Osprey Combat Aircraft 37 : Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat

Different versions of the F-4 Phantom IIs have provided the backbone of the frontline strength of the Iranian air force since the 1970s, and whole generations of Iranian pilots and ground personnel have been trained to fly and maintain them. Indeed, the type bore the brunt of active combat operations during the long war with Iraq. Iranian F-4 Phantom IIs were also some of best equipped examples ever exported by the USA. Some Iranian Phantom II pilots gathered immense experience on the type, flying it in combat for more than ten years. This book removes the veil of secrecy surrounding Iranian Phantom II operations since the war with Iraq. Text by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper with illustrations by Jim Laurier.

Contents

• An IIAF Requirement
• Revolution Sweeps
• The Start of the War
• Baghdad Express
• Thrusting into Iraq
• Fighting Over the Gulf
• Final Assaults