The 501st TRS was the JASDFs only Recon Squadron. It was formed in December 1961 and uses the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker as it emblem. In 1972 the JASDF decided to replace their RF86F with 14 RF-4Es and formed a detachment at Hyakuri AB to handle the new aircraft. The first F-4Es were numbered 6901- 6914 and began arriving throughout 1974 and 1975. For operation over the water 6901, 6905, and 6913 were given a special Ocean Blue scheme while converted F-4EJ and F-4EL Kai were painted in green/gray Forest scheme.

• Dimensions
• Length: 17.7m
• Height: 4.7m
• Wingspan: 11.6m
• Wing area: 49.2 sq m
• No. of Engines: 2
• Powerplant : General Electric J79-GE-10 (A/B 17,900Lb/8,119Kg)
• Performance
• Range: 2,222 km
• Cruise Speed: 908 km/h
• Max Speed: 2,299 km/h
• Climb: 12,572 m/min
• Ceiling: 16,672 m