Two ghostly Phantoms stand sentinel at Torrejón Air Base. These aren’t spirits but McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. They are relics of Spain’s air power. These iconic jets served Spain faithfully for years.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II holds a significant place in Spanish aviation history. It replaced the F-104G Starfighter in 1971. The 12th Wing at Torrejón Air Base became home to these powerful aircraft. Two squadrons 121 and 122 operated the F-4Cs. A dedicated reconnaissance squadron 123 flew the RF-4C variant.
The Phantoms weren’t just any fighter jets. They boasted two General Electric J-79 engines. These were the same engines as the F-104G but far more powerful. The F-104G had only one. The F-4C’s engines provided superior thrust. They remained Spain’s most powerful fighters until the Eurofighter’s arrival.
Interestingly the early F-4C lacked an onboard cannon. Cold War doctrine favored air-to-air missiles. This proved disastrous in Vietnam. McDonnell Douglas later produced the F-4E with a built-in cannon. The Spanish F-4Cs however carried an external M61 Vulcan cannon pod. You can see one of these pods in the Torrejón Air Base museum.
These McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs wore striking camouflage. Initially they sported the brown and green scheme of USAF fighters. Later the RF-4Cs adopted a gray scheme like the F-16. Some retained their AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. These provided defensive capabilities during reconnaissance missions.
The F-4C and RF-4C utilized a boom refueling system. Spain initially used KC-97L Stratotanker planes. These were replaced by KC-130s with a hose and probe system. A refueling probe was added to the Phantom’s design to accommodate this change.
A noteworthy detail is the arresting hook. Found between the engines it was used by naval versions. It allowed the aircraft to catch arresting cables on aircraft carriers. The hook also served as an emergency braking mechanism on land.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs of the Spanish Air Force flew over 55000 hours. They completed approximately 36200 sorties. They were eventually replaced by the EF-18A Hornet in 1989 for the F-4C and 2002 for the RF-4C variant. Some met a less glorious end. Several were used as target drones at the Bardenas Shooting Range. These two however remain. They serve as a testament to the Phantom’s legacy in Spain. They are a reminder of a powerful era in Spanish Air Force history. A history that continues to inspire.