Suwon AB - Phabulous Phantoms

[herc4evr]

Evening all

Back with another ROKAF treat. I haven't posted here for quite a long time simply because I had no chance to go out spotting thanks to my heavy workload this month. Instead, I brought out some from my collection and uploaded them here so that you gents could enjoy.

Suwon AB is home of the 153FS, the very last ROKAF squadron flying F-4. Sadly the number of ROKAF Phantoms dwindled down for the past few years with the disbandment of 156FS, where they flew about 40 Phantoms exported under MIMEX (Major Item Material Excess) program. Anyways, 27 F-4s are still kicking out, so there would be plenty of chances left for someone wishing to get ROKAF Rhinos before they're long gone.

First up, PP I (Peace Pheasant I) frame coming in from Gimhae AB after a long time spent during its HMV.



60-496 (FMS 76-0496), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

I have to admit, Phantoms look so sexy in this angle. See how clean it is, I'd even believe if someone were to tell me that this is freshly manufactured out from McD factory at St. Louis.



60-496 (FMS 76-0496), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

Here goes little patchy one with two Mk.82s.



60-500 (FMS 76-0500), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr



60-504 (FMS 76-0504), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

From this photo it's all PP II frames. Visual differences are the removal of AN/AXX-1 TISEO and the rego (PP I starts either with 60-4** or -5** and PP II starts with 80-7**.)



80-727 (FMS 78-0727), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr



80-728 (FMS 78-0728), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

Standard QRA config with two Sparrows (-7M) and Sidewinders (-9P).



80-732 (FMS 78-0732), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

Returning from simulated dogfight, assuming from its armament configuration - 1x ACMI Pod and 1x AIM-9P



80-735 (FMS 78-0735), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

Last but the most Phabulous one, showing why ROKAF still considers their F-4s a valuable asset. It is seen installed AGM-142 Popeye and AN/ASW-55 DLP under its wings.



80-740 (FMS 78-0740), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II - ROKAF 10FW 153FS, on Flickr

Thanks for looking and I wish everyone here Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Cheers,

Jamie

[paddyboy]

Hi Jamie

Ol' 'Dubly Ugly' looks sexy from ANY angle

Thanks for making me go blind

Paddyboy

[Evergreen 44]

Thanks Jamie,
Wonderful views of fabulous and well-maintained a/c
And you know your stuff too on weapons fit
Thanks for sharing with everyone
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Best regards,
Paul

[herc4evr]

Hi Jamie

Ol' 'Dubly Ugly' looks sexy from ANY angle

Thanks for making me go blind

Paddyboy

Hi Patrick,

Thanks a lot for your warm comments as usual. Indeed Phantoms never turn me down, these are probably one of the most beautiful aircrats ever built. Plus that howling sound of J79, my ears might go deaf in no time.

Merry Christmas,

Jamie

[MR TERRY GREEN]

Christmas has just come early .

[herc4evr]

Thanks Jamie,
Wonderful views of fabulous and well-maintained a/c
And you know your stuff too on weapons fit
Thanks for sharing with everyone
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Best regards,
Paul

Thanks a lot, Paul

I was very lucky to have seen 60-496 ferrying from Gimhae (basically it was her second flight after repaint), you never get to see a Phantom fitted with travel pod everyday, plus with mint livery condition. I would have more appreciated if one of those were fitted with Mavericks (AGM-65), though.

Glad you liked my photos and same to you, wishing you all the best for 2019.

Best Regards,

Jamie

[herc4evr]

Christmas has just come early .

Hi Terry,

I might be a secret Santa from Korea. Who knows if this little Santa might deliver few more pics of Phantoms and Tigers on the Christmas day for surprise?

Thanks for looking and Merry Christmas!

Cheers,

Jamie

[anthony martin]

Thank,s for that christmas present

[herc4evr]

Thank,s for that christmas present

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your kind comments. Hope you have a great Christmas day and a happy new year!

Regards,

Jamie

[herbert]

Wonderful. When were these taken please?

[herc4evr]

Wonderful. When were these taken please?

Hi Herbert,

All ot them were taken in December 2017, however nothing’s been changed since so you can expect similiar condition to what I had. Thanks for looking!

Cheers,

Jamie

[chek16]

Great set!
Also philled in a phew blanks in my Phantom philes. Hard to believe that those jets were all 40 years old at the time, and ROKAF is a very active Air Force.

[Punkrunner62]

Thanks for taking the time to post this brilliant selection of images. The mighty Phantom, what a sight and sound, and they look like you say almost factory fresh.
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 to you.
Cheers from Scotland.

[MR TERRY GREEN]

Christmas has just come early .

Hi Terry,

I might be a secret Santa from Korea. Who knows if this little Santa might deliver few more pics of Phantoms and Tigers on the Christmas day for surprise?

Thanks for looking and Merry Christmas!

Cheers,

Jamie

[MR TERRY GREEN]

Always loved the f-4,Jamie.Just glad they still fly the wonderful Phantom,F-5s would be great to.Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[herc4evr]

Great set!
Also philled in a phew blanks in my Phantom philes. Hard to believe that those jets were all 40 years old at the time, and ROKAF is a very active Air Force.

Hi Chek,

Glad you enjoyed seeing these. We used to operate tons of 1966~1971 manufactured frames until 2012, however those were subsequently replaced by new Eagles. Activity-wise, we’re technically in a war so much of activities are kicking out, probs 10 Phantoms a day is actually a very quiet day at Suwon.

Cheers

Jamie

[herc4evr]

Thanks for taking the time to post this brilliant selection of images. The mighty Phantom, what a sight and sound, and they look like you say almost factory fresh.
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 to you.
Cheers from Scotland.

Hi mate,

It is my pleasure to share what I’ve taken, we can get to see different planes from different countries by doing so. Phantoms are by far my favorite US made fighter, with that sound and beautiful lines you can never turn them down.

We’re trying our best to keep our Phantoms in operable condition 24/7 and that’s deifintely showing out. There are some ‘nasty’ looking frames, but those on their own look great too.

Same to you and may 2019 be a prosperous and happy year!

Regards,

Jamie

[herc4evr]

Always loved the f-4,Jamie.Just glad they still fly the wonderful Phantom,F-5s would be great to.Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hi again Terry,

Thanks for your warm comments and I hope same goes to you. Have a great Christmas holiday!

[prefontaine72]

Now were talking awesome Jamie well done mate

Dougie

[herc4evr]

Now were talking awesome Jamie well done mate

Dougie

Hi Dougie,

Thanks for the comment hope you enjoyed them. Merry Christmas to you