McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II – 01534, 338 Sqn, Hellenic Air Force 2017

McDonnell Douglas F-4E serial 01534 of 338 Sqn, 117 Combat Wing (CW) Hellenic Air Force (HAF), 2017. Low production run of only 500 models.

Length 10.5 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

On April 5th, 1974, the first F-4E aircraft landed at Andravida Air Base, Greece and delivery was complete by the end of year. The 338 Sqn reformed there in June 1974. The two Fighter Squadrons, 338 and 339, were assigned the Fighter/Bomber and Interception role respectively. After the end of the Cold War in 1990, the USA decided to concede to Greece 28 aircraft of Indiana’s National Guard named as “SRA” (Southeastern Regional Agreement). On the 3rd of August, 1991, nine F-4E SRA landed in Andravida AB, while the aircraft delivery was completed in November. The aircraft were allocated to 338 Sqn, who transferred her own to 339Sqn and 337Sqn (110CW).

After 23 years of presence in the Aegean Sea, HAF decided to upgrade the F-4E and RF-4E. At the end of 1997 the program “Peace Icarus 2000” began, providing both the structural reinforcement of aircraft and the quality improvement of their electronics. On December 18th, 2002, the delivery ceremony of the first upgraded aircraft was held in the Hellenic Aviation Industry facilities, and so began the integration of the upgraded aircraft in 117CW.

On July 6th, 2012, 339Sqn celebrated 60 years in service, followed by the 338Sqn, on July 20th, and festive events were held in 117CW.

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years. The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made over its 12 year production period. The “E” also equipped more air forces than any other variant of the Phantom II.