F-4F Phantom II JG 71 "Richthofen" Whittmundhafen AB Print
Images are reduced fidelity for copyright protection.
Named for perhaps history’s most famous fighter pilot, Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 "Richthofen," or the 71 Fighter Wing, has been stationed in northern Germany at Wittmundhafen Air Base since 1693.
In 1974, the began operating a unique version of the Phantom, the F-4F and were tasked with air defense including Zulu Alert. The F-4F began as a lightened version of the F-4E optimized for air-to-air and weighed 11% less than the standard “E.” They were equipped with leading edge slats on the wings but did not use the slotted horizontal stabilizer found on the USAF’s F-4E’s. The “F’s” additionally lacked the F-4E’s 7th internal fuel tank and had no aerial refueling capability.
A major upgrade of the jet began in 1988 and included replacing the original radar with the AN/APG-65 from the F-18 providing not only look-down/shoot-down capability but adding AIM-120 capability. Additionally, a new radar warning system, fire control computer, IFF system, ring-laser inertial navigation system, and air data computer completely revitalized the “F.”
Shown in the “Norm 90J” three-tone grey camouflage worn the Luftwaffe Phantoms at the end of their careers, 38+22 was one of the last operation Luftwaffe Rhino’s. She is depicted ready for an Air-to-Air training mission with a single centerline external tank and a captive carry AIM-9L.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.
Images are reduced fidelity for copyright protection.
Named for perhaps history’s most famous fighter pilot, Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 "Richthofen," or the 71 Fighter Wing, has been stationed in northern Germany at Wittmundhafen Air Base since 1693.
In 1974, the began operating a unique version of the Phantom, the F-4F and were tasked with air defense including Zulu Alert. The F-4F began as a lightened version of the F-4E optimized for air-to-air and weighed 11% less than the standard “E.” They were equipped with leading edge slats on the wings but did not use the slotted horizontal stabilizer found on the USAF’s F-4E’s. The “F’s” additionally lacked the F-4E’s 7th internal fuel tank and had no aerial refueling capability.
A major upgrade of the jet began in 1988 and included replacing the original radar with the AN/APG-65 from the F-18 providing not only look-down/shoot-down capability but adding AIM-120 capability. Additionally, a new radar warning system, fire control computer, IFF system, ring-laser inertial navigation system, and air data computer completely revitalized the “F.”
Shown in the “Norm 90J” three-tone grey camouflage worn the Luftwaffe Phantoms at the end of their careers, 38+22 was one of the last operation Luftwaffe Rhino’s. She is depicted ready for an Air-to-Air training mission with a single centerline external tank and a captive carry AIM-9L.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.