The Ba***rd, YF-4E 65-0713

[Old Viper Tester]

The nom de guerre for this Phantom lies in its configuration. As it began life on the production line as an F-4D but was finished as the prototype F-4E. From the rear cockpit bulkhead aft it was essentially an F-4D, from that bulkhead forward it was an F-4E. In the 6512th Test Squadron, we maintained a unique flight manual denoting the differences and peculiarities of this airframe. Of course, the maintainers had unique manuals to keep this bird in shape.

 

November 1981, shortly after returning to Edwards from Programmed Depot Maintenance at Ogden Air Logistics Center.

 

She always went to the depot with a shark mouth on her, but always returned without one. Here she is in December 1983. Also has the short gun muzzle fairing replaced with a later long/vented fairing.

 

On the way to the Utah Test and Training Range in April 1984 carrying an instrumented BDU-33 shape.

 

 

A lucky shot as we barrel-rolled over her to check left side.

 

On the Edwards ramp, May 1985.

 

January 1989, returned from Ogden again and back to a short muzzle fairing.

 

On her way for another test support mission January 1990. The pattern to the range skirts the Edwards housing area, seen beneath her. The didn't get her shark mouth again this time before being retired in 1992. The name in block letters on the gun fairing.

 

October 1991, her last open day display.

 

Thanks for looking,

Sven

[Latinbear]

Love the top and head on shots! 

[giemme]

Great shots, love them!

 

Thanks for posting them

 

Ciao

[72modeler]

That is one drop-dead gorgeous F-4E! Thank you so  much for sharing these photos with the rest of us...I think I might have just found the scheme to do my F-4E in! I guess in the interest of accuracy, I should graft an F-4E nose on an F-4C/D airframe to get the panel lines and undercart correct? I love the red/white Edwards AB test/chase planes!

Mike

[F-32]

Love it!