RF-4E Kai Phantom II 47-6901, JASDF, 501 Hikotai, Hyakuri AB Japan by Jeroen Bos Via Flickr: McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Kai Phantom II 47-6903 (cn 4551), Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Chubu Koku Homentai (Central Air Defence Force), Teisatsu Kokutai (Air Recce. Group), 501 Hikotai (Squadron), Hyakuri AB (RJAH) RF-4E / RF-4E Kai The RF-4E was an F-4 unarmed reconnaissance version for export only. It was later often retrofitted to carry weapons by most customers as is the case for the RF-4Es of the JASDF. 149 RF-4Es were built of which 14 were delivered to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. The JASDF later improved its RF-4Es to the same standard as the RF-4EJ Kai which was in turn the recce version of the upgraded F-4EJ Kai air defense fighter. Therefore, the RF-4Es were thereafter known as the RF-4E Kai. The RF-4Es are now, sadly, withdrawn from service (as of March 2020). Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phant... , ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-4_%28%E6%88%A6%E9%97%98%E6%A9%9F%29 (Wikipedia Japan) , www.scramble.nl
