The F-4 Phantom II is one such aircraft that has etched its name in the history of aviation, with its swift movement across the horizon capturing the imagination of any military enthusiast or historian. Originally designed as a high-altitude interceptor, the F-4 Phantom II very quickly demonstrated its exceptional aptitude in setting more than a dozen world speed, altitude, and time-to-climb records. With no internal cannon and dependent on radar-guided missiles, this aircraft was singular in several ways. Hence, it had to carry an RIO onboard to manage the advanced sensors and weapons systems.
Perhaps one of the most phenomenal dogfight maneuvers occurred with the F-4 Phantom II in 1972. Capt. Jack “Finger” Ensch, who was riding in the backseat during this engagement, remembered an incredible maneuver that came from the pilot, Mugs McKeown. Ensch termed it “the old last-ditch maneuver,” which made the aircraft tumble, causing the overshooting of the MiG-17 target. Performed about 2,000 feet off the ground, this daring move epitomized the high-stakes air-to-air combat of the era.
We’re not talking about a hypothetical aircraft; it was quite real, and its versatility and performance also caught the attention of the U.S. Air Force and the air forces of ten foreign nations. Indeed, this aircraft was to become one of the most widely employed aircraft in the history of aviation. Over a production run from 1958 to 1979, McDonnell Douglas built 5,195 Phantom IIs. In service, it would serve as an air superiority, ground attack, and photo reconnaissance aircraft under the RF-4 designation.
Added to this legacy are the stories of its pilots, like U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, a legendary triple ace who scored aerial combat victories in both World War II and the Vietnam War. A native son of military aviators and aircraft, Olds was born to U.S. Army Air Forces Maj. Gen. Robert Olds. His illustrious career included flying innumerable aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, P-80 Shooting Star, and the F-4 Phantom II. The contributions of Olds to aerial combat and his leadership as the commandant of cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy had him go down in military history.
The 388th Fighter Wing stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, still carries on with the mantle of the F-4 Phantom II. History can be seen in its mission of maintaining combat readiness and deploying F-35A Lightning II aircraft anywhere around the world. The 388th FW was initially activated in World War II and over time changed designations and aircraft to include F-86 Sabres, F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs, and the F-16 Fighting Falcons. Today, its 78 F-35A Lightning IIs represent the pinnacle in multi-role fighter aircraft technology.
The vaunted past of the F-4 Phantom II, born of its unprecedented performance and fearless pilots, serves as a building block for generations to come in the skies. As the jet that once ruled the skies, the Phantom II is an icon in aerodynamics and military professionalism.