How does Iran manage to keep its ageing F-4 Phantom IIs flying?

Feature

Babak Taghvaee investigates how the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) restores and upgrades its damaged US-built McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom IIs.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) is currently the largest operator of McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom II all-weather fighter jets. In total, 58 examples are still in service with five squadrons at four air bases across Iran, with 60% of them being airworthy.

F-4E (serial 3-6645) landing at 3rd TFB in summer 2010. it was withdrawn from service a few months later and became a source of spare parts.
F-4E (serial 3-6645) landing at 3rd TFB in summer 2010. it was withdrawn from service a few months later and became a source of spare parts. Babak Taghvaee

The air force’s Mehrabad Aircraft Overhaul Complex in Tehran plays a key role in keeping the fleet operational by repairing and restoring its Phantom IIs which have incurred structural and severe airframe damage in accidents and incidents.

 

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Originally published in AirForces Monthly Magazine

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