RF-4E

In the 1960s the RF-84F was already pretty outdated and was replaced by most air forces. If not in Greece. From November 1970 until 1983 there was a second reconnaissance squadron 349 MTA based at Nea Anchialos. This unit flew with the RF-5A with a camera nose and was used for reconnaissance from low height. In 1983 it became 349th one day hunter squadron, still with a flight equipped with the RF-5A. In 1976 eight RF-4Es were ordered. The order was part of the second Greek Phantom order Peace Icarus II and was signed on October 22, 1976. The order was for 26 Phantoms, 18 F-4Es and eight RF-4Es. The Ghosts were in the SEA camouflage with two shades of green and light brown with a light gray bottom. The aircraft had the rounder, more aerodynamic nose of the later production RF-4Cs. On November 3, 1978, the first RF-4E Phantom II serial 77-1761 landed at Larissa. The last two aircraft were 357 and 358 delivered on 21 June 1979. In the first instance a flight part of 337 Mira was equipped with the RF-4Es and also based at Larissa. 

On July 12th, 1979 this flight became 348MTA/RF-4E and the Thunderflashes from 348 MTA became 348MTA/RF-84F. This squadron had, in addition to the RF-84F, also twelve F-84F Thunderstreaks, in 1978 received from 344 Mira. On July 1st, 1987 both squadrons were merged as 348 MTA. Finally on March 29, 1991 the RF-84F was officially phased out after 35 years. The then modern RF-4E was a huge improvement compared to he RF-84F and the RF-5A. The Phantom had more and better cameras and a larger flying range. The Greek RF-4Es are Block 66 ones with the USAF serials 77-0357, 77-0358 and 77-1761 to 77-1766. The 357 and 358 are Military Assistance Program (MAP) deliveries, The 1761-1766 were ordered and paid by the Greeks themselves. For self-defense, the RF-4E could be armed with four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. In the 80s the F-4s were provided with the DIAS Electronic warfare package identified by DIAS (Zeus) radar warning receiver antenna on the air intakes and antennas below the radar nose and the brake pad. This system was also installed in almost all the Greek F-4s and A-7 Corsair IIs. Three of the RF-4Es were lost by crashes within eight years. The first one took place on December 10, 1979, the second one on July 11, 1985, and the third on May 7, 1987. In one of the crashes also a KS-127A camera was lost, and was replaced later.

KS-127A LOROP Camera

Main camera was the KS-127A LOROP (Long Range Oblique Photography). With this camera it is possible to produce detailed pictures which are made with detail up to 50 cm, from a height of 40,000 feet, and distances to approx. 50 km. The first cameras had a 50 inch lens (127 inches), later it became a 66 inch lens. In the first instance only two of them were delivered. A film roll was used of 300m long! The equipment was operated by the co-pilot. This person was responsible for the flying picture run using a viewfinder screen next to the radar screen.

In the Greek magazine Ptisi (Flight And Space) it was reported the investigation to equip the RF-4s with digital cameras. This did not work because the lenses for digital were too long and they did not fit in the nose. Also the existing wiring could not support the digital cameras. Besides that other systems in the RF-4 caused failures. All in all one flop, the program was canceled. Replacement for the RF-4E are the F-16 and drones. Greece bought the Goodrich DB-110 pod, a pod equipped for day and night photography and electronic reconnaissance to be fitted under the F-16. 335 Mira stationed at Araxos is now equipped with these pods and takes over the reconnaissance task. 

When the decision was made to replace the RF-4 major maintenance was stopped at HAI. The strength of the squadron was slowly reduced. The ones that were throughout the hours were taken out of service. In addition, some went into storage, but were kept airworthy. Later a number flew to Andravida for parts, to keep the F-4E AUP fleet airworthy. In December 2015 there were five airworthy RF-4Es, reduced to three when the 7496 was phased out on the 28th of December 2016 and the 7500 was retired on the 26th of January 2017. Until the end three stayed active: 

• 69-7450 - in special scheme for the 60th anniversary of 348 Mira in 2013; 

• 69-7499 - in a farewell scheme applied just before the final retirement;

• 77-1765 - the last airworthy Peace Icarus II RF-4E. 

The 7499 remains at Larissa as a monument. The 7450 was flown to Tanagra to get there disassembled so that it can be transported by road to the Air Force Museum at Tatoi. The 71765 went to Andravida for parts. 

With the approach of phasing out of the RF-4E a number of pilots switched to the F-16. On May the 4th it was not yet known where the rest of the staff would be placed.

On May 3 there was a media day, and on May 4 a spotters day was organized from 09:00 to 15:00, where 514 of the 602 registered spotters finally joined this day. With a very good position close to the taxiway, with the sun in the back, the three RF-4Es flew twice and especially taxied back over this taxiway for the photographers and sometimes stopped in front of them. Of the promised visitors only two Belgian F-16s arrived from the 1st Smaldeel based at Florennes, a squadron which also has a photo task with pods. Some promised British Tornados remained on their way because of a bird strike.  

On May 5, there was also an open day including a flypast with the three remaining airworthy RF-4Es flanked by an F-16 on one side and a Mirage 2000 on the other side. Above the field the F-16 and Mirage made a break and the F-4s flew through. 

The F-4E AUP (MLU) version of the Phantom is still in service at Andravida's 117 Combat Wing with the 338 and 339 Mira. Also there it becomes difficult to keep the Phantoms flying. The ones that have been through the flying hours will be phased out. Next year the 339 Mira will be disbanded. As expected then the end for the Greek Air Force Phantoms will follow in 2020.