The Hellenic (Greek) Air Force provided a pair of McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II aircraft from 117 Combat Wing, 338 Squadron based at Andravida Air Base , for the static aircraft line up during The Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 at RAF Fairford, UK.
Both aircraft, including one with a 'special tail' are seen here during the show and departing.
Greece is one of the last operators in the World of this large twin-engine fighter jet which was originally developed as a carrier-borne fighter for the US Navy.
The aircraft is a two-seat, twin-engine, multiple role fighter, predominantly used for interception (F-4E) and reconnaissance missions (RF-4E). It is a US made aircraft and production deliveries for the USAF began in November 1963. US F-4s were tested in battle in the Arab-Israeli conflicts of 1973 and 1982, as well as in the Vietnam War during which they suffered heavy losses as dozens of them were downed by Soviet SAM (Surface to Air Missiles).
The Phantom entered service with the HAF in 1974 under the arms programme 'Peace Icarus'.
Although it is a second-generation aircraft, 36 Hellenic Phantoms have been upgraded with advanced electronics (programme 'Peace Icarus 2000'), extending their operational life. They are based at Andravida air base (117 Combat Wing, 338 Squadron - call sign 'Ares') and in Larissa air base (110 Combat Wing, 337 and 348 Squadrons - callsigns 'Ghost' and 'Eyes' respectively). After the upgrade programme, all of the Hellenic F-4Es wear the 'Aegean Ghost' camouflage while all The Hellenic RF-4Es wear the 'Vietnam' camouflage.
Ares is the Greek god of war. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. Ares is also the callsign of 338 Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force.
338 Sqn was formed at Elefsis AFB in 1952 as a Fighter Bomber Squadron using F-84G Thunderstreaks.
In 1974, 338Sqn was equipped with the battle proven F-4E fighter which heralded a new era of tactics and abilities for the Hellenic Air Force.
The F-4E Phantom II had undergone a major upgrade in 2004 that added many new capabilities so that the F-4E PI2000 could stand alongside third generation fighters and be a trustworthy, reliable, and capable fighter.
338 Sqn's main role is Air-Ground Strike. With the help of the Litening 2 Pod and the carrying abilities of the F-4E, a variety of weapons such as laser guided bombs (LGB), Autonomous Free-flight Dispenser System (AFDS), AGM-165 and cluster bomb units (CBUs) are used for hitting almost any target that is required.
If you are interested in learning more about the Phantom in Hellenic Air Force service I recommend a very informative article that can be found here:-
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