Test Support NF-4E 66-0319

[Old Viper Tester]

F-4E s/n 66-0319 is an ex-Thunderbird aircraft. She served as a test support aircraft at Edwards AFB from 1978 through 1991. Operated by the 6512th Test Squadron, throughout the early 1980s is was part of the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) chase flight, hence the white upper wings with the camouflage schemes. In 1987, all of the Edwards F-4s, with the exception of 65-0713, had their nomenclature changed to NF-4. The N prefix indicating a permanent flight test modification was installed in/on the airframe.

 

July 1984

 

First jet in the ALCM Chase Flight line-up on the Edwards main ramp.

 

Safety chase proficiency mission January 1985.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1985

 

By 1988, all of the test support F-4s were wearing white and red, giving them the appellation "Albino Rhinos". Here's '319 in January 1989.

 

She went to AMARG in September 1991 and is now on stick in front of Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Athens Tennessee, painted as Thunderbird #2.

 

Thanks fo looking,

Sven

Edited June 18, 2019 by Old Viper Tester

[giemme]

Great pics as always, Sven - thanks for posting them

 

I like her better in the red-white livery rather than the white wings on the SEA camo.

Ciao

[F-32]

I feel a new model coming on.....................

[Stephen]

As always, thanks for sharing them.

[HOUSTON]

Sven...

one of MY  favorites. 

 

 

 

GORGEOUS collection of photos..

 

thank you very much.