expected to be marginal at altitude and speed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The RF-4X mock-up, showing the revised air intakes and dorsal water tanks.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Full-scale mock-up of the RF-4X/Peace Jack sensor system nose. Optimised for installation of the HIAC-1, the nose was also configured to accept optical sensors developed by other manufacturers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

The arrival of the first IAF F-4E for conversion to the F-4E(S) configuration at General Dynamics' Fort Worth, Texas, facility on 6 November 1974. Several patched bullet holes were later discovered in the skin of this aircraft, indicating that it had been used in actual combat.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4E / F-4F Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1965