Attachment_4_CMI_-F4.pdf

CMI Package 8/18/2014

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY HISTORICAL COLLECTION

Color, Markings Insignia Package:

McDonnell-Douglas F4D Phantom II S/N 66-7463

National Museum Catalog # 1986-438

April 3, 2008

1. Exception to policy – use of semi-gloss paint texture in lieu of lusterless

“…this texture of paint is highly recommended in the Colorado climate that displays extreme temperatures, snow, and ultra-violet rays. Use of semi-gloss texture offers greater protection of the aircraft, better appearance for longer period of time, and cost savings (painting required less frequently) while maintaining as closely as possible a paint scheme consistent with appearance of the aircraft when operational.”

(NMUSAF email dated 27 OCT 2006, Mr. Tom Brewer, Chief Plans & Programs Division)

2.. Operational History: Delivered to the Air Force sometime in 1967 – specific date unknown.

Base Assignments: 475 TFW, Misawa Japan -1971; 432 TFRW, Udorn Thailand 1971-1973; 18 TFW

Ubon, Thailand 1974; 18 TFW Kadena, Okinawa, 1975-1979; 31 TFW, Homestead , FL 1980-1986;

USAF Academy Static Display since 1986.

3. Aircraft Specific History: Aircraft 66-463 F-4D has the highest number of “Mig Kills" of any U.S.

aircraft since the Korean War. The total number of kills is six: Five Mig 21s and one Mig 19. All six kills came while the aircraft was assigned to the 432nd, Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 555 Tactical

Fighter Wing located at Udorn, Thailand.

Lieutenant Colonel "Steve" Ritchie was the US Air Force’s only pilot ace of the Vietnam War. 2 of his

Mig kills (1 st and 5 th ) occurred while flying 66-463. On 10 May 1972, Ritchie was flying F-4D 66-463 with his Weapon System Officer, Captain Chuck DeBellevue, when they destroyed their first Mig-21 with a radar-guided Sparrow missile. This initial success was achieved while flying fighter cover

(MIGCAP) for a 32-plane strike force targeted against the Paul Doumer Bridge and the Yen Vien

Railroad yard. Ritchie downed his fifth Mig-21 in 66-463 on 28 August 1972, making him the only

American pilot to down five MiG-21s--North Vietnam’s most sophisticated fighter aircraft. After returning from Southeast Asia, he received the MacKay Trophy for the "most significant Air Force mission of 1972.

4. Current Configuration

F-4 CMI Package

April 2008

The aircraft is marked in the standard USAF SEA camouflage markings for F4 aircraft (see image 1).

Colors are: Black FS 17038, Green FS 34079, Green FS 34102, Tan FS 30219, and White FS 17875.

with standard markings applied in accordance with US Air Force Technical Order 1-1-4, Exterior

Finishes, Insignia, and Markings, Applicable to USAF Aircraft 14 May 1994, Change 7, 17 July 1998

Image 1: Current configuration, F-4D 66-7463.

This corresponds with the historic image of the aircraft from the Vietnam era (see image 2.)

Image 2: F-4D 66-7463 during Vietnam era.

5. Paint Scheme Specifics: The vertical stabilizer carries the radio call number and Distinctive Unit

Aircraft Identification marking “OY” it had while stationed with the 432 TFRW, 555TFS at Udorn

RTAFB, Thailand and when it achieved the 6 Mig kills (see Image 3.)

Image 3: Udorn RTAFB Distinctive markings

Nose Art: The aircraft markings are unique in showing the six Mig kills credited to this aircraft as dated red 5 pointed stars placed on the intake shields (see Image 4.)

Image 4: Mig Kill “Nose Art”

Undated Black & White photos show these markings appearing on the starboard side of the aircraft as well (see image 5.)

Image 5: Mig Kill “Nose Art” starboard side

The green canopy trim with white outline and green stripe on the tip of the vertical stabilizer are correct and signify the 555 TFS (see image 1.)

Servicing, Warning and other markings: As specified by applicable USAF Technical orders and service manuals.

6. Text for Interpretive Signage: Interpretive placards will be fabricated out of materials suitable for outdoor display. Text Panel to be 18"w x 15 3/4" tall. Text for this exhibit will read:

McDONNELL-DOUGLAS F-4D

PHANTOM II

SERIAL NUMBER 66-7463

THE F-4 IS ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE AIRCRAFT IN USAF HISTORY, SERVING IN FIGHTER-

ATTACK, RECONNAISSANCE AND INTERCEPTOR ROLES. FIRST FLOWN IN MAY 1958, THE

PHANTOM II ORIGINALLY WAS DEVELOPED FOR U.S. NAVY FLEET DEFENSE AND ENTERED

SERVICE IN 1961.

THE USAF EVALUATED IT (AS THE F-110A SPECTRE) FOR CLOSE AIR SUPPORT, INTERDICTION

AND COUNTER-AIR OPERATIONS, AND IN 1962, APPROVED A USAF VERSION. IN 1965 THE FIRST

USAF PHANTOM IIS WERE SENT TO

SOUTHEAST ASIA.

THIS F-4 IS THE ONLY AIRCRAFT CREDITED WITH SIX MIG KILLS SINCE THE KOREAN WAR. CAPT

STEVE RITCHIE, ACADEMY CLASS OF 1964, MADE HIS FIRST AND FIFTH KILLS IN THIS AIRCRAFT.

THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE HERITAGE PROGRAM.

7. Research and Specifications.

Source: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2275 http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2275

F4 PHANTOM II

First flown in May 1958, the Phantom II originally was developed for U.S. Navy fleet defense and entered service in 1961. The USAF evaluated it (as the F-110A Spectre) for close air support, interdiction and counter-air operations, and in 1962, approved a USAF version. The USAF's Phantom II, designated F-4C, made its first flight on May 27, 1963. Production deliveries began in November 1963.

In its air-to-ground role, the F-4 can carry twice the normal bomb load of a World War II B-17. USAF

F-4s also fly reconnaissance and "Wild Weasel" anti-aircraft missile suppression missions. Phantom II production ended in 1979 after over 5,000 had been built -- more than 2,800 for the USAF, about 1,200 for the Navy and Marine Corps, and the rest for friendly foreign nations. In 1965 the first USAF

Phantom IIs were sent to Southeast Asia.

Type Number built/ converted Remarks

F-4D 825 Improved F-4C

USAF F-4D production numbers:

F-4D -- 793

SPECIFICATIONS:

Span: 38 ft. 5 in. (27 ft. 7 in. folded)

Length: 58 ft. 3 in.

Height: 16 ft. 6 in.

Weight: 58,000 lbs. maximum design takeoff weight

Armament: Up to 16,000 lbs. of externally carried nuclear or conventional bombs, rockets, missiles, or

20mm cannon pods in various combinations

Engines: Two General Electric J-79-GE-15s of 17,000 lbs. thrust each with afterburner

Crew: Two

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 1,400 mph/1210 knots at 40,000 ft. maximum power (ferry mission)

Cruising speed: 590 mph/546 knots at 35,000 ft.

Range: 1,750 miles/1528 nautical miles ferry mission with one 600 gal. and two 370 gal. external tanks

Service ceiling: 59,600 ft.

APPROVED BY:

//ORIGINALSIGNED// 21 MAY 2008

Paul D. Martin, HPC, Curator Date

//ORIGINAL SIGNED// 27MAY2008

Dr. Betsy Muenger, USAFA/DFENG, Date

Command Historian

USAF Academy, CO