This early Phantom II first flew in 1963 as what became the second development RF-4C. Bailed to McDonnell Aircraft, it flew development work for the manufacturer as well as GE Flight Test in 1966 for J79 engine testing. Returned to the Air Force in 1978 as a ground trainer, the aircraft was displayed at the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum until it closed in 2015. The aircraft was transferred to the Regional Military Museum in Houma, LA in 2016.

ex I-EASB

Parked at Muchamiel. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR ED)

A coastguard beast, seen at Muchamiel. (Nikon D610 + Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR ED)

Unfortunately the Chanute museum had already closed for good and all its exhibits were being disposed of. Due to the kindness of one of the administrators I was allowed an hour to have a look around. This F-4 first flew in September 1963 and was used, in the first part of its service life, as a test aircraft, for example in the development of the J79 engine. In June 1978 it was transferred to Chanute Technical Training Center (Air Training Command) at Chanute AFB but SOC in May 1985 and placed on display. Fortunately it is now on display at the Regional Military Museum in Houma, LA.

Converted to turbine power in 2010.