7 Kokudan squadron flies 12 out of the original 14 RF-4E’s that have the camera
noses. They also are equipped with 17 RF-4EJ Kais that are upgraded F-4EJ Kai
interceptors capable of carrying a variety of recce pods. All the F-4 aircraft are being
replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2 with reconnaissance being provided by other aircraft.

The JASDF 501st Squadron was formed at Matsushima on December 1, 1961 equipped with
RF-86Fs. In 1975 the 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Group moved to Hyakuri with their new
RF-4Es. In 1992 seven RF-4EJs and eight RF-4EJ Kai had been converted and updated from the
normal F-4E. The early 1980s saw the introduction of the F-15 so F-4EJs were heavily modified
and could carry 3 types of external sensor pods of which one was the LOROP (Long Range
Oblique Photography ) pod with KS-146B camera.

Specifications for the F-4E Phantom II / F-4EJ

They are virtually identical except for the restricted equipment:
This included removal of the in-flight refueling receptacle that was later retrofitted,
no leading edge slats, ground attack control equipment such as weapons and bomb
delivery systems and the addition of modern electronic equipment including a data
link system and radar warning receiver. Most or all this equipment was eventually
reinstalled.

Number Built: F-4E - 5,195 / F-4EJ - 154 with 138 built in Japan under license.

Interesting trivia:
Each aircraft has 54,197 feet of wiring and 643,000 fasteners holding it together.

Engines:
2 X General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets, 11,870 lb.s.t dry, 17,900 lb.s.t. with
afterburner.

Performance:
Maximum speed - 1430 mph at 36,000 feet (Mach 2.21), 914 mph at sea level (Mach
1.19).
Cruising speed - 585 mph.
Landing speed - 158 mph.
Initial climb rate - 61,400 feet per minute.
Service ceiling - 62,250 feet.
Combat ceiling - 59,600 feet.
Combat range - 595 miles.
Normal range - 1,100 miles.
Maximum range – 1,885 miles with maximum external fuel.

Weights:
Empty - 29,535 pounds.
Gross - 40,562 pounds.
Combat weight - 38,019 pounds.
Maximum takeoff weight - 61,651 pounds.

Dimensions:
Wingspan - 38 feet 5 inches.
Wing area - 530 square feet.
Length - 63 feet 0 inches.
Height - 16 feet 6 inches.

Fuel:
Maximum internal fuel in the fuselage tanks - 1364 US gallons (up to block 40) or
1225 US gallons (block 41 and beyond). An additional 630 gallons of fuel could be
carried in internal tanks inside the wings.
Maximum external fuel - 600 US gallons in a centerline tank carried underneath the
fuselage.
Plus 370 US gallons in each of two tanks carried underneath the outer wing pylons.
Total fuel load – 3,334 US gallons (up to block 40) or 3,195 US gallons (block 41 and
beyond).

Armament:
1 X 20-mm M61A1 cannon with 639 rounds.
4 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed
slots in the fuselage belly.
2 to 4 X AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the
wings on the inboard pylons.
A total offensive load of up to 16,000 pounds could be carried on the centerline and
four under-wing hard-points.

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