The Collings Foundation's F-4D, NX749CF, at Randolph AFB, Texas, USA.
Photo by Buck Wyndham.

History: The F-4 is one of the most famous fighter aircraft of the post-World War II era, having been used in large numbers by the air forces of many western nations, where it gradually evolved in capability and mission diversity. First flown on 27 May 1958, the Phantom was developed as a private venture by McDonnell and was first ordered by the US Navy as a carrier-based attack aircraft armed with a 20-mm cannon (the F-4B). Soon after its introduction to active service in December 1960, a fly-off competition was conducted between the Phantom and various frontline Air Force fighters. The Phantom excelled in the competition in such a decisive way that the US Air Force ordered a slightly different version of the aircraft (the F-4C) and the Phantom went on to equip over three-quarters of the USAF's fighter wings.

US involvement in the war in Vietnam saw the F-4 utilized in an increasingly multi-role capacity, delivering bombs in huge multi-aircraft formations, shooting down North Vietnamese MiGs, and earning its rightful place in history. Improvements in the aircraft's electronic systems, engines and airframe resulted in many variants, including the F-4E (with more powerful engines, leading-edge wing slats to improve maneuverability, and 20-mm cannon); the RF-4E (export version designed for tactical reconnaissance); the F-4F (air superiority version for the German Luftwaffe, with air-to-ground weapons system removed); the F-4G ("Wild Weasel" anti-missile version); and the F-4K/M (Royal Navy/Royal Air Force versions, respectively).

The latest variant, and certainly the last, are the QF-4N pilot-less target drones operated by the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu, California. In addition to several F-4s still in active service with the Lufwaffe at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and several others performing civilian-contract test work at Mojave, California, a sole privately operated F-4 was made airworthy in the 1990s in the USA, thanks to the hard work of both the USAF and the Collings Foundation. Flown by USAF Vietnam ace General Steve Ritchie, this F-4 is flown at airshows around the USA as an extremely effective recruiting tool for the Air Force. (See photo above.)

The F-4 remains in service in several nations around the world, including Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey and South Korea. 

Nicknames: Double Ugly; Rhino; Old Smokey; Elephant (Luftwaffe nickname); Tomb (early RAF nickname); Kurnass (Israeli nickname meaning "Hammer")

Specifications (F-4E):
        Engines: Two 17,900-pound thrust afterburning General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets
        Weight: Empty 29,535 lbs., Max Takeoff 61,651 lbs.
        Wing Span: 38ft. 5in.
        Length: 63ft. 0in.
        Height: 16ft. 6in.
        Performance:
            Maximum Speed: 1,485 mph (Mach 2.25) at 40,000 ft.
            Ceiling: 62,250 ft.
            Range: 1,100 miles
        Armament:
            One 20-mm M61A1 rotary cannon;
            Four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles or 3,020 pounds of weapons under fuselage;
            Up to 12,980 pounds of various weapons on underwing pylons.

Number Built: 5,195

Number Still Airworthy: One in civilian hands; A few dozen still in US military service as target drones and research aircraft; Active service in Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey and South Korea.

Links:
The Collings Foundation's F-4D / (Additional site)
F-4 Phantom II Society
F-4 Phantom Site (UK)
German Air Force Flying Training Center -- Home of some of the last military F-4s in the USA, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Michel Klaver's F-4 Site -- Many, many great photos and links.
Phantom's Phabulous Phortieth
Phantom Phlyers -- (Text in German)
UGA Media's F-4 Phantom Reference CD-ROM

 

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