The IDF received RF-4E Phantom II ex-USAF 69-7594 c/n 4080 as part of Operation Peace Echo I with aircraft delivery beginning in 1969. The aircraft was with the 119 "Bat" Squadron and originally as 198 but in 1976 was when the new F-4E(S) arrived it was re-registered as 488. On January 7, 1971 the 199 Squadron received the first of their real RF-4Es with the first operational flight taking place on March 9, 1971 over Jordan. In 1976 the 119th transferred its RF-4Es to the 69 The Hammers Squadron.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years. The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made over its 12 year production period. The E also equipped more air forces than any other variant of the Phantom II.