The RF-4C on display was delivered to the USAF on Sept. The Air Force retired all of its RF-4Cs by 1995. In the following years, RF-4Cs flew reconnaissance missions around the world, including Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Iraq in 1990-1991. In October 1965 that unit deployed to Southeast Asia to provide photographic reconnaissance of the growing conflict in South Vietnam. The 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron became the first operational unit to fly the RF-4C. The RF-4C carried no offensive armament, although during the last few years of its service some were fitted with four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for defense. It could take photos at both high and low altitude, day or night. The RF-4C can carry a variety of cameras in three different stations in its nose section. The RF-4C development program began in 1962, and the first production aircraft made its initial flight on May 18, 1964. The Air Force officially accepted a total of 499 RF-4Cs. The USAF chose a modification of the F-4C fighter. In the early 1960s, the USAF recognized the need for more tactical reconnaissance aircraft to reinforce the RF-101s then in service.
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