F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

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Kai is the upgrade program that has been applied to 113 F-4EJ and RF-4EJ aircraft of the JASDF. The F-4EJ is currently used in the anti-ship, ground attack, and air defense roles. I know they can carry Mk-82 or JM117 bombs that are fitted with the Japanese GCS-1 IR guidance system. How does this system work, and what if any other weapons does the F-4EJ carry other than the AIM-7, AIM-9, AAM-3, ASM-1 missiles. I think the F-4EJ Kai is one of the most potent aircraft in the Western Pacific region, and will be able to provide Japan with a good "backbone" fighter for a good long time. Can anybody answer my questions about this aircraft? Also, if you just feel the need to comment I welcome it, as I want to have a general discussion on this aircraft, its weapons, and its various roles within the JASDF.

Original post

RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

They have a website. Probably might even answer a few of those questions. Especially if you present yourself as an F-4 expert. (As opposed to someone that is like a rabbies case as soon as the word "F-4" or "Phantom" is uttered. :) )

elp
usa

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RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Do you have the URL, el? Does anyone else care to help me out?

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RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Check AFM March 2000, there was an article on the Kai Phantoms. In case you don't have it, here's some basic info on the Kai Phantoms:

Kai Phantoms have the AN/APG-66J radar (with continous pulse for guiding AIM-7s) and a central computer similar to that fitted to the F-15J/DJ, changing INS from AN/ASN-63 to AN/ASN-141, changing RWR from J/APR-2 to J/APR-6 and the AN/APX-76 IFF. The HUD is indentical to the one used in the Alpha Jet. With these upgrades, the Kai could carry the ASM-1 and ASM-2. The Kais also had their refueling ports revived (although the JASDF does not currently operate any AAR aircraft).

MinMiester

RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Go to the links section of this website. There is a listing of lots and lots of world air force sites. The JASDF is one of them. I am sure there is a contact there to point you in the right direction.

elp
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RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Thanks for that info el, but the site is in Japanese, and as you probably guessed I am not exactly fluent in that language. Doesn't anyone have any info or at least care to comment?

RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Really I was quite serious. Click the Email thing. A lot of them know English. They are very curtious and can only say "no" if what you ask seems out of line. You know a lot about the F-4 so I would suggest doing that. Who knows? You might actually get the answers you are looking for.

elp
usa

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RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

Thanks, I just might do that. Okay now, how about just having a discussion on this plane or do you want me to just drop it.

RE: F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II

I know a little about the JSDAF but as far as Mitsubishi products, I know more about the Zero. I have no clue what all they put in their F-4. Arthur did a bang up job on the F1 info. He knows a lot about a lot of aircraft.

elp
usa

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Allright then...

Okay, i'll try to get this as clearly written as possible since it seems PhantomII is a bit confused here.

Originally, Japan got 140 F-4E/EJs (of which either 127 or136 were real Mitsubishi-built F-4EJs, the remaining are regular MDD F-4E's) and 14 St. Louis-built RF-4Es. So, originally, the RF-4EJ did not exist at all.

In the late 1980s, work began on the Kai program which is basically the Japanese work for 'upgraded' (for the linguistics here, note the Chinese word 'Gai' in, for example, the F-7PGai!!). All remaining frontline Phantoms (96, the remainders being crashed or remaining in use/storage as conversion trainers and recce birds, see later) were getting APG-66J radar, Kaiser HUD, a new central computer (on par with the MilSTD1553, but then Japanese), new IFF, INS and Japanese-built J/APR-6 RWR. These latter make the aircraft externally distinguishable, because of the extra RWR fairings on the wing- and fintips. The radome also got conducting strips.

Then there is the story of the RF-4E's. These also were given an update, making them RF-4E Kai (although i'm not sure if this designation will be official). They recieved modernised cockpits, INS, AN/APQ-172 radar, new ECM and IR recce equipment.

And, finally, there is the RF-4EJ. These were converted from basic F-4EJs and don't have a reccenose as the real RF-4's have. Seventeen were built, getting the same INS and RWR as the F-4EJ Kai but retaining the APQ-120 radar and gun and stuff like that. Most importantly, they recieved wiring and cockpit systems for external recce pods (Thomson-CSF ASTAC, some LOROP pod and an Israeli SLAR). They also recieved the nice camouflage scheme as the RF-4Es and now fly together at the 501Hikotai, with the nice Woody Woodpecker on the tail.

Hope this is what you were looking for!
And here's one to confuse you: have you ever seen an RF 4D?
I did!

Regards,

Arthur