mcdonnelldouglasf4phantom

MDD F-4E-31-MC Phantom II 66-0284 (1st production "hard-wing" F-4E) in flight right after TO w/ EROS Anti-Collision pod in left front AIM-7 well. First flight was on 30 Jun 67. A/C was sent to AMARG as FP825 on 2 Mar 92 and is now displayed on a pedestal @ Burke Lakefront in Cleveland OH as T-Bird No. 1 (although it was never actually in the Thunderbirds).

This McDonnell Douglas F-4E-43-MC Phantom II 69-0305 was originally leased to the RAAF while they were awaiting their GD F-111Cs. After returning to the US, it was modified at Ogden ALC in the second traunch of Wild Weasel conversions which featured the improved APR-47 ca. '81. The Phantom spent some time in the Idaho ANG's 190th TFS 124th TFW and was eventually sent to AMARG as "FP1044" on 9 Apr 96, then modified into QF-4G "AF-170" in September '97. Finally, it was expended in missile a test on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on 3 Aug 00 after 30+ years of service.

I am the Crew Chief on this aircraft which is at American Legion Post 109 in Corona de Tucson AZ. Painted as a Thunderbird which flew as one in late 1973. I would like to use this pic for some history at the Post 109. Trying to collect whatever pic are around. Also have pic when 294 was getting prep for Thunderbird from Edwards colors. on my flickr page.