McDonnell F-4 Phantom II

Summary

Category	Combat aircraft
Origin country	🇺🇸 United States
First flight	27 May 1958
Year of introduction	1962
Number produced	5195 units
Average unit price	$3 million

Description

The F-4 Phantom II was a large twin-engine aircraft designed for all-weather air superiority and attack missions. Named Phantom II in honor of the FH-1 Phantom, a fighter aircraft built in the 1940s by the same company, the F-4 was the first American multi-role fighter. Initially used as an interceptor by the US Navy, it was later adopted by the US Marine Corps for ground support and attack missions. The Phantom II set numerous altitude and speed records in the early 1960s. It saw extensive service during the Vietnam War and was capable of operating from aircraft carriers.

The early versions of the F-4 were initially built without the traditional cannon, but it was quickly realized that this weapon was essential for air combat. The first generations were therefore equipped with external pods, and starting from the E variant, it was fitted with an internal 20mm cannon. Though effective and robust, this heavy aircraft suffered from a lack of maneuverability. The navigator, seated behind the pilot, could take control in case of emergencies. A specialized version for Wild Weasel missions, which involved destroying anti-aircraft defenses, called the F-4G, was developed later on.

Production of the F-4 Phantom II ended in 1979, with a total of 5,057 units built across 15 different versions. The last F-4s were retired from US military service in 1996, but this aircraft is still in use in some countries.

Technical specifications

Version: F-4E
Crew	1 pilot + 1 WSO
Operational range	680 km (423 mi)
Maximum speed	2370 km/h (1473 mph)
Wing area	49.2 m² (529.6 sqft)
Wingspan	11.7 m (38.4 ft)
Height	5 m (16.4 ft)
Length	19 m (62.3 ft)
Service ceiling	18288 m (60000 ft)
Empty weight	13757 kg (30329 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	28030 kg (61795 lbs)
Climb rate	210.0 m/s (689.0 ft/s)
Takeoff distance	1370 m (4495 ft)
Powerplant	2 × turbojets General Electric J79-GE-17A delivering 8093 kgp
Ejection seat	Martin-Baker Mk 7