IRANIAN F-4D UPGRADED
- Aviation Features
- Iranian F-4D upgraded
20th April 2017
FEATURE
Middle East
F-4D 3-6700, the second life-extended example for the IRIAF, departs for the 10th TFB at Chabahar in February
Qader Javaheri
A HANDFUL of Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) F-4D Phantom IIs of the 101st Combat Command Training Squadron (CCTS) at the 10th Tactical Fighter Base (TFB) remain in service, mainly used as lead-in trainers for the frontline F-4Es.
Three (3-6690, 3-6705 and 3-6713) were overhauled at Mehrabad between 2005 and 2008. A 2010 initiative to upgrade the F-4Ds for use as interceptors with a new Chinese-made radar, ‘glass’ cockpit and new armament system saw only one F-4D (3-6714) receiving modest enhancements under Project Dowran in 2011 – including a new radio and navigation aids, a reactivated armament system and structural refurbishment to facilitate service until 2022. The IRIAF contracted Project Dowran I in 2015, a year after F-4D 3-6700 arrived in Tehran to be overhauled by the IACI (Iranian Aircraft Industries) company. The jet logged its first postmaintenance functional check flight (FCF) on February 26 this year and was redelivered to the IRIAF two days later.
Reports suggest it has had its AN/APQ- 109 fire-control radar disconnected – but retained for centre of gravity considerations, although the aircraft keeps the AN/APX-107 radar warning receiver.
It can also use unguided bombs, rockets and the SUU-23/A gun pod – and fire AIM-9Js if needed to supplement the quick reaction alert (QRA) mission. Plans suggest all remaining F-4Ds will be upgraded under this project, with 3-6711 next in line. Babak Taghvaee
Originally published in AirForces Monthly Magazine