Here’s an outstanding video from one of the world’s last Phatom operators.
Although they don’t fly with the USAF anymore, other air arms around the world still operate the F-4 Phantom, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force; the Turkish Air Force, whose F-4s have had a role in the coup attempt last July; South Korea’s ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force), that has also employed the Phantoms to stage Elephant Walks “against” the North; the Hellenic Air Force and the Japanese Air Self Defense Force.
Located in central eastern Japan, Hyakuri airbase, hosts all the remaining F-4 Phantom units of the Japan Air Self Defense Force: 301 and 302 Hilotai, flying the F-4E, and the 501 Hikotai, flying the RF-4E. Needless to say, for this reason, this base is the place to visit for Phantom lovers.
The following video provides some really cool footage about the daily activities of the Japanese “Rhinos” at Hyakuri: all-weather take-offs, landings and taxis, along with high-speed passes in slow motion.
Cool.
The Paradise of Phantoms from 1-300 on Vimeo.
