The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom is a two seat (in tandem) twin engine supersonic jet developed for the U.S. Navy.
The engines sit low in the Titanium airframe together with low positioned thin-section wings. The tail plane is all-moving and angled at 23 degrees to improve control and still keep clear of the exhausts.
The air intakes have variable flaps to vary air flow to the engines depending upon the aircrafts speed.
The landing gear was designed specifically for carrier landings and the nose wheel could be adjusted for a greater angle of attack during take-off.
The early F-4 Phantoms were only armed with air-to-air missiles but were later fitted with cannons after serious losses.
PRODUCTION
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom was produced from 1958 to 1981, with 5,195 built.
ENGINE
2 x General electric J79-GE-10s, producing 23,940 lb st.
Press play to hear the Phantom
ARMAMENT
1 x M61A1 20mm cannon
16,000 lb (7,257 kg) Rocket/Bomb/Missile load.
The first USAF Phantoms in Vietnam were operated by 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in December 1964.
The 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron scored the USAF’s first victories against North Vietnamese MiG-17’s with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
A phantom from the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron became the first U.S. aircraft to be downed by a SAM on 24 July 1965 and a phantom from 8th Tactical Fighter Wing became the first U.S. jet to be downed by an air-to-air missile, fired by a MiG-21.
Reconnaissance Phantoms first flew missions in Vietnam on 30 October 1965.
The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds", used the F-4E from 1969 to 1974.
The F-4 Phantom II remained in use as a reconnaissance aircraft with the U.S. in the Gulf War during 1991 and finally left service in 1996.
