RF-4C Phantom / 67 TRWRF 4C Phantom USAF airplane model. In the early 1960s, the USAF recognized the need for more tactical reconnaissance aircraft to reinforce the RF 101s then in service. The Air Force chose a modification of the F 4C fighter. The RF 4C development program began in 1962,and the first production aircraft made its initial flight on May 18, 1964. A total of 499 RF 4Cs were eventually accepted by the Air Force. The RF 4C can carry a variety of cameras in